Scotland College Counselor Tour · March 14-20, 2027 · Up to 40 counselors
Explore Scotland’s Universities in Person
Travel through Scotland with a group of fellow college counselors, visiting five universities and experiencing the places, people, and academic environments your students are considering from thousands of miles away. Come home with new context, university connections, and stories you can bring directly into conversations with students and families.
Hosted by The UK Study Expert
Get to Know Scotland Beyond the University Names
The 2027 Scotland College Counselor Tour will include:
From internationally recognized universities to options US families may know less about, the tour gives you an opportunity to understand the differences in person.
You’ll experience campuses, meet university representatives, and see the differences that can be difficult to understand through rankings, websites, and virtual presentations alone.
Help Students Understand What Makes Studying Here Different
Scotland is part of the UK, but its university experience has distinctions of its own. Students may encounter a different degree structure, different academic options, and university settings that range from major cities to communities very different from what they may know in the US.
Seeing those differences for yourself makes it easier to help a student move beyond “I want to study in Scotland” and toward “Which Scottish university and academic environment make sense for me?” That’s the perspective the tour is designed to give you.
See the Universities, Meet the People and Experience the Places Around Them
Five University Visits
Spend time at each of the five universities on this year’s tour.
Direct University Conversations
Meet university teams and ask the questions that come up when advising US students about admissions, programs, support, and student life.
Understand Scottish Higher Education
Learn more about Scotland’s degree structure and how the academic experience can differ from universities elsewhere in the UK.
Experience the Places Around the Universities
See more than the campuses. Spending time in the cities and communities surrounding each institution helps you understand the environment students would be living in.
Enjoy Scotland Along the Way
The itinerary pairs professional learning with opportunities to explore Scotland and connect with fellow counselors. Cultural and social activities for 2027 will be confirmed closer to the tour.
Travel With Fellow Counselors
Share the week with up to 40 counselors, comparing observations, exchanging ideas, and building professional relationships along the way.
After the tour, you’ll be better prepared to speak specifically about Scotland’s universities and student life, not because you’ve memorized every detail, but because you’ve seen the differences firsthand and can help the right student take a closer look.
Counselors Leave With New Knowledge and Great Memories
Geni B.
Fresno, CA
“Everything was well-organized and planned. There was a perfect amount of time for visiting the campuses and having personal time to do other things. Jackie, you really made things fun and enjoyable.”
April N.
College Counselor, Whitney Young High School, Chicago, IL
“I really appreciate all the work that you all did for us. You all made the trip fun as well as informative. Thank you for all you have done to make this trip so memorable!!!”
Misa K.
Seattle, WA
“I was really happy with the communication, organization, and quality of accommodations. It was a fun tour and UKSE helped provide the great vibes.”
Maria C.
Texas
“This tour has been bar none the best I have done in the UK.”
Open to Qualified College Counseling Professionals
The Scotland College Counselor Tour is designed for professionals whose work includes advising students on higher education options, including:
- School-based college counselors
- Independent educational consultants
- College and university advising professionals
- Other qualified educational advisers
Applications are open through October 30, 2026. The 2027 Scotland Tour is limited to 40 counselors.
Because these tours include direct access to university teams and are designed specifically for college counseling professionals, The UK Study Expert verifies participant credentials and conducts background screening.
If we’re unable to verify that a participant is a college counselor or appropriately affiliated with a school, counseling organization, or recognized professional membership, UKSE reserves the right to cancel that participant’s place.
Once accepted, participants will receive instructions for confirming their place and completing the required payment.
Scotland College Counselor Tour 2027
Dates:
March 14–20, 2027
Length:
7 days / 6 nights
Group size:
Up to 40 counselors
Price:
$1,650
Applications open:
September 2026
Application deadline:
October 30 2026, or until spaces are filled
Starting location:
Glasgow
Ending location:
Edinburgh
A deposit or full payment is required to secure your place.
Planned Universities:
University of the Highlands and Islands, University of Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt University, University of Glasgow, Edinburgh Napier University
Tour Includes:
6 nights accommodation, five scheduled university visits, university programming and meetings, ground transportation during scheduled tour activities, breakfast, lunch and dinner (optional) and cultural experiences.
Not Included: Airfare airport transfers and travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Scotland College Counselor Tour?
The tour will take place March 14–20, 2027, beginning in Glasgow and ending in Edinburgh.
Which universities will we visit?
The 2027 Scotland tour includes the University of the Highlands and Islands, University of Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt University, University of Glasgow, and Edinburgh Napier University.
How many counselors can participate?
The tour is limited to 40 counselors.
Who is eligible to join a counselor tour?
Our tours are open to qualified high school college counselors and Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) who are based in the United States and work with U.S. students.
High school college counselors will be verified through their school affiliation and must register using their official school email address.
Independent Educational Consultants must hold a current membership or accreditation with a recognized professional counseling association, which will be verified during the application process.
Why join a counselor tour instead of visiting the universities on my own?
The Scotland Tour brings university visits, direct conversations with university teams, professional programming, transportation, and shared experiences into one coordinated week. You’ll also experience the universities alongside fellow counselors, giving you opportunities to compare observations and discuss what you’re learning throughout the trip.
How do I apply?
Here’s how to complete your enrollment:
- Submit the registration form (linked below).
- You will receive an agreement via email – please review and sign it.
- Once the agreement is signed, an invoice will be sent to you separately.
Participation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
You may choose to pay in full or submit a deposit and enroll in a payment plan.
Please note: Both the signed agreement and payment (either full or deposit) are required to officially secure your spot.
How is my place secured?
Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants. After completing the application, a deposit or full payment is required to secure your place.
Do you verify participant credentials?
Yes. Because this is a professional counselor tour with direct access to university teams, The UK Study Expert verifies participant credentials and conducts background screening.
How much is the tour? Can I make a deposit? Do you have installment plans?
The total cost of the Scotland tour is $1,650. You may pay the full amount at registration or choose a payment plan:
A two-payment plan is available:
- A $650 deposit is due upon registration to reserve your place.
- A second payment of $1000 is due on November 15.
If you are attending both our London and Scotland tours, the payment plan is as follows:
- A $1,000 deposit is due upon registration to reserve your place.
- A second payment of $1,150 is due on November 15.
- A third payment of $1,150 is due on December 15.
The credit card on file will be automatically charged on each payment date.
Is the tour refundable?
Yes, depending on when you cancel.
Refund Eligibility
Before October 15:
You are eligible for a full refund of all funds you’ve already paid, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Between October 15 – December 15:
You may receive a 50% refund, provided you notify us by December 15.
After December 15:
No refunds will be issued for any payments made, including deposits and installments.
What's included in the tour price?
Included in the Tour Fee
- Hotel accommodation: Single-occupancy lodging for the duration of the tour. Please note that hotels may require a credit card at check-in to cover incidental charges.
- Tour coordination and on-site support: Comprehensive pre-tour planning, travel coordination, and assistance throughout the tour.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch are included.
- Scotland Tour: Dinner is included each evening.
- London Tour: We are working to arrange an evening event that may include dinner. Dinner on all other evenings is not included.
- Ground transportation: All transportation to and between participating university campuses during the tour is included.
- Tour management and administrative services: The fee covers the planning, staffing, communication, and operational support required to deliver the tour.
Not Included in the Tour Fee
- Airfare and other travel expenses to the tour’s starting point or from its ending point
- Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, minibar purchases, and hotel incidentals
- Hotel accommodation or additional charges outside the group booking
- Meals and beverages not specifically listed above
- Medical expenses resulting from illness, injury, or an emergency
Are flights included?
No. Airfare to and from the UK is not included in the tour price.
How much walking and travel should I expect?
This is an active, multi-city tour, and participants should expect significant walking and stairs throughout the week, including on university campuses and while traveling through cities. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. If you have mobility or accessibility needs, please contact us before booking so we can provide more information about the itinerary and discuss available accommodations.
Can I bring my child or spouse with me on the tour?
No. The tour is designed as a professional development experience for college counselors. The itinerary, accommodations, and pricing are planned specifically for individual counselor participation.
We are unable to accommodate additional guests, including children or spouses, so the experience remains professional, focused, and beneficial to participating counselors.
Will there be a waitlist?
Yes. Once the tour reaches capacity, we will open a waitlist. If a place becomes available, we will contact waitlisted counselors in the order they joined the list. You will be notified directly if a space opens up.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
Travel insurance is recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as trip interruptions, delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies.
Participants are responsible for securing their own travel insurance if they choose to purchase it. Please select a policy that suits your individual needs, especially if you are booking flights, extending your travel, or have specific coverage concerns.
By choosing to participate without travel insurance, individuals assume full responsibility and liability for any financial loss or disruption to their trip for any reason.
Experience Scotland Before You Recommend It
Walk the campuses. Meet the university teams. Experience the cities and communities. Learn alongside counselors who are asking many of the same questions you are. Then return to your students with observations, connections, and a much richer understanding of what studying in Scotland can look like.
March 14–20, 2027 · Up to 40 counselors
© 2026 The UK Study Expert. All rights reserved.