Old Boy Sam Wilson (2019), pictured, is a 2023 recipient of an Overseas Study Scholarship for Old Boys. He recently attended the University of Edinburgh and has penned the following recollections of his experience.

I could not be happier with my semester at the University of Edinburgh. Throughout my thirteen weeks at the university, I studied three law subjects including International Law, Environmental Law, and Law in the Roman Empire. They all transferred credit as law electives at the University of Queensland. I lived on campus at Pollock Halls which was made up of both first year and international students. It was divided into eight blocks of about one hundred residents with a large dining hall in the middle which provided buffet breakfast and dinner. It is difficult to pinpoint a single highlight that could encapsulate my entire exchange experience, so it is necessary to divide my fondest memories into those occurring at the university itself and those in the city of Edinburgh.

All the classes were very engaging and had numerous interactive activities that made getting to know my classmates easy. I was astonished to find that two out of three of my lecturers were Australian which made me feel as if I had never left Brisbane until someone nearby would ask a question with a thick Scottish accent. I also relished the opportunity to have most of my classes in the Old College, which was a beautiful old quadrangle. However, the highlight of my university experience would have to be my involvement in the various social and sporting societies which the students put on. During Welcome Week I signed up to the Snow Society, Surfing Society, Rugby Society and Law Society. Of all these societies, playing in a team of thirty Australians in the Intramural Rugby program was something I will always remember. While we had mediocre results out on the field, I established lifelong friendships with many of my teammates and had some great nights out with opposition teams. By chance, two of my closest friends I made on the team were also Churchie Old Boys.

Edinburgh was genuinely a perfect student city. The ability to walk to the other side of the city in about thirty minutes was a major benefit of the place. I also really appreciated the way that local businesses supported students with special student deals and events. One of my warmest memories of the city occurred in the first week when I climbed to the top of Arthurs Seat and watched the sunset with a group of students from my block. Arthurs Seat is a large ridge line which has an amazing view of the entire city including the National Monument, Edinburgh Castle, and Portobello Beach. It was also a great way to meet the other residents in my block and allowed me to create strong friendships with a few guys from London, York, and Dundee. My other favourite Edinburgh experience was being in the presence of a herd of Highland Cows at Swanston Hill. After about an hour of searching for signs of life with a group of international students in an expansive green field, we finally saw a lone figure in the distance. As we got closer, we were all taken aback by a massive beast covered in thick golden fur. It looked like something from another planet and has been my iPhone background ever since.

The Churchie Foundation scholarship was so essential in making my exchange possible and I could not be more thankful for the funding that allowed me to attend such a fantastic university and create such lasting memories.

Overseas Study Information Evening
If you are a Churchie Old Boy wishing to study abroad, then this information evening is for you. Learn more about studying outside of Australia, including scholarship opportunities for Old Boys studying in the USA or UK. Also, hear from past Old Boy scholarship recipients of their personal experiences.

Venue: The Centenary Library lecture theatre

Date: Tuesday 5 March 2024

Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm

RSVP: Friday 1 March 2024

Please click here to register your attendance.

Enquiries: foundation@churchie.com.au