Bagpipes & Big Ben: Scots to England and Scotland
Izzy Gimm - Website and Social Media Manager
In May 2026, Monmouth College students can embark on a study abroad trip with Professors Audra Goach, David Wright, and Laura Moore to England and Scotland. Spanning May 20-28, the journey promises cultural exploration, academic enrichment, and historical discovery.
“Professor Moore and I took a similar trip to England and Scotland in the Spring of 2019, with the main focus of that trip being forensic science, history, and computer science,” said Goach. “We enjoyed the trip so much that we have been talking since then about planning another one. Combining the increasing interest in forensic science by our students and also the onboarding of the nursing program with the richness of forensic science and medical history in England and Scotland, we thought it would be great to plan this trip for Spring 2026.”
The itinerary promises rich experiences and fun exploration. Students will begin their journey with an overnight flight to Glasgow, Scotland, before traveling through the Highlands via Loch Lomond. Stops include the Glencoe Massacre site, a visit to the Ben Nevis Distillery, and exploration of Stirling Castle. They’ll also visit Stirling University, a critical Monmouth College study abroad exchange partner.
In Edinburgh, students will walk the historic Royal Mile, tour Edinburgh Castle, and experience a guided ghost tour. The trip continues to London via train, where participants will take in iconic sites like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Additional highlights include the Sherlock Holmes Museum, a Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre tour, and a Jack the Ripper evening guided walk.
“I am excited about this second opportunity to teach travel writing, a unique way both to chronicle travel and to engage with the cultures and people you encounter,” said Wright. "My first version of this course was developed on a student trip to Japan in 2018, and this version promises to be just as exciting."
For students interested in medicine and forensic science, London’s itinerary includes visits to the Hunterian Museum and the Anesthesia Heritage Center. The adventure concludes with a ride on the London Eye and a celebratory dinner at the Hard Rock Café.
“A plus of the trips run by a tour company like Explorica is that hotel, transportation, and food (two meals a day) are taken care of by the cost of the trip,” said Moore. “Our trip is $300 off if students sign up by April 10, 2025.”
“As with any trip abroad, students will experience a different culture and connect with other students and faculty as we enjoy and process these unique encounters,” said Moore and Goach.
Financial aid options, including the Collier Award, are available through Monmouth College, though students must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Additionally, Explorica offers payment plans to help make it more accessible. Interested students should contact Professors Goach, Moore, or Wright for further details.
The trip is linked to two courses: INFO 290/CHEM 290: History of Forensic Science: Learning through Travel, Reflective Writing, Reading, and Experimentation and ENGL 290: Writing and Literature in Context—Scotland and England. The two classes will meet before the trip, during which they will discuss trip preparation and learn about each other’s academic disciplines.
With history, literature, science, and culture woven into every stop, this study-abroad trip promises an enriching experience for all participants.