Summer 2027 applications will be open fall 2026.
Start your college journey with a once-in-a-lifetime global experience. With JUMPSTART: Scotland, you’ll explore a new culture, build meaningful connections, gain confidence and independence, and enrich yourself with a global perspective that will set you apart from day one.
An immersive experience designed for adventurous incoming first-year students ready to embrace the academic and personal responsibilities of studying abroad. JUMPSTART: Scotland offers an extraordinary opportunity to earn six college credits while experiencing Scotland beyond the classroom, engaging in Scotland-themed courses, cultural excursions, and a supportive living-learning community at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
Program Dates
June 20 - July 16, 2027
Courses
Choose courses, taught by friendly, seasoned UW-Stout instructors, from one of the following two cohorts.
- ARTH-245: Graffiti and Street Art
- POLS-100: Introduction to Politics
- ART-196: Sketchbook Fundamentals
- LIT-110: Pop Culture, Literature, and Storytelling
Highlights
- Reside in a Scottish university located in Edinburgh while enjoying classes and coordinated social activities.
- Participate in excursions around Edinburgh, your “lab” for learning.
- Take a trip to the famous Highlands to experience the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness.
- Build on your independence and college readiness with guidance and mentorship from dedicated UW-Stout instructors.
Is JUMPSTART Right for You?
JUMPSTART is more than an opportunity to study and travel abroad. It is a college-level academic experience designed for students who have already demonstrated independence, personal responsibility, and readiness for university life.
Students do not need to have everything figured out before participating. Being willing to learn, adapt, accept feedback, and take responsibility for their actions is an important part of the experience.
Before applying, we encourage students and their families to review the expectations below and take the JUMPSTART Readiness Self-Assessment.
Students should be prepared to:
- Understand course expectations: Use the syllabus to stay informed about attendance policies, grading, assignments, deadlines, assessments, and course objectives.
- Take responsibility for academic work: Complete college-level assignments, projects, and assessments independently without relying on reminders from instructors or staff.
- Manage their time effectively: Balance academic responsibilities with cultural activities and personal time, recognizing that missed deadlines may affect grades.
- Communicate with instructors: Ask questions, attend office hours when needed, and regularly check university email and course platforms.
- Engage actively in learning: Attend classes, remain attentive, take notes, and participate in discussions, group projects, and academic activities.
- Develop research skills: Identify and use credible sources to support coursework and deepen understanding.
- Practice self-advocacy: Recognize when assistance is needed, communicate concerns, and independently seek appropriate resources and support.
Living and studying abroad also requires students to manage everyday responsibilities and navigate new experiences. Students should be prepared to:
- Manage daily routines: Wake up on time, maintain personal hygiene, manage belongings, and arrive prepared for classes and scheduled activities.
- Communicate independently: Check and respond to university communications, follow instructions, meet deadlines, and communicate directly with program staff rather than relying on parents or guardians.
- Adapt to new environments: Adjust to unfamiliar surroundings, cultural differences, changes in routines, and unexpected situations.
- Demonstrate sound judgment: Follow program expectations, make responsible decisions, and consider how their actions may affect themselves and others.
- Respect shared living spaces: Cooperate with roommates, respect personal boundaries, and contribute positively to a shared living environment.
- Navigate challenges: Manage everyday frustrations, disagreements, and unexpected changes while knowing when and how to seek assistance.
- Adjust to being away from home: Demonstrate a willingness to manage the challenges of living abroad for four weeks while maintaining appropriate communication with family and program staff.
JUMPSTART provides opportunities for students to strengthen their independence, develop meaningful connections, and build confidence as they transition to university life.
Faculty and program staff are available to provide guidance, answer questions, and assist students when challenges arise. However, students are expected to arrive with foundational skills in independence, communication, and personal responsibility. The program is designed to build upon these skills rather than introduce them for the first time.
Take the JUMPSTART Readiness Self-Assessment here!
If you are unsure whether JUMPSTART is the right fit, we encourage you to contact the Office of International Education at studyabroad@uwstout.edu to discuss program expectations before applying.
Application Information
Eligibility
- New freshman admitted for fall 2027.
- Competitive process based on statement, completed application and recommendations.
Request a JUMPSTART Application
Email studyabroad@uwstout.edu and we will send you the application link with instructions.
Capacity is limited to 20 students per cohort.
Cost
Estimated program fee of $TBD includes 6 credits of tuition.
The estimated program fee includes OIE fees, e-Stout fee, international insurance, housing, breakfast, in-country transportation, cultural events, Highlands trip, and round-trip airfare. Students should plan an additional $1,250 for out-of-pocket expenses which includes OIE application fee, passport, meals, course supplies, airline baggage fees, and personal expenses.
*Financial aid may apply by completing the 2026-27 FAFSA.
Scholarship Opportunity
The Lucy and Michael Nicolai Jumpstart to Scotland Scholarship has been made available by the generous donation of Lucy and Michael Nicolai, strong supporters of study abroad programs in Scotland. One scholarship will be granted in the amount of $1,000.
Scholarship decisions will be based on the following criteria:
- Students must be accepted into the JUMPSTART: Scotland program.
- Financial need as determined by UW-Stout's Office of Financial Aid based on the results of the 2026-2027 FAFSA.
- Preference is given to a first-generation college student.
To be considered for the scholarship, students should apply through AwardSpring prior to February 2027. The scholarship will be awarded in April/May 2027.
Join Us for JUMPSTART: Scotland Q&A Sessions!
Join us for our pre-college JUMPSTART: Scotland Q&A sessions and ask any questions you may have! From the captivating landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to the rich tapestry of its culture, these sessions will illuminate the path to a truly immersive and transformative study abroad experience.
Upcoming Sessions
- Tuesday, January 12, 2027, 7:00 - 8:00pm
- Wednesday, February 3, 2027, 7:00 - 8:00pm
- Tuesday, February 23, 2027, 7:00 – 8:00pm
- Tuesday, March 11, 2027, 7:00 – 8:00pm
- Wednesday, March 24, 2027, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Please view the brief JUMPSTART information session (coming soon!) for basic program information.
Reside in a Living-Learning Community
We encourage you to submerge yourself in a new culture and push beyond your comfort zone to experience what Scotland has to offer. By doing so, you'll develop a better understanding for others and an appreciation for the world we live in. Join us in summer 2027 where you will get to know your classmates and faculty while you live, learn, and study in a fun and collaborative community.