Alnwick, England: Best Experience of my Life 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?
YES!!!!!! I cannot express enough how absolutely wonderful it was. I enjoyed every single second of it, and I would re-live it all over again if I could!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a castle... what more can I say?! And to make it even better there were only 8 of us in the Spring program, so we got to do special things that other groups didn't get to!

* Food:

Since we were such a small group, we had the opportunity to eat in the castle restaurant every day and night... it was AMAZING food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was the best time of my life. Every trip was wonderful, I made life-long friendships with the people I met in England and other countries, as well as the 7 amazing Americans who came with on the trip. I miss it every day, and I would love to go back someday soon!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

VERY safe town, cozy and simple. Perfect place to live.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $2000 total on spending money over 4 months
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend all your money right away, even though you will be excited and want to buy cool new things. Save lots of money for traveling, and always have extra money for emergencies (you will most likely run into some sort of problem!)

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? United States

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Anyone who is adventurous, spontaneous, and wants to feel what it's like to REALLY live, please study abroad here.