Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Manor Like No Other Past Review

By (History, Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 01/04/2017 to 04/29/2017 with

University of Evansville: Grantham - Study abroad at Harlaxton College

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my self and my boundaries, including what I'm comfortable with and how far I can push myself in many respects of life. I did things I never thought I'd do before I graduated college, and it was so worth it to experience the craziest things with so many of my new crazy friends.

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 classes were a bit harder than expected but the professors were amazing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The faculty and staff at Harlaxton are so fun and work with students very well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had plenty of room and everything I needed. They provide you so much you really just need to bring personal items.

* Food:

The food was...okay. I really appreciated the pastries though, phenomenal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt a little distanced from Grantham, but we were miles away so it makes sense. The British staff made me feel so much more integrated though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have crazy medical issues but the one time I needed to go to the nurse, she recommended multiple treatments for me to try that were easy and accessible at the drug store in town.

* Safety:

I felt very safe at Harlaxton and overall in England. I know London had a few incidents but I felt safe with our sponsors. Grantham was very small and everyone was very nice. It was nice being secluded from the town.

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

Harlaxton is a place like no other and I'd give so much to be able to go back and visit again one day. The experience was unforgettable and it's always going to be the coolest thing I've done, the neatest place I've been. I felt blessed to call that manor my home for four months.

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? About $70-$80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to eat out at restaurants so much when traveling. Grocery stores are still cheap and provide good food that gives you just as much of an authentic cultural experience.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The manor itself
  • The local culture trips
  • British and American professors
* What could be improved?
  • -
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Traveling every weekend is not a priority, make sure you plan empty weekends through the semester where you can just chill on the weekend.