Yucheng Shao
ENG ’27
Computer Science
SA: University of Edinburgh
Contact
Ask Me About…
- Traveling and backpacking to 15 countries across Europe on a budget! While studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh, I spent weekends and breaks traveling to places like Morocco, Portugal, Greece, Slovenia, and the Netherlands. Along the way, I learned how to find cheap flights, navigate trains and buses, and plan trips around classes.
- Solo travel, group trips, budgeting, packing, itinerary planning, or balancing travel with academics.
- Adjusting to life in Scotland, making friends abroad, recruiting and career planning while overseas, and what it’s like to spend a semester living in Edinburgh.
My Experience Abroad
As a Computer and Information Science major, studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh gave me the chance to experience a different academic environment while continuing to explore my interests in technology. I took courses in computer communications and networks, programming, environmental science, and cognitive science, which gave me a mix of technical and non-technical perspectives that I wouldn’t have gotten at Penn.
One of my favorite classes was Computer Communications and Networks because it helped me better understand how the systems behind the internet actually work. I also really enjoyed cognitive science. It was a subject I likely never would have taken otherwise, and it ended up being one of the most interesting courses I took abroad.
Outside the classroom, a lot of my learning came from navigating life in a new country and balancing academics with travel. Studying abroad taught me how to be more independent, adaptable, and comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone, whether that meant figuring out a new city, planning weekend trips, or managing a busy schedule. Overall, the experience broadened both my academic interests and my perspective on the world.
Other Highlights
- Spending a night in the Sahara Desert in Morocco and seeing more stars than I’ve ever seen before. Riding camels through the desert was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire semester.
- Taking a boat cruise along the Amalfi Coast in Italy and seeing the dramatic cliffs, colorful towns, and deep blue water. Visiting Capri was definitely highlight.
- Hiking in the Julian Alps in Slovenia and exploring the incredible scenery around Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled. Slovenia is one of the most underrated destinations.
- Visiting the Isle of Skye in Scotland and experiencing some of the most beautiful landscapes I saw while abroad, with rugged coastlines, fairy pools, and dramatic Highland scenery.
- Wandering through the orange tree-lined streets of Seville, Spain, trying different tapas, and watching flamenco dancers perform. The atmosphere, food, and culture made it one of my favorite cities I visited during the semester.
