SAMS news room

An international group of university advisors were marine scientists for a day when they visited UHI partner the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban on a fact-finding mission.

The group, all members the U.S. based Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), is currently on a tour of Scottish universities organised by UK Study Expert and visited SAMS to learn more about the undergraduate study offering and the multi-campus structure of UHI.

The counsellors in attendance were from across the U.S., including Alaska, California, Maine and Massachusetts. There were also representatives from Thailand and Egypt. 

The visit to SAMS included a tour of the campus and a chance to get hands-on with samples from the deep-sea from decades past, seaweeds and seagrass, and marine robotics.

SAMS’ Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) student representative Hannah Lehmann, who grew up in the U.S., gave an inspirational talk on student life, while fellow student Merlin Farrell showcased some of the opportunities available at SAMS, such as the field trip to the Red Sea.

Bob Spatig of UK Study Expert said during the visit to SAMS: “This is a really special place for someone who is truly interested in all aspects of the ocean. Everyone here has a passion for the ocean and the connection they seem to have with it is an authentic one.

“The location is not a traditional or stereotypical university experience, but it seems like more; it’s for students who are passionate and want to live it.

“I can see how the various programmes at UHI fit with the environment and the location and also how the students become integrated into these communities.”

At the close of a full day of activity, a piper ensured the counsellors received a warm send off on the next leg of their UK tour in Edinburgh.

HECA President Audrey Slaughter said: “On these trips we are looking to find the right fit for each student we work with, so the information we gather today is not just about what they can study, but also whether the university would be a good personality fit.

“We heard first hand from the students and faculty members who were glowing in their enthusiasm for their subjects. We all want to be marine scientists now!”