While students begin preparations for a fresh semester at Drake University, 15 Drake Bulldogs are instead packing bags for flights to London Heathrow Airport.
There, a bus will transport them one hour north to Harlaxton Manor, in the countryside village of Grantham. On Sept. 1, a full semester of classes will begin.
Discovering a study abroad program looks slightly different for every student — at Drake University, opportunities abound. Thanks to collaboration with the University of Evansville, Harlaxton’s parent institution, a cohort of Drake students is sent to study in England every fall semester.
For Harry Dalstra, a sophomore majoring in international relations and politics, studying abroad has been a long time coming.
“I had stumbled upon all my choices in high school, saw Harlaxton, and said that’s the one,” Dalstra said.
Nestled just outside of Grantham’s edge, the Victorian estate spans 300 acres of mature woodland and curated gardens for students to explore while not studying within the manor walls. Beyond these grounds, England and its surrounding countries await, all within the grasp of a quickly booked train ride.
This won’t be his first trip abroad, but Dalstra said he anticipates no shortage of new experiences while living on Harlaxton Manor’s expansive grounds.
“I’ve gone to England twice so far, but I’ve just been to London,” Dalstra said. “So, I’m actually excited to go out and experience more of the country.”
Though studying in such an environment can be a thrilling opportunity, preparing to balance a full classload alongside limitless travel opportunities can also pose a steep learning curve. Without the framework of Drake life providing familiar safety for early-semester mistakes, questions may begin to mount.
“Will my flow of homework need to change for the worse in order for me to fully enjoy travel?” Dalstra said. “You have to figure that out on your own.”
Beyond the logistics of maintaining academic success while studying abroad, English weather presents a unique requirement for semester preparation. Amidst weekend travel to numerous cities and long walks exploring the countryside, curating a wardrobe for the semester offers a puzzle of its own.
“Shoes is a bigger thing than I expected it to be,” said Cianna Daley, a senior majoring in international business.
As a native to the Drake area, Daley said she has never worried much about the contents of her suitcase — until now.
“I don’t want to bring a bunch of shoes, because they take up so much space. I want walking shoes, I’d like hiking shoes, and then there’s shower shoes,” Daley said.
Despite the struggle of hauling footwear far from home, Daley’s shoes are sure to carry her through a semester of international adventures.
“I’m most looking forward to meeting people that aren’t Americans,” Daley said. “Fingering the pulse of the European crowd, and just meeting as many people as I can.”
While Drake’s cohort of 15 students pushes through their final days of preparation, Harlaxton Manor’s staff readies for their arrival. Bustling with professors, advisors, kitchen staff, housekeepers and more, the semester cannot begin without those essential to the manor’s operations.
“It is a lot of excitement for us knowing that students in the U.S. are packing their bags, dreaming of the manor, and getting ready to fly in just a few weeks,” said Holly Carter, executive director and dean of Harlaxton College.
As students fly for London and semester kickoff draws near, it seems autumn in England can’t commence soon enough.
“We love arrivals day and the first time the students see the manor — it makes all of the work and preparation worth it,” said Carter.
