Queen's in the World

The Bader International Study Centre (BISC) at Herstmonceux Castle is celebrating an important milestone this year, marking 20 years as a preeminent study centre for students, scholars and professionals from around the world.

“Queen’s is extremely lucky to have the Castle, and this anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the many benefits it brings to Queen’s,” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “The BISC is inspiring to both students and scholars alike and we are very grateful to the Baders for giving Queen’s this beautiful property and unique educational centre.”

Herstmonceux Castle is a magical-looking, 15th-century manor house located in East Sussex, England that was donated to Queen’s by Alfred and Isabel Bader in 1993. The Castle opened as an international education centre in 1994 after extensive renovations transformed bedrooms into offices and work areas into classrooms. It is now thriving, with more than 350 undergraduate and postgraduate students attending each year, and more than 7,000 alumni. The majority come from Queen’s and other Canadian universities, but the BISC also draws students from the United States, China, Korea, Japan, Turkey, the Caribbean and Mexico. 

To celebrate the anniversary, the BISC is hosting a reunion for former students, staff and faculty July 26-28 that will include a champagne reception, special seminars, a mystery field trip, a formal dinner, a disco, plus downtime to relax on the grounds or in the Castle, catching up with old friends and colleagues.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating this exciting anniversary,” says Bruce Stanley, Executive Director, BISC. “The Castle is a one-of-a-kind learning institution and over the past 20 years, it has established itself as a destination for students and scholars who want to ‘go global’ and to become transnational citizens of the 21st century.”

This article is one of a series of stories celebrating the Castle and its 20th anniversary.

More on the alumni reunion in July
More on the history of the Castle and programs