Miller Explores Mysterious Mythology and Folklore in Scotland

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock student had a mysterious summer studying Celtic history, mythology, and folklore during a summer study abroad experience in Scotland.

Isabella Miller, a senior double majoring in history and English from Little Rock, attended classes at Stirling University throughout June.

“I chose the program in Scotland because it had options for studying both history and English,” Miller said. “I found Scottish history and mythology to be interesting and fascinating. The program was perfect for me.”

As part of the program, Miller visited sites where evidence of Celtic culture can still be seen today, including cave carvings, the Standing Stones, and castles. She and her fellow students also made arts and crafts from the Celtic culture, including dolls and board games.

Miller attended the summer program with around 50 international college students, with many coming from the U.S., Canada, and Australia. She had time to visit all the major cities, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St. Andrews.

“Scotland is so beautiful,” Miller recalled. “It was so much fun to travel and traverse the country. It was such a great opportunity that I am very grateful for.”

The highlight of her summer trip was a visit to the Scottish highlands.

“Going to the highlands was truly the pinnacle experience for me,” she said. “We saw the Isle of Skye and nature in all its abundance. We had a picnic in a bog in Glencoe. I swam in Loch Ness Lake, and there is a Loch Ness monster hunter who lives on the shores of the lake and is very passionate about it. I saw the Wallace Monument. You are in a land of lakes and mountains surrounded by myths.”

The Donaghey Scholar will graduate in May 2024 and plans to attend law school, where she will specialize in family law.