Storming castles and causing countless shenanigans is just a part of Lee Allen’s plan to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to the mysteriously beautiful land that is the United Kingdom. Specifically, he will go to its counterpart, Wales, to study history and philosophy during his sophomore year at Pace.

“I’ve always wanted to live in the United Kingdom to better comprehend the culture,” Allen said, “Having the opportunity through the study abroad program is a dream come true.”

As Bangor is not a part of England, but mostly inhabited by British people, Allen looks to make his time there a truly British experience.

“I will be living and interacting with locals only,” Allen said, “The other programs were located in London. London is a wonderful city, but it is like New York in that it is very diverse and has many foreigners living in the city. I wanted to know what the British lifestyle was like outside of the city.”

Having lived in the Hudson River Valley all of his life, Allen looks to challenge himself by staying in a foreign country for an entire year.

“I certainly need the experience of not having loved ones accessible to me at all times,” Allen said, “It will be the first time away from my family for an extended period of time.”

Despite the pound being more valuable than the dollar, Bangor University’s tuition is similar to that of Pace’s.

“Studying abroad is not as expensive as one would think,” Allen said, “The most important thing, financially, is to spend wisely.”

Studying history and philosophy during his first semester, Allen will take a class on the history of Welsh royalty.

“To study a history that is present to me is a dream come true,” Allen said, “Preserved in every castle is a story, and I look forward to uncovering these stories both inside and outside the classroom.”