Casarez Visits Top Scottish Universities

Earlier this month, Sarah Casarez, Associate Director of College Counseling, traveled to Scotland at the invitation of Abertay University in Dundee. While in the greater Edinburgh area, she toured the University of Dundee, the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews. 

Abertay University, known for its world-class programs in game design, welcomed only 20 counselors out of more than 100 applicants, highlighting the growing global interest in the institution. Among the selected group, approximately half were from the United States, representing high schools and communities across the country, from California to Florida.

During her time on campus, Casarez was captivated by the university’s cutting-edge Game Design and Production degree. For students who want to make an impact in the gaming industry, this major offers a deep dive into various aspects of game development. Students engage in concept development, level design, testing and user experience, while also honing key skills in communication, leadership and asset creation.

Furthermore, Abertay is ranked as the top international school for video game design, with both its undergraduate and postgraduate programs consistently landing in the global top 10. Notably, an Abertay alum is the creative force behind the incredibly popular Grand Theft Auto franchise (Rockstar Games), a testament to the university’s excellence in preparing students for careers in this exciting field.

Abertay’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Liz Bacon, an expert in artificial intelligence, led a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of AI, education and future workforce trends. As a global speaker on preparing staff and students for the impact of the fourth industrial revolution, she shared her insights on the importance of participation in STEM. Abertay is at the forefront of preparing students to meet the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in an ever-evolving world.

Casarez was impressed by the passion and expertise of Abertay’s faculty and staff across various departments, including Ethical Hacking, Forensic Science, and Engineering. The faculty’s dedication to students and their respective fields of study left a genuine impression, reinforcing Abertay’s reputation of academic excellence.

Following her visit to Abertay, Casarez toured the University of Dundee, where she met with Matthew Crichton, Senior International Officer & Regional Lead, who impressed Casarez with the university's strong science programs and medical and law schools.

The historic University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is one of Scotland’s four ancient universities. Edinburgh seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, offering a unique academic environment in the heart of Scotland’s capital city. Renowned for its global reputation and strong emphasis on research, the University of Edinburgh offers an excellent environment for academic exploration, particularly in fields like criminology and finance, and its well-established economics program.

Finally, Casarez toured the University of St Andrews, where she participated in a student-led tour and met with Ivar Møller, Deputy Director of Admissions. To her surprise, the tour was entirely composed of American students and their families, underscoring the international appeal of the university. A highlight of this visit was reconnecting with former Falcons Banner Robinson ’22 and Carolina Murrin ’24 and learning about their “Academic Families,” a program where older St Andrews students mentor first-years, thus providing a tangible sense of campus community and support.

Throughout her trip, Casarez had the opportunity to experience firsthand the vibrant academic communities of a number of Scotland’s most renowned universities. These enriching visit experiences not only deepened Casarez’s knowledge of international educational opportunities but also reinforced her commitment to guiding students toward their own successful futures – whether in a domestic or an international institution.

For more insights on Casarez’s Scottish adventure, please follow @FWCD2College on Instagram and explore the highlight reels.