Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Truly Life-Changing Experience Past Review

By (Baker University) - abroad from 01/04/2017 to 04/19/2017 with

University of Evansville: Grantham - Study abroad at Harlaxton College

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about new cultures, grew out of my comfort zone, discovered a passion for travel, became more confident, learned new world views, and learned skills to travel on my own.

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.

Harlaxton was a dream. I lived in a castle for four months, and spent my weekends (every weekend is at least a 3-day weekend) traveling to new countries. The program is perfect because you are living, going to class, eating, socializing, etc, all in one building (or castle). The program is entirely U.S. students, so the environment is very comfortable. The program also provides so many cultural opportunities, from day trips to local towns to the meet-a-family experience that partners students with couples in town. At the manor, there are inter-murals, house competitions (think Harry Potter), and more. Classes are great, not too hard but definitely very interesting to learn about subjects like history from a U.K. perspective. As for travel, students can either go with the school on pre-arranged trips or travel independently. The entire thing was an amazing opportunity. I grew so much and was able to leave my comfort zone to discover new cultures, meet new people, and try new things. It was a once in a lifetime experience, every day I am still wishing I could go back!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Literally living in a castle. Just beautiful.

* Food:

Wide selection offered daily, breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Delivery is also available from restaurants in town. You can also go into town for a meal or groceries, which is about 10 minutes away from the manor.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Even though you are living in the manor with US students, the program offers lots of opportunities for cultural integration, like weekday trips to nearby towns or the meet-a-family program. Every weekend is at least a 3-day weekend, so I was able to travel every single weekend and discover new cultures on my own too!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a school nurse and counselor on campus.

* Safety:

The Harlaxton program team is great at communicating, making you feel prepared and comfortable.

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

Every single day I still wish I could go back. I have no regrets about choosing to go to Harlaxton, and highly recommend it to any college student.

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

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The ability to travel to a new country every weekend
  • The students I met
  • My temporary home, Harlaxton Manor
* What could be improved?
  • More cultural opportunities offered at the manor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I would fall in love and not want to leave!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.