Trip Feedback and Advice

1) what you enjoyed most about the trip
I liked how we were free and encouraged to be independent and travel on our free weekends. I also like the various trips we took together (Stratford-Upon-Avon, play at the Globe and Hadrian's Wall). I'm glad they were planned out ahead of time because I don't think I would have found some of them on my own.

2) what you enjoyed the least
I know that in order to make the most of our time here, we have to wake up early for traveling and class, but I felt like I went to bed really late and woke up really early. I think maybe making class time and hour or so later (especially after a day travel trip) would help.

3) suggestions for next year
I would suggest staying a week less in the manor and going somewhere else, like Paris. Also, more days on the Brit Rail pass would have been nice.

4) advice for next year's students about what to do, not do, what to bring, etc.
-For clothing, pack layers so you have a variety of clothing to adjust to the varying weather.
-Definitely bring a coat (preferably waterproof).
-To keep in contact with people back home, I recommend using Skype. It is free and you get to see the person on the other end as well as talk to them like a phone conversation. If you don't bring your laptop/webcam/mic for skype, buy a calling card and make sure it can be used internationally on pay phones. Some calling cards can only be used in the states or only on cell phones.
-I would definitely keep a journal or a blog and take tons of pictures (even if you aren't in the visual story telling class).
-Also, definitely take advantage of free weekends: use that time to travel to other European places (such as France, Paris or even other places in the U.K. by train). Don't waste days hanging around the manor, unless you absolutely need to catch up on sleep or work. If you do decide to make independent travel trips, plan out ahead of time how you will get to the train station/airport, which train/flight you will take, and how to get to each of your destinations before you arrive. This way, you save time trying to figure everything out when you get there.
-Lastly, try new things! This trip is all about gaining new experiences, so be spontaneous (but also safe)! =]