Charlotte Bingham

I used my abroad grant towards my semester at the University of Edinburgh, which I attended through IFSA in Fall 2024. During the semester, I was able to meet and learn from several anthropologists and archaeologists through the classes I took. I learned a great deal from my professors, and they helped me narrow down my career interests. In addition, I used my funds to travel around Scotland and to other countries in Europe. I was able to see more of the world and meet people from a multitude of backgrounds, giving me lifelong connections and a greater sense of independence and adventure. 

I was surprised at how diverse the city of Edinburgh was, especially within my student accommodation. I met people from every continent and was able to learn about their lives. My professors were also very diverse and the research they presented introduced me to many areas of anthropology that I had not explored. 

Because I was able to discover so much about the world and about my major, this experience helped me to concentrate on what I’d like to do after graduating. I realized that I definitely want to attend university at a graduate level, which I had previously ruled out. I also now know I’d like to spend more time abroad and traveling. My courses also helped me to develop ideas for my honors thesis, and brainstorm with other students. In the upcoming semesters I plan to meet with my professors to decide on my thesis, as well as researching graduate school programs.