Creative Writing in the Land of Lochs & Legends
Summer '25 Applications Open
The Take-Aways
Real-world Experience
Experience Edinburgh through the eyes of a writer and oral storyteller. Try out literary techniques and structures to develop your own writing process. Come home with the skills to create original works.
Credentials For Your Future
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, your own audio renditions of your written tales to showcase both your oral storytelling skills and your Scottish literature literacy.
Life Skills And New Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.
45
Hours Of Expert Instruction
3
Weeks Pursuing Your Passion
1
Life-changing Experience
The Destination
Welcome to Edinburgh, a city that’s inspired countless scribes and storytellers for centuries.
Edinburgh, the magical capital of Scotland is also known as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature—both for its literary history and its ongoing efforts to promote literature through tours, festivals, and events. There are many literary treasures in the city’s streets, including the world’s second largest monument to a writer, the Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, and Greyfriars Kirk, a 17th-century church and graveyard whose tombstones inspired the names of Hogwarts's witches & wizards.
Explore Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat, and more. Find museums and shops (including kilt makers) nestled in centuries-old stone buildings. Edinburgh truly comes to life in the summer when the city is busy with preparations for the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Fringe Festival. Soak up the buzzing atmosphere, admire the green rolling hills, and stop to taste delicious desserts at restaurants and cafés, like Scottish shortbread and cranachan.
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city from viewpoints like Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat. Play games with fellow Global Navigators at the Meadows, a scenic park located in the city center.
- Explore Edinburgh's impressive independent bookshops while getting inspired for your own writing.
- Discover the 1,000-year-old Royal Mile, Victoria St., and Greyfriar's Bobby.
- Take a day trip to the Scottish Highlands, exploring the landscapes that have inspired countless tales and culminating in a Nessie-spotting adventure at the Loch Ness.
- Have a picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens, which has been around for 350 years!
Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Poetry Workshop & Beach Day!
Students spent the morning of Monday, July 22nd in a poetry workshop with the Scottish poet and performer Jenny Lindsay. Creative writers know that perfectionism and editing often stunts the... keep reading
Telling Stories
At the Edinburgh Storytelling center, students were sucked into the story that instructor Kirsten's told, about the greed of a king. It had us on at the edge of our... keep reading
Getaway for the Weekend
This weekend students stayed in Inverness. Our tour around the small town was filled with stories about fairies and wars. A story about fiddlers and fairies teaching us, if somebody... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More Questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | ||
| Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | ||
| Program Summer Session II 2024 3 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,450 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Jacqui Bassett
Center Director
Jacqui is a born and bred Scot from Edinburgh. She has a postgraduate MSc in International Development from the University of Edinburgh and a degree in Psychology from the University...