Harlaxton College

I fell in love with Harlaxton not because of that beautiful old building, or because of all the wonderful travel stories. I fell in love with the Harlaxton community. The faculty are top notch, the staff had all sorts of crazy stories to share, and there were all kinds of fun activities to engage in. Everyone studying at Harlaxton was there for different reasons, but we were all able to come together through this incredible shared experience. This experience was beautiful in all of the best ways and I can't imagine not having gone!

I have never felt more fortunate to engage in a study abroad program like Harlaxton. It allows you to meet people from all across the nation and even the world. It really is like going to regular school but in the English countryside. Travel on the weekends is highly encouraged and there are several resources available to help you with the planning process. Professors and staff understand the importance of cultural immersion and prioritize your travel experiences. There is no program like Harlaxton!!

A semester at Harlaxton is a semester well spent. Classes are of high importance and offer a standard of academics that are on-par with a typical university but are only M-Th (only M-W some special weeks!). This means you have almost every weekend to travel either around the British Isles or into mainland Europe! I went not knowing anyone and with no trips planned - I ended up making so many new lifelong friends and traveling to 7 different countries! You also have the opportunity to have a "meet-a-family" which is essentially a host family (except you don't live with them). This offers that host family feel and uniqueness that most programs offer, and your main residence is still in a gorgeous country house FULL of life and history. I highly recommend this program to any university student looking to study abroad during their college years - you won't regret it!

There was so much I loved about Harlaxton, it's hard to put it all down here. I suppose one thing I enjoyed and valued the most was the Meet-a-Family program. It helped me grow closer to the local community, as well as British culture as a whole. Plus, I made some amazing friendships and bonds with my fellow students and families who were a part of the program! The manor and surrounding grounds are gorgeous, and so much fun to explore and hang around in, no matter the season. The village of Harlaxton itself is also so cozy and quaint, and its people are so nice and friendly. Grantham was also a lovely town, small enough to not overwhelm but big enough to enjoy exploring all the shops and sights, though a word of wisdom to incoming visitors to the manor: don't attempt to walk to Grantham. It's a longer distance than you initially think!

Harlaxton was the best experience a student traveling alone could ask for. I came from my university by myself and although I was nervous, once I arrived and met other people, I had easily acclimated into my new home. So, if you are feeling apprehensive about traveling alone, try not to worry too much about being isolated and struggling to meet people because you will be immersed. The living arrangements were better than my freshman dorms back in the states. The beds were comfortable and the wardrobes very spacious with desks for work needs. There is also a sink in the room which comes in handy for brushing your teeth and other morning rituals. The rooms do not have air conditioning though, and my room had one window, so it can get hot from time to time. The classes taught at Harlaxton are very good and easy going for the most part. You will have to put in some effort, but nothing too strenuous. MAKE SURE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR HOUSE COMPETITIONS. This was the best and most exciting times at the manor because you have to work with your teams to overcome challenges to win the house cup (which is the key to Harlaxton manor). This program, especially in the summer, is very fast paced. You arrive and have a full agenda from the early morning until the dead of night. This includes your meals, class, local cultural trips, exploring the manor, meeting up with friends, going to the bistro, packing for weekend trips, going into Grantham, participating in house competitions, etc. You will never find yourself with nothing to do. As for the school trips to Paris, London, etc. I recommend signing up for them if you don't know people ahead of time when traveling abroad. This way you have trips planned in advance and know all your travel arrangements. If you don't, then the friends you meet at Harlaxton might be going on the school trips and you will either have to stay behind those weekends or plan your trip entirely by yourself, which is stressful to say the least. Leaving one weekend open is also good so that when you do meet people you can plan a separate trip as a group if you want. All in all though the trips are fantastic and I highly recommend going on them, you will not be disappointed. Harlaxton and its staff are amazing, making you both at ease and nostalgic when you have to leave. If you like country scenery and taking pictures that make your friends home jealous, Harlaxton is for you.