Don't Panic, It's Alnwick

This past semester has been the best 3 months of my life. I not only was able to travel to 8 different countries because of England's prime location, but I made lifelong friends. Yes, I know that sounds cliche but it's true! The unique thing about this program is that you literally eat, sleep, and go to school in a castle. Nothing makes you feel better than walking through the gated entrance of the castle you get to call your home as security unlocks the old wooden doors, making you feel like royalty. The only downside was that I never saw the Duke and Duchess who lived there with us! Although, we did get a private tour of their living quarters before the castle was open to the public...
The best thing this unique program has to offer is the fact that a St. Cloud State faculty member lives at the castle year-round, making your transition easier. He was always available for questions, travel advice, or just a friendly face who forced you into doing events within the community. My biggest fear about studying abroad was being thrown into a different country with no one there to help me. Having a faculty member there with us throughout the semester eased any worry I had and was a great resource.
The education piece of my study abroad experience was unique as well. Half of the classes offered were taught by British professors and the other half were taught by St. Cloud State professors who traveled to Alnwick with us. The British professors taught "British related'" classes whereas the SCSU teachers taught their own classes from back home. It was amazing to be able to intertwine both the British culture and the American culture in an educational experience. All of the teachers worked together to try and get different parts of their classes to correlate. We also only had class Monday through Thursday. Every Friday we took field trips to different parts of the country. We went as far north as Edinburgh, Scotland and as far south as York, England. Each field trip was its own unique experience, no two trips were ever the same. An extra day without class wasn't so bad either...
My favorite experience from studying abroad in Alnwick, England was going out to the local pubs and hanging out with the other students. Because Alnwick is a smaller town, every time we went out we were able to meet up with people we had previously met and made relationships that lasted long into the semester. Every time we went out we met someone new and someone old which made for a great experience. It made making friends really easy and really comfortable.
I am so glad I was able to study abroad as a freshman in college. I think it is something everyone should have the opportunity to do! This past semester gave me new experiences and submerged me in new cultures I never thought I would encounter. Alnwick will definitely see my face again one day!