Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Alnwick England; My Castle Home, Away From Home. Past Review

By (Mass Communication, St. Cloud State University) for

St. Cloud State University: Alnwick - St. Cloud in England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most worthwhile experience of my life. I will be going back to visit within the next two years.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was plentiful, and we did not have much time allowed to get our busy work done, but the system of teaching was very much in place, and we were asked frequently how we were doing with the work and the field trips, which helped us get along much better, and helped us work with our different professors, so they were able to help us succeed with the curriculum.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host families were amazing! Also, the fact that this program takes place in such a small town, you get to know the locals so well, which really helps you get to know the true culture of England, and Northumberland.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The castle is old, and had been used by SCSU students for a very long time, it would be nice to see more funding to the Alnwick program, to update the facilities. We as students learn to live the way we did, but the it would help the program so much if there was money given to program (which has been running every semester for over 30 years) to help the students, and how they live in the castle.

* Food:

Food has frequently been an issue with the Alnwick program, and Wade does his very best to deliver good food for us students. You learn more about the culture through the food they supply. It's rough at first, but after a few weeks in, it becomes a way of life.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The locals of Alnwick! And the fun times we had every weekend!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Small town, very safe, and the locals are very nice.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Alnwick as the town we lived in.
  • The people I met along the way.
  • The people I studied with.
* What could be improved?
  • The work load/ time allowance
  • Breaks, and the timing of breaks, as well as the fieldtrips
  • The option to stay longer if one wanted to
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When else will you have the opportunity to live in England again in your life? Have the time of your life. Allow your group to become a great big dysfunctional family. Meet the locals. - Any student will benefit from this program.