I am so excited to announce that I have been admitted to Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland. I will be there as a study abroad student for an entire academic year. Every time I have told someone I am studying in Scotland, I get the same 3 reactions.

1. Wow, I heard Scotland is really beautiful!

2. For an entire year? Won't you miss home?

3. Why are you going to Scotland? Aren't there cooler places?

And while some may say Italy or Spain might be cooler or warmer, neither of those places were even on my list. I am a travel junkie. I love to travel. So, this is not to say that maybe someday I won't visit Spain or Italy, but for now, I am so incredibly excited to be able to spend the entire year in Scotland.

Why Scotland? Here 6 reasons why I will be studying in Scotland.

1. Castles.

The castle pictured above is called the Edinburgh Castle. It is located in, you guessed it, Edinburgh. I am studying in the heart of Edinburgh. That means I will be in literal walking distance from this beautiful castle. I can't think of anything better.

2. The beautiful nature.

From the rolling hills, to the lakes, to the waterfalls, Scotland's nature is just incredible. So incredible, a lot of movies were shot in Scotland for the nature. Ahem, Harry Potter (2001-2011), Braveheart (1995), and Hamlet (1990).

3. That accent.

Okay, this wasn't a deciding factor, but a nice bonus. I mean, have you heard a Scottish person speak? It's such an interesting and intriguing accent, even if sometimes I have no idea what they're saying.

4. Edinburgh Napier University.

This is the school I will be attending. This is just one building from the school. Isn't it gorgeous? On top of that, it is ranked highly for it's business school. I am ready to learn!

5. Old town in Edinburgh.

Um, are you seeing this? This looks like it was in a history book. The way this city has preserved it's old buildings is insane. This is called Old Town. It has old, old buildings, an old clocktower, and cobble stone streets. It is like it came straight out of a movie. Which, it kind of did. Old Town is where most of Harry Potter (2001-2011) was largely filmed. Also a side note for my Harry Potter fans, there is a coffee shop right in Edinburgh where J.K Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books.

6. Why not?

Scotland is as beautiful country as any. Everyone has their own idea of beauty. Mine just so happens to be rolling hills, old castles, and old buildings. There are many reasons why Scotland, Italy, Spain, Iceland, or Germany are beautiful and they all deserved to be praised and appreciated. I will visit as many countries as I can. Every country is beautiful in it's own way. But for my study abroad experience, Scotland has stolen my heart.

Good luck on any of your own travels, whether to Scotland or another beautiful country.