Overseas students: top six favourite activities and places to visit in Aberdeenshire

Looking to book an English Language Programme or one-to-one homestay in Aberdeenshire for 2022?  Language Travel Tours takes a look at favourite activities and venues of overseas students visiting Aberdeenshire to help you plan your trip with ease.

1 - Dunnottar Castle

Students come to explore Aberdeenshire’s rich and varied historical and cultural heritage. This includes its many monuments and castles. Top on the list is Dunnottar Castle where students can imagine what it was like to live in such an impregnable fortress. The dramatic cliff-top ruins also provide the perfect backdrop for many student selfies. 

Dunnottar Castle 167 DS 36

2 - Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve

Students also come to experience the great outdoors so guided walks of the Cairngorms National Park remain popular. The Muir of Dinnet Reserve ticks all the boxes with students exploring its magical trails, passing under waterfalls and spotting otters and breeding birds on Loch Kinnord.

3 - Ceilidhs and Highland Games

Experiencing a slice of Scottish life is a top priority for overseas students.  The ‘Only in Scotland’ programme offered by Language Travel Tours creates lasting memories and includes opportunities to:

  • participate in a Mini Highland Games - the haggis spoon race and tossing the caber are popular events
  • attend a traditional Scottish Ceilidh where students learn highland dancing and try their hand at the bagpipes

4 - Paddle Boarding at Knockburn Loch

An emerging trend for 2022 and beyond is the desire to get ‘active in nature’. This includes discovering Aberdeenshire’s breathtaking coastline whilst rock climbing or trying your hand at golf. Stand up paddle boarding is frequently requested and Knockburn Loch provides the perfect setting in the heart of Royal Deeside.

5 - Eco-friendly Aberdeenshire

Eco-friendly programmes and sustainable activities are also in high demand with students asking to get involved in environmental projects. Favourites include the Highland Beef Farm for a tour of its farming process and cattle rearing and a visit to Dolphin Watch Aberdeen where the focus is animal welfare. 

Highland Cow 122 DS 45

6 - Museums and galleries new and old

Finally, it would be folly to omit some of the more traditional but equally popular venues that students enjoy.  Dressing up as a Highlander at the Gordon Highlander’s Museum creates a lasting memory whilst the interactive nature of Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s relationship with the sea and its oil and gas industry.

Nuart (Aberdeen’s funky street art festival) also provides a unique experience followed up by a visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery which boasts a wide range of modern art (Gilbert and George) and traditional Scottish artists.

NuArt 71

With so much to see and do, it’s not hard to see why overseas students are keen to visit Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. English Language learning can be combined with an authentic and unique Scottish experience. If you are thinking of visiting the area on an English language programme, please check out www.languagetraveltours.com for more information.  

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