Program Airfare

Airfare is included with all St. Cloud State programs in Alnwick, unless you would like to extend your trip or fly a different route than the group. Part of the application process will include all students submitting the “Airfare Commitment Form” so we know your plans for travel. Many students travel to and from Alnwick on the program dates outlines online; however, some students wish to travel after the program dates. If you would like to extend your trip or fly a different route than the group, please indicate that on your Airfare Commitment Form when it is give to you to complete. Airport pickup and dropoff is also included to and from the airport for arrival and departure of the program. 

Health Insurance

GeoBlue, the program insurance provider, covers the required medical insurance. Included in the coverage is medical issues including emergency medical evacuation but also political/natural disaster evacuation. 

Meals

The program provides most meals for students. Meals are taken into consideration for students have long weekends for travel and to enjoy the local cuisine.

Breakfast:

• Continental breakfast is provided in the kitchen for students to prepare. Breakfast items include fruit, milk, cereal, eggs and pastries.

Lunch:

• Tuesday through Thursday
  • Meals are located at Grannies Tea Room (approx. 5 mins walk)
  • Students can pick a main, a snack, and a drink
  • Grannies can accommodate dietary restrictions, just let them know and they can suggest you the options
• Friday Field trip
  • Bagged lunch will be provided through Grannies when there is a field trip for Fridays.

Dinner:

• Tuesday through Thursday
  • Dinners are provided by the Castle Cafe (next to Hunter’s Block)
  • Dinner time is at 5PM and typically wraps up by 5:30PM
  • Castle catering can accommodate dietary restrictions, just let them know and they can suggest you the options

On-Site Support Staff

The castle has 24/7 on-site support staff member and student interns to assist with any needs. 

Laundry Room

Students and guests have access to free laundry facilities during their stay. It is also another hang out spot for students to mingle and play games. Facilities include:

• 2 washers, 1 dryer (students and guests are responsible to obtain their own laundry detergent)
• Pool table, table tennis, books

Cultural Excursions

Along with the required BRIT 201 class there is field trips to areas around England and Scotland. Field trips are on most Friday's helping students understand the area they live in and learn the history of the land. It is a great opportunity to get students out of the castle to jumpstart their travel!

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi inside the Alnwick Castle is linked to the St. Cloud State University network. This means you will have secure access to Wi-Fi the entire time you are inside of Alnwick Castle's SCSU spaces.

Student Rooms

Students get assigned to shared/ single (upon requests) room. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their own room. There are heaters in the room however, there is no air conditioning - windows open (but no screens). Each room will have 1 or 2 single beds in a room, desk and chair, closet shelf and some rooms may include a sink (not guaranteed). Toilets and showers are shared among students within the same area (Lion’s Tower, Upper Fosses, Lower Fosses, and Hunters Block). Each facility is private and equipped with a door and lock for your comfort and security.

Class Registration

Students can take online courses from their home university or take a mixture of in-person or online classes. BRIT 201:Reflections on the British Cultural Experience is required for all students to take. 

Take one or all of the courses in addition to any online courses to stay on track with major and/or minor requirements.

In-Person Classes Available:

• BRIT 201 Reflections on the British Cultural Experience (Goal 8) Required
• BRIT 250 Contemporary Britain (Goal 9)
• HIST 336 Early Modern Britain (Goal 5)
• PSY 330: Cross-Cultural Psychology

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Travel to the U.K. requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The online application is straightforward, but it’s important to complete it carefully and accurately to ensure approval. Once submitted, you will typically receive an email confirmation quickly with your approval status. An ETA is mandatory for entry into the U.K. (including travel to Alnwick) and costs £16. Without approval, you will not be permitted entry.

Apply for ETA online

Do I need to bring bedding or towels?

Alnwick Castle provides a duvet (comforter), duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase, fitted sheet, bath towel and hand towel for your use during your time there.

Does the castle have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi inside the Alnwick Castle is linked to the St. Cloud State University network. This means you will have access to Wi-Fi the entire time you are inside of Alnwick Castle's SCSU spaces.

Will my cell phone work in England?

Your cell phone service in the U.K. will depend on your individual plan. iPhones can use iMessage when connected to Wi-Fi, but we recommend contacting your service provider before travel to review your options. Another convenient option is an electronic SIM card (eSIM), which allows you to download a provider’s profile directly to your phone and connect to a local network for calls, texts, and data. A popular choice is Airalo, which is easy to set up and lets you customize your destination and package.

What should I pack?

Pack light and bring clothing that can be layered. Alnwick Castle can get a little cold at times, but when you are out and about, wear layers; the weather in the U.K. can change quickly. Good walking shoes/boots are also a must - the Castle and town have plenty of cobblestone streets and stairs.

Kitchen

Shared space for dining and cooking. Students share cleaning and organizing duties to ensure cleanliness of kitchen. Facilities include:

• Refrigerator, air fryer, microwave, coffee brewer etc.
• Pots & pans, cooking utensils, baking trays etc.
• Dishwasher, cleaning supplies

Commons

Area for students to hang out, study, socialize etc. Students are responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of the commons. NO equipment is to be taken out of this area for use in individual rooms. Smoking and Alcohol are prohibited in the commons. Items included in the commons area:

• DVD player - classic American and British movie DVDs
• Guitar,
• Board games

Classrooms

Classroom B is the largest classroom where most classes are taught. Classroom C is a smaller classroom with great views of the castle grounds. Students are allowed to use classrooms as study rooms outside of class times. Items included in the classrooms are:

• Computer
• White Board
• TV
• Class Material
• Printer (only in Classroom B)

Laundry Room (Pottery Room)

Students and guests have access to free laundry facilities during their stay. It is also another hang out spot for students to mingle and play games. Students are responsible to purchase their own laundry detergent and softner. Items included in the laundry room are:

• 2 Washing machines
• 1 Dryer
• Pool table
• Table tennis table
• Books

Student Rooms

Students get assigned to shared/ single (upon requests) room. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their own room. There are heaters in the room however, there is no air conditioning - windows open (but no screens). Each room will have 1 or 2 single beds in a room, desk and chair, closet shelf and some rooms may include a sink (not guaranteed). 

Restrooms

Toilets and showers are shared among students within the same area (Lion’s Tower, Upper Fosses, Lower Fosses, and Hunters Block). Each facility is private and equipped with a door and lock for your comfort and security.

@scsuinternational Student day in the life in Alnwick Castle 🏰🇬🇧 #studyabroad #studyabroadlife #alnwickcastle #studyabroadgoals #stcloudstate ♬ original sound - Marc Scibilia

Invite Guests to Come Visit!

Your family and friends are welcome to visit before, during, and after the program but are not able to accompany you for the full length of the program unless officially enrolled. 

To visit your student who is enrolled in the Alnwick Program please submit a Alnwick Request form located below. A member of our team will be in touch with more information once your request is received.

Please Note:

• Two night minimum stay required

• We can only accept stay requests up to six months in advance of your arrival date.

• Availability may be limited at certain times of the year due to group bookings at the castle. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

• England is six hours ahead of U.S. Central Time, so responses may be slightly delayed.

• The castle is not available for guest stays December 1 through January 31.

Submit a Request to Stay at the Castle