Vikings, Wizards, & Vampires at Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle in England
What's Included

Explore the writings of Northern England spanning from the beginnings of English literature to the present day. The four-week class will take place on-site in Northumbria, United Kingdom at Alnwick Castle, a location famous for being the grounds of Hogwarts in the films Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Along the way, we will read the story of the poem written in English, learn about the lives and sagas of the Vikings, and discuss the horrors of the classic Gothic novel, Dracula.

In addition to the class readings, we will take an excursion to a reconstructed Viking settlement in York, walk the Whitby streets that Dracula stalks in Bram Stoker's famous novel, and visit the locations in Edinburgh that served as the inspirations for Harry Potter. At the conclusion of the course, students will better understand the contributions that Northern England has made to the landscape of British Literature.

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

On Site Services

On-Site Orientation

Housing (including some meals)

Excursions

Resident Director

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Airport Pickup and Drop-off

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

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Application Requirements

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate students
  • Completed API application
  • Official transcript
  • University Approval Form
  • Prerequisites: English Composition I and II (or the equivalent)
  • Accepted students will enroll at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) as non-degree seeking students and will receive an academic transcript from FHSU
Dates & Fees
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Summer Jun 4, 2023 - Jul 2, 2023 $5,070 Mar 15, 2023 No Extension Apr 15, 2023

*Fort Hays State University tuition and fees are billed separately from the program cost listed above.

*Resident Kansas undergraduate students will be charged an additional $580 for tuition and fees. Non-resident undergraduate students will be charged an additional $1,625 for tuition and fees.

Excursions

  • Whitby

    Whitby is a charming and traditional seaside town, with a busy fishing harbor, an inviting beach sweeping along a dramatic coastline of cliffs, narrow medieval shopping streets culminating in an 18th-century marketplace. The imposing cliff-top ruins of Whitby Abbey date from the 11th century and overlook the city that was the point of arrival in England of “Dracula”, in Bram Stoker’s book of the same name. After enjoying the fresh sea air, exploring the winding the streets, taking in the abbey, you will have the opportunity to sample a meal of fabulously fresh traditional fish and chips.

  • York

    York is an extraordinary city to visit—historically, architecturally and culturally. The stunning York Minster is one of Britain’s finest cathedrals, famous for its Gothic design and medieval stained‐glass windows. York is set around the River Ouse and its center is encircled with 12th-century walls, from which you get great views over the city while on a leisurely walk. Whether it’s finding Roman remains, seeing the Jorvik Viking Centre or a Norman castle tower, taking a river cruise, walking in the Abbey gardens, or shopping in narrow medieval streets, York has it all. You won’t want to miss this great city.

Program Details

What You’ll Study

Enjoy the summer studying, living and learning in one of the England's many historic castles. Fulfill key requirements at your home school and earn 3 U.S. semester credits over 4 weeks.

The class will take place on-site in Northumbria, United Kingdom at Alnwick Castle, a location famous for being the grounds of Hogwarts in the films Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Along the way, we will read the story of the poem written in English, learn about the lives and sagas of the Vikings, and discuss the horrors of the classic Gothic novel, Dracula. In addition to the class readings, students will visit to a reconstructed Viking settlement in York, walk the Whitby streets that Dracula stalks in Bram Stoker's famous novel, and visit the locations in Edinburgh that served as the inspirations for Harry Potter.

  • IMG 3494 1

    Veronica Bocanegra

    Veronica will be your Program Coordinator and will help prepare you for your API program.

    (she / her / hers)

  • Harrison perry 1

    Dr. Perry Harrison, PhD

    Assistant Professor and Graduate Advisor at Fort Hays State University. Dr. Harrison will accompany the group to Alnwick Castle to teach the summer course.

Courses
Click Here to Find Classes

Scroll down to view the course description and syllabus offered for this program.

The structure of the program is designed so students can experience historic England while learning more about English literature. Students will earn 3 credit hours for the FHSU course: ENG 663: Vikings, Wizards, and Vampires: Literature of Northern England. After completion of the program, students will receive a transcript from Fort Hays State University.

Vikings, Wizards, and Vampires: Literature of Northern England

This class explores the writings of Northern England spanning from the beginnings of English literature to the present day. The four-week class will take place on-site in Northumbria, United Kingdom at Alnwick Castle, a location famous for being the grounds of Hogwarts in the films Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber ofSecrets. Along the way, we will read the story of the poem written in English, learn about the lives and sagas of the Vikings, and discuss the horrors of the classic Gothic novel, Dracula. In addition to the class readings, we will take an excursion to a reconstructed Viking settlement in York, walk the Whitby streets that Dracula stalks in Bram Stoker's famous novel, and visit the locations in Edinburgh that served as the inspirations for Harry Potter. At the conclusion of the course, students will better understand the contributions that Northern England has made to the landscape of British Literature.

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

Download Syllabus

Highlights
  • Live and learn in an English castle!
  • The FHSU Department of English, in partnership with API, invites participants to discover Alnwick Castle (one of the filming locations for Harry Potter) and through this summer class, Vikings, Wizards, & Vampires: Literature of Northern England
Housing

Accommodation includes shared rooms in Alnwick Castle as well as shared hotel/hostel rooms in York, Whitby, and Edinburgh. All weekday lunches and dinners will be included during the Alnwick Castle portion of the program. Breakfasts are included in York, Whitby, and Edinburgh. Meals outside of these are the responsibility of the student.