Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Happiest Months of My Life. Past Review

By (English Language and Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/30/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As cliched as it is, I learned about myself. Leaving Wellesley pushed me further from my comfort zone than I'd ever been; I gained confidence and pride in my own intellect. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were challenging, the workload was fair yet strenuous, and admins and tutors were very accessible.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I absolutely adored the administrators. They were all very eager to assist with any problems and were incredibly supportive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

A weekly allowance is given to buy your own food, and as I love to cook, it worked out very well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

They have student assistants who attend the local universities in Bath to organize and lead activities in the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Bath is ranked as the safest city in the UK. I never felt uncomfortable walking alone at night, and I never felt unsafe throughout my time there.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I fell in love with Bath, the people I met, the classes I took, and the experiences I had. Coming back to the states broke my heart, and I'm already making plans to return.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The exchange rate is not in our favor. It's easy to spend a lot of money very quickly, but if you're careful and stick to a budget, it's manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70-100 pounds.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always think about the exchange, international bank fees, and try to weigh need vs. want.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The classes
  • The tutors/admins
  • The city/friends/everything
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how much it would change me, and just how much I would miss it.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!