One thing I learned while abroad:  Learning takes on a whole different meaning when you are actually in the country both learning and experiencing what you have learned.  Hearing or reading about something doesn't do justice to actually going there and seeing first hand what you're learning about.  Also, there are so many differences between people in America and people in other countries, yet there are also some incredible similarities.  The world is much bigger than you could ever think to imagine, you just have to go out and find out for yourself.

One piece of advice I would give to future WIS students:  Try everything once!  It doesn't matter if you're scared of it, you 'think' you won't like it, or you just don't want to try it, I promise you will not be upset you did.  The best thing you can do is to do as much as you can because once your time is up you will be wishing you did.  Also, meet new people outside the house.  Get out and do things that will get you to meet local people.  If you're too shy to do it yourself then do the host family program.  Host families are the best way to really get a taste of what Scottish life is really like.  They also help you meet other Scottish people that will help you see more of Scotland than you knew about.  And finally, TRAVEL!  Travel is much cheaper in the UK than here in America.  Flights, trains, and hostels are a great way to see the world, even if you're on a tight budget like I was.  You won't be disappointed.