Academic exchange

Student mobility and shared teaching have always been central to the Edinburgh-USA relationship.

The University played an important role in the intellectual formation of several leading US higher education institutions through Edinburgh's links to early American leaders and, in particular, through physicians and medicine. These include:

  • John Witherspoon
  • Benjamin Rush
  • Alexander Graham Bell.

These historic links were the foundation of a relationship that continues to evolve through modern research partnerships and study exchange.

The most important lesson I took from my exchange was to be courageous – whether it’s trying new things or embracing challenges. Academically, I gained a solid foundation of knowledge that will be invaluable in my final year, but more than that, I’ve grown personally by learning how to navigate and thrive in a new culture. The exchange has broadened my perspective, and I feel more confident in tackling new situations as I enter my fourth year.

Lucia 2024/25 exchange student to Emory University, USA

Current collaborations

Today, exchange agreements, joint teaching initiatives and virtual collaboration continue to embed transatlantic perspectives within our curriculum.

Explore some of our collaborations below.

University of California

Students laying and reading in the sun on a green hill. The top of a large building is visible over bushes.

Since 1965, more than 1,400 students from the University of California have studied at Edinburgh through the Education Abroad Program, with reciprocal exchange opportunities for Edinburgh students.

Vassar College

Eight people standing and smiling in front of signs that read "Vassar" and "the University of Edinburgh".

After years of ongoing collaboration, Vassar College and the University of Edinburgh launched the Edinburgh-Vassar Scholars Program in summer 2025. This programme enables Vassar students of all majors to complete a summer research project in Edinburgh during their undergraduate degree, and later return to Edinburgh for a one-year MSc in Planetary Health.

Global Collaborative for the Liberal Arts

A large group of people in professional attire sitting and talking around a round table.

The Global Collaborative for the Liberal Arts is a partnership between the University of Edinburgh, Vassar College (USA), the Ahmedabad University (India), and the University of Global Health Equity (Rwanda).

This collaboration aims to help higher education institutions integrate liberal arts content and pedagogy into their programmes. As institutions worldwide navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving educational landscape, the collaborative stands poised to lead the charge towards a more inclusive, equitable and transformative future.

Fulbright partnership

Students speaking and laughing around a table.

The US-UK Fulbright Commission was established in 1948 to foster mutual cultural understanding through educational exchange and public dialogue between the UK and the US. Through a postgraduate scholarship, a visiting fellowship, an annual Fulbright lecture, and the Distinguished Teaching Award, the partnership creates opportunities for outstanding students, scholars, and teachers to study, teach, and share ideas between the UK and the US.

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