Student and Staff Profiles

Kit Dillon, MA English

Why did you choose the University of Aberdeen?
I chose the University of Aberdeen because I wanted to leave the American school system and the Univeristy allowed for a little more flexibility when it came to finally choosing my degree. Also, it's a pretty good story to tell...coming to Scotland to study and all.

What do you enjoy most about your course?
The tutorials are probably the best part of any course. Besides the actual discussions, it's also where most of us set up plans to go out that night.

How do you find living in Scotland?
I love it. The weather is a great unifier!

Callan Stout, MLitt Ethnology and Folklore, New York, USA

Why did you choose to study in Scotland?
I wanted to expand my scholastic and personal horizons. Scotland has a long history of excellent education. Also, I’m studying folklore and Scotland has such a unique interweaving of cultures that are so ingrained in everyday life as to be inseparable without closer examination. When I visited the first time, two years before, I found everyone so extraordinarily nice, I knew I had to come back.

What is the best thing about living and studying in Scotland?
 I love that I can throw myself absolutely into another culture and embrace all the pieces of it on a very tangible basis. For example, I’ve started Scottish country dancing and Highland dancing and am already being given the opportunity to perform.

What three words you would use to describe the University of Aberdeen?
JUST COME SEE!!!

Josh Malone, MTh Systematic Theology, Texas, USA

What is the best thing about living and studying in Aberdeen?
 Aberdeen is a great place to live because of the close proximity to both sea & mountains, lots of historical sites here and close by, and it provides the modern conveniences of a city without the huge size.

What do you enjoy most about your course?
Each tutor endeavours to help the students undertake careful readings and critical analysis.  The level of supervision is superb with direct access to the expertise of everyone teaching in the department.

Has your view of Scotland changed since arriving?
I had the stereotypical Scottish images in mind before arriving, e.g. – people wearing kilts & chasing Nessie.  However, since beginning my studies here, I’ve found the Scots to be wonderful (and no more quirky than me!) and the culture to be very diverse and rich.