Harlaxton College is unusual and for some difficult to comprehend. This page, by attempting to answer some of the more typical questions asked of us, hopes to give you a brief introduction.

Please explore other areas of this web site to gain further information, or contact us if you have a specific enquiry.

What is Harlaxton College?

Harlaxton is really two things: a self-contained study abroad campus of the University of Evansville in southern Indiana; and a 100-room Grade I listed Victorian manor house in the English Midlands. The manor features a Great Hall, a Long Gallery, a Conservatory, and a Cedar Staircase among other beautiful architectural features.

Who attends Harlaxton?

Approximately 180 undergraduate college students, sophomore through seniors, attend Harlaxton each semester. Usually about 100 are from the University of Evansville, with the remainder from other American colleges and universities, with whom we have a co-operative arrangement.

Why do they come?

Students obviously have many and varied reasons for wishing to attend Harlaxton. Some consistent themes are the opportunities:

• to travel extensively within the British Isles, Europe and further afield, whilst studying;
• to interact with other students not from their own college;
• to attend classes offered by our British faculty which have a particular British or European focus,
• to immerse themselves in a culture which is not their own for an extended period of time;
• and to challenge their own assumptions and beliefs, and to be independent enough to evaluate for themselves what they believe.

When do most students attend Harlaxton?

That depends on their academic major. Most of our students are sophomores or juniors, perhaps fulfilling their 'general education' requirements or taking courses being offered at Harlaxton within their major.

Others will be taking advantage of several courses, offered by our British faculty, which have a particular British or European focus (e.g. Shakespeare) or which are not offered at their home college (e.g. British Studies). Some junior or senior students may also combine classes with practical experiences in the local community (e.g. nursing clinicals).

How long do most students stay?

Our students stay for a single semester of 16 weeks either in the Fall or Spring of the academic year.

Are the classes different or more difficult?

Classes are not necessarily more difficult, but they are different. Some of the professors are British, accustomed to the British tutorial style of teaching, and others are visiting Americans from our co-operating colleges, however they are all familiar with the needs and expectations of American students.

A major advantage of Harlaxton is that classes are usually small and many of the professors live on campus, students are therefore able to meet and discuss issues with their professors more readily. Harlaxton is a blend of the two systems, American and British.

What facilities does Harlaxton offer?

The first impression most people have of Harlaxton is of its sheer beauty, situated on 105 rolling acres. But Harlaxton is more than beautiful; it is also a functional home/college offering classrooms, a library, computing facilities and a sports hall (with fitness centre), as well as many unique student bedroom. There is also a Bistro, laundries, television lounges and general store.

However, Harlaxton doesn't just offer physical facilities, it also has a dedicated support staff who make it their mission to ensure that the 'student experience' at Harlaxton as comfortable and memorable as possible. In particular, students' welfare needs are met through a Student Affairs office, which includes a nurse and counsellor.

What do students do at Harlaxton?

Study, of course! But Harlaxton is not "all work and no play".

There are numerous travel opportunities, including optional trips, organised by Harlaxton, scheduled throughout the semester - destinations include: London, Edinburgh, Bath, Cambridge, York, North Wales, Ireland, Paris and Italy. Many students also travel on their own throughout the British Isles, Europe and further afield. Harlaxton has substantial travel information resources which students are encouraged to use and add to.

On-campus activities include basketball, soccer, and mixed volleyball competitions with Lincolnshire area organisations, as well as social activities such as the Costume Ball, Ceilidh and Bistro parties. Obviously each group of students attending Harlaxton will organise their own activities to suit their own particular interests, indeed they are actively encouraged to do so.

Do students enjoy the British people?

Decidedly yes. Harlaxton operates a 'meet-a-family' program, allowing students to share one family's customs and activities. Lifetime friendships are often begun during this time. Students also enjoy knowing the British faculty, staff, and advisory council at Harlaxton as well as the neighbours in nearby Harlaxton village. Some students have also made lasting friendships during their travels, while shopping in Grantham, or by attending local activities and festivities.