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A student reviews his notes in a stairwell in the castle. (Photo courtesy of Queen's University)

American historian James Truslow Adams once said, “There are obviously two educations: one should teach us how to make a living, and the other how to live.” The International Study Centre First-Year Program at Herstmonceux Castle prides itself on providing both.

The program offers a high quality academic experience in a 15th century castle in Hailsham, East Sussex, England, an hour and a half’s train ride south of London. As well as choosing from a wide range of academic courses, students enjoy a myriad of extracurricular activities—from wine-tasting to yoga, karaoke to hockey—and are immersed in British culture and European life.

The students learn both in and out of the classroom through field studies that take them to such historic places as the Globe Theatre in London, the World Trade Organization in Geneva, and the Louvre in Paris. Opportunities for travel and international adventure abound.

“Travel as much as you can,” recommends Alex Sisley, a second-year science student at Dal who attended the Herstmonceux first-year program this past school year. Though enthusiastic about the whole program, he emphasized that the ability to travel was the best part. “You can do a European History course in Canada, but do it there and you can go see the places where it happened.”

Students also have easy access to a ‘mini-bus’ service that takes them to neighboring towns or to London. The program encourages students to do volunteer work in the surrounding communities and to visit cultural attractions in London, such as the British Museum, the English National Opera, and the Parliament.

However, staying in is exciting too, when you go to school in a castle. Equipped for modern living with computer labs, athletics facilities, an electronic music studio, a dining hall and a library, Herstmonceux Castle also has an observatory, a ballroom, two musicians-in-residence, 500 acres of grounds and a proper English pub, the Headless Drummer.

Two students walk on the castle grounds between classes. (Photo courtesy of Queen's University)

Mr. Sisley enjoyed all of his classes, including many outside of his major, like art history. “I’ve never really been into art,” he says, but adds the class and related field trips were really cool.

The 500-year-old castle (moat included), is filled with history, engaging professors and the odd ghost. The former residence of monarchs, jesters, smugglers and scholars, Herstmonceux Castle becomes home to first years from Dalhousie and other Canadian universities each year. Students take five courses per semester, and all courses are fully accredited by Queen’s University. There are also programs for students in their upper years.

If you’re interested in studying at the castle or any other of the university-wide programs—exchanges are offered to universities in dozens of countries—deadlines are fast approaching. You’ve got until January 30 to apply, says Amy Braye, student exchange officer with International Student and Exchange Services.

For more information or to learn how to apply, go to the International Student and Exchange Services website or e-mail amy.braye@dal.ca.