“[Edinbrugh] is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.” These words by Alexander McCall Smith could not be more accurate. Oh Edinburgh, or EDI, as I lovingly call it – you truly broke my heart in the best way possible. And aye, I belong there.

Edinburgh is more than just beautiful. It’s a city full of contrasts – full of chaos, charm, and character. It’s a place where you can walk through a medieval alley in the Old Town and suddenly find yourself in the elegant, neoclassical streets of the New Town. It’s where the sky changes faster than you can open your umbrella, and where the rain somehow adds to the magic rather than taking it away. From daydreaming in the drizzle while wandering through the Meadows to hiking up Arthur’s Seat and catching the most breathtaking sunsets, every day brought something new. At George Heriot’s School (GHS), where I worked, I shared laughter and learning with incredible students, exchanged stories and ideas with inspiring Chinese teachers and passionate Irish Germanists, and experienced a teaching culture that felt refreshingly different from what I had known before.

As a future teacher, my time in Edinburgh was not only a great opportunity to improve my English language skills, but also a deeply enriching experience in terms of cultural and didactic learning. I gained insights into different methods of language teaching and saw firsthand how motivating and fun foreign language education can be when creativity and openness are at the core. Walking through the grand gates of GHS each morning – a school that looks more like a castle than a building – filled me with pride. It made me feel honored to be part of something truly special. My time at GHS was absolutely unforgettable. The students were curious, funny, and incredibly kind – even those who didn’t study German would greet me in German or excitedly run across the school yard to say hello. One of the most memorable moments was the overnight “sleep out” on the school grounds with more than 150 students. As if that wasn’t magical enough, we were lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights. Lying on the cold ground in the heart of Edinburgh, surrounded by laughter and the shimmering aurora overhead, I felt more alive than ever.

Outside of school, my adventures continued. I met people from all walks of life – fellow travelers, locals, kind strangers – each with their own fascinating story. The conversations we shared, often over a cup of tea or during long train journeys, added richness to my experience. One of the most meaningful aspects of my time abroad were the solo trips I took – discovering new cities like Glasgow, York, and even venturing down to London. Traveling alone gave me time to reflect, to grow, and to build confidence. Every journey held a surprise, and each destination left a mark on my heart. I also learned to embrace the oddities of British life – from the mysteries of the NHS to the rather questionable cuisine (yes, I did try haggis!). But more importantly, I found freedom, deep friendships, and moments of calm in between all the excitement.

Thank you, Edinburgh. You were cold, complicated, and completely unforgettable. I came to you as a visitor and left feeling like a local. My heart will always beat a little faster when I hear a Scottish accent, see the silhouette of a castle against a moody sky, or feel the wind tug at my coat. You have changed me forever – and for that, I will always be grateful.

Text und Fotos: Ferhat Gül