Edinburgh Napier University - Craiglockhart Campus

Edinburgh Napier University is one of the main universities in Scotland, along with the University of Edinburgh and the Queen Margaret University.

Napier has three different campuses: the Merchiston campus, the Sighthill, and the campus on which I assist: Craiglockhart Campus.

History:

In 1964 Edinburgh Napier university opened its doors as Napier technical College, taking its name from John Napier (born in 1550) the mathematician who invented logarithms and the decimal points. In 1966 it was renamed Napier College of Science and Technology. And in 2009 the institution was finally named Edinburgh Napier University to emphasize on the fact that it is located in the Scottish Capital. Edinburgh Napier University was awarded with the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2009 for Higher and Further Education.

Welcoming and integration:

The NSA (Napier Student Association) organized the welcoming events for the international students on the first week. Therefore I had the opportunity to meet with other Napier students in Pubs and Clubs. It was really nice to meet with people from all around the world! 

Class content:

I am currently following three modules: Fast Track Entrepreneurship, Scottish Culture and Society, and English for professional purposes: advanced level.

Fast Track Entrepreneurship is a very interesting module because it gives me a glimpse of the entrepreneurial world. In fact I have to start and develop from the scratch a business. In order to do so I have to do market researches, financial plans, management, etc. The final goal of the module is to write a business plan and to present your project to potential funders.

Scottish Culture and Society is helping me to understand the history and the social rituals of Scotland. I consider this fact very important because one of the main goals of this semester is to experience some cultural differences and therefore become more open minded.

Finally English for professional purposes is a very helpful  module because it is allowing me to improve my english skills applying them to a professional context.

Cultural differences in the classroom:

I have noticed several cultural differences in the classroom, mainly on the Scottish Culture and English module. In fact in this two modules all of the students are foreigners. As a consequence of this when I interact with them I have the opportunity of being discussing about other countries social rituals and about different points of view.

Student interaction, social life; sports, clubs...

Edinburgh has a vibrant student community in terms of social life. In fact there are several clubs who offer student reductions for the drinks and the food, and student parties are organised aswell. I have noticed that the student community is very fraternal and easy going. Regarding sports I have been going to pubs to watch the Rugby VI Nations Tournament (Despite the poor trajectory of Scotland's team!) and the atmosphere that you encounter cannot be described! 

That is pretty much all of the things I have to say about my university and my integration here in Edinburgh.

Next article will be about Social Rituals in Scotland!

- ALS