The College’s Chemistry Exchange Program at the University of Edinburgh builds on historic strong ties between University of Chicago and University of Edinburgh Chemistry faculty. This program affords qualified Chicago Chemistry students beginning their third or fourth years an opportunity to complete a summer research project and autumn semester coursework toward the Chemistry major at Scotland’s pre-eminent university.
Study Abroad Site
Point of Contact for Program Planning:
Vera Dragisich (v-dragisich@uchicago.edu | 773.702.3071)
Point of Contact for UChicago Exchange Students in Edinburgh:
Chris Fuglestad (ccf@uchicago.edu) | 773.702.4858
Point of Contact for Edinburgh Exchange Students on UChicago Campus:
Madison Mansour (mansour2@uchicago.edu) | 773.702.7331
For any questions related to program safety and other concerns please contact Study Abroad:
Telephone: 773.702.9442 | Email: studyabroad@uchicago.edu | Emergencies: 773.612.4680 (available 24 hrs.)
For more details regarding the FAQs please refer to the PowerPoint, “Summer Exchange Talk”.
The Edinburgh Exchange Program has the flexibility of being offered in the summer and/or autumn. It is research-focused and a great opportunity for students who are looking to participate in chemistry research abroad at a top university, or for students who find conducting research during the school year to be time-constraining. During the Edinburgh autumn semester, courses are available for students.
The following courses may transfer: Intermediate Organic Chemistry and Quantum Mechanics. It is advised to take course electives rather than core courses, as these are the only two core courses that may transfer. To determine which courses may transfer, students should consult with Professor John Anderson.
The laboratory settings differ for each research group. Some have large groups that are a mix of undergraduates, graduates, and post-docs. Some are small research groups, and some are one-on-one with a single Principal Investigator (PI) with varying project independence. The best way to acquire information on the work environment of specific research groups is to connect with former Edinburgh exchange participants.
The daily work schedule and expectations differ for students, dependent on the research group they work with, but former exchange students have accounted for there being plenty of time to enjoy the city, relax, and travel to neighboring countries when they are not conducting research in the chemistry building at the University of Edinburgh.
Students have mentioned taking hiking trips, summer music festivals, tours about Harry Potter, etc. Edinburgh, as a city, offers plenty to do. Look at the photo gallery provided by our own UChicago students.
For University of Chicago Students in Edinburgh: The Chemistry Building is not directly on the main University of Edinburgh campus. When finding housing, please take transportation to and from the chemistry building into account. Best way to acquire this information is to connect with former Edinburgh exchange participants.
For Edinburgh Students on UChicago Campus: Many graduate students choose to rent privately-owned apartments. It is important to invest sufficient time for your search and to know your housing needs. There is no “best” approach to apartment hunting, but there are many options: visiting an apartment complex, contacting realty agencies, or checking newspaper listings (such as in the Hyde Park Herald) or bulletin board postings.
In addition, one can also find many listings at the following web sites: https://marketplace.chicagomaroon.com https://www.rentcafe.com/apartments-for-rent/us/il/chicago/hyde-park/
List of some companies that manage and lease buildings and houses in Hyde Park: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Property+Management+Companies&find_loc=Hyde+Park%2C+Chicago%2C+IL
If you are still having trouble, please contact Xhesika Bardhi
The Edinburgh EaStCHEM Research School is sectioned into five themes: The Catalysis and Synthesis, The Chemistry Biology Interface, Energy, Environmental, and Sustainable Chemistry, Functional Materials, Structural Chemistry and Chemical Dynamics Their website has a brief overview of each group’s research to see which research sparks your interest. Once accepted, it is advised to email Edinburgh faculty members directly, inquiring their lab’s work environment and their current research projects, to decide if one in particular interests you. We ask that you do NOT contact faculty members directly until you have received your acceptance letter for the University of Edinburgh Chemistry Exchange Program.
The wrap-up of the program will differ depending on the research laboratory a student works in. Some students have wrapped up their research project by presenting at symposiums. If a student wishes to wrap-up their research with more functions, then this would be a conversation to have with the PI of the research group the student works with.
Some students have mentioned that they are still in contact with their PIs. The Edinburgh Chemistry Exchange Program is an opportunity to always have a great reference added to your resume, as well as expanding your networking web.