Enriching Academics in a Beautiful City January 03, 2023

By (English and Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/29/2022 to 12/17/2022 with

Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not all learning can be done in a classroom. Your surroundings, the people you see on your daily walks, the landmarks you visit can all teach you so much if you are willing to open your eyes and take it all in.

Review Photos

Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre Photo Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre Photo Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre Photo Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre Photo Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed all of my courses while abroad. The tutors came from highly prestigious universities around the United Kingdom––some coming from Oxford. I learned so much, and greatly appreciate the care all of my tutors took in their lessons. There were an array of resources offered, and the on-site library provided almost everything I needed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was by far the best part of this program. They were so supportive, kind, and always available to answer any question. I always received a response within a couple of hours when something came up, and a solution was always reached very quickly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The house itself had a few problems over the course of the semester, like a broken stove and TV, but the issues were all fixed relatively quickly. The house was in a central location, but off on a quiet side street. It offered everything I needed.

* Food:

There is no dining hall or similar arrangement at ASE. Students must do their own cooking or go out to eat. The food in the UK is okay, but nothing special. I found food to be my biggest expensive, so I recommend creating a budget and sticking to it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I personally did not have the free time to explore the local culture as much as I might have liked to, but ASE provided all of the opportunities. It is up to the student whether or not to pursue them. For not attending all of the social and cultural events, I still feel as though because Bath is a small city, I was very integrated into the local culture, especially with local businesses.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any severe health issues while abroad. When sick, it was easy to go to the store and grab what I needed. I never had to contact the administrators of the program for help. However, other people I know did, and they said the program was very responsive and provided resources.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in the city of Bath. Of course, I would recommend never walking alone at night, locking your door, and other safety precautions just to be extra safe. Overall Bath is an extremely safe city.

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

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)

Money was definitely the most difficult aspect of studying abroad. The program allotted about $150 every two/three weeks for expenses, but I found, at times, it was very hard to get through a week without spending at least $50 of my own money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely make a budget and stick to it. Your friends will want to constantly go out to eat and/or order food, but try to at least make a few home-cooked meals a week. Going grocery shopping with housemates and meal-prepping is also a good way to avoid spending too much on food.

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 administrative staff
  • The location
  • The tutors
* What could be improved?
  • There are weeks where almost all classes have a paper due, and it did become somewhat overwhelming
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is okay to put yourself out there. Everybody else on the program is in the same boat about wanting to meet new people. Talk to everyone you can––but it is okay if you don't become best friends.

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!