Blog Entry - Reflections of Harlaxton College
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous as I arrived at London’s Heathrow Airport last August. Too many places I have not visited in the United States, so why would I ever decide to pursue teaching in the United Kingdom? Now that I’ve had several weeks to reflect on my experience at Harlaxton College, I realize it was four of the best months of my life. Here are just a few reasons why others should also pursue the opportunity.
Academic environment. Class sizes are small and held in the same centuries-old manor where you reside. Once you begin to acclimate to the beauty of the architecture and the landscape of the English countryside (I never did), you realize how much you do not miss the typical work commute. Students are bright and eager as many are undertaking the learning abroad experience for the first time. It took only a few days to adapt to the reality of living and eating amongst your own students, but as a rule, they were a great and talented lot. Almost all of them are from U.S. schools, as Harlaxton is a complete teaching abroad institution. Actually, it’s not fair to refer to Harlaxton as an “institution” as that term conjures visions of dullness. Since you live and teach at the same location, time for productivity and recreation are both at a maximum.
Travel & Leisure. The opportunities are endless as faculty can join weekend student trips or travel to other destinations as they choose. When I stayed on campus over a weekend, I never saw the visiting math professor and his wife until late November. While I limited my travel to U.K. destinations, trips to Ireland and Scotland will stay with me for a lifetime. I should also mention that some of the trips are faculty-led expeditions related to the subject area. As a psychology professor, I accompanied students to the homes of Sigmund Freud and Charles Darwin. Class schedules are conducive to weekend excursions as classes do not typically meet on Friday. During the work week, numerous opportunities abound for volunteering at the manor. I enjoyed my fill of free espresso while working as a “barista” in the student Bistro.
People. Actually, this one should be at the top of the list. I’ve never been around a friendlier group of humanity. Colleagues, staff, students and the locals are wonderful. I made lasting friendships with everyone from the barber in town to the security guard at the manor. The permanent British Studies faculty, the U.S.-born Principal/Headmaster, and the rest of the administrative team are top-notch. I miss the social aspect of Harlaxton’s learning environment everyday (thank you Facebook for helping me stay connected).
I really only have one regret about my experience. If you have school-aged children, take them with you. There are several local schools in the area and I wish my middle-school boys had joined me during my adventure. My regret is only tempered by the hopes that they too, will attend and reside at Harlaxton College someday, as college students studying abroad.
Please contact me with any questions as I enjoy sharing the experience.
Cheers!
Trey Asbury
Assistant Professor of Psychology
easbury@twu.edu
Page last updated 10:54 AM, March 6, 2024