An Independent, Unforgettable, Cultural Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The rigor and workload of courses is highly dependent on which courses you take at ASE. Taking all English and History classes, for example, meant for me regular weekly reading assignments of 300 pages or more, whereas a roommate I had taking primarily media related courses regularly expressed having very little to no outside work for her courses. The courses themselves, however, are as engaging as you make them--doing the readings so you can participate makes all the difference and, like with almost any college level class, determines how much you get out of the program. In my case, course work did often dictate what I could and could not participate in outside of courses but I also believed engaging with it allowed me to get as much out of my classes as possible.

On-site administration of your program

The administration of ASE is what separates it from other programs. Every member of the staff is helpful, friendly, easy to approach, and eager to help the students attending the program. Even staff members who seem intimidating from a distance are sociable and truly invested in getting to know you.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements are a series of townhouses scattered around Bath that truly encourage cooperation between housemates, but also instill a sense of independence. There is no dining hall or set meal times or even regularly restocked utilities, meaning that ASE gives students a feel of what it is like to live independently that is often missing from regular college dormitories. The houses seem to vary in quality, however. I lived in a more modern house and was very satisfied with it, but others I knew living in an older house were regularly reporting problems that made living comfortably difficult.

For food, you are completely responsible for what you eat, where you eat, and how much you spend on food. As the program only provides food at special occasions, this is a difficult item to rate. The food around Bath is like in most other cities--there are nice places, there are cheap places, and there are many grocery stores if you decide to eat in. While most of the food was nothing spectacular, a good cook will be perfectly content with the dining setup. Someone with less cooking knowledge might have a few difficulties balancing their budget if forced to eat out every night.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Probably the program's biggest shortcoming. Integration with local clubs and community gatherings was difficult to engage with and required high effort to maintain. While the opportunity to join clubs at the local university existed, very few students participated. Most social connections in this program will be made among the other American students, not locals unless given great amounts of attention and upkeep.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Though personally never needed by me, the resources available seemed accessible and also anonymous in case of private or sensitive cases.

I personally never felt in danger or worried for safety over the course of the program. However, Bath still is a city and requires a degree of awareness of people, cars, and anything else that may be passing by. Though it was stated that such a thing is a rare occurrence, a student was mugged during my stay in Bath. The main advice learned by this incident is simply to keep only some money on you and walk in groups at night, which is general advice for most cities.

Though with its faults, ASE is the best experience I have had attending college. There is very little that I look back on and do not think fondly of. I loved the house I lived in, the cultural trips I went on, the hikes through the English countryside, going out with other students on the program, participating in class discussions, the Thai restaurant across the street, the late night trips to the only open grocery store, walking ten miles along the river on days off just because it was possible. The first thing I thought upon returning home was how much I would enjoy returning to England, particularly, Bath again.

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

With a work study while abroad and with an eye on budgeting, the program is very livable if weekly expenses are thought of ahead and planned for, while also allowing some leeway for extra purchases for souvenirs or nights out on the city.

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• Other

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• Americans

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• Americans

• Program study trips
• The trip to Stratford upon Avon
• Independent living

• Cultural interaction
• Improved housing for some of the more rundown houses
• Potentially ability to switch roomates, should a problem arise

The Academic or Linguist