Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing First Study Abroad Experience! August 02, 2023

By (Political Science and Government, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/03/2023 to 07/07/2023 with

Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worthwhile, I became a much better writer and made good friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of reading and the standard for writing was high, but they were very understanding that you were balancing with trying to have fun experiences abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone as ASE was super nice, they were very understanding about accommodations and generally helpful people to have around.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a truly teensy double and it was hot because we were on the top floor with no AC. That said, they did a good job matching roommates and it was a five week program where I barely spent any time at home, so the tiny-ness didn't matter all that much at the end of the day.

* Food:

You cook for yourself so your food rating is in your own hands. The restaurant options in Bath were incredible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you are afraid of homeless people, you won't like it here. I am from San Francisco so... I was fine. Felt safe the whole time and the size of the city was very manageable for learning my way around.

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

I wanted to dip my toe in studying abroad and this was perfect. It was manageable, I was never really scared about travel, safety, or other.

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)

It's expensive food and groceries, and there are vintage shops where you will want to spend your money. You could do it cheaper if you needed to, I had friends who did.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The farmer's market is cheaper than you would think. Worth it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • They took us on trips all over the UK.
  • The classes (Jane Austen in Bath especially)
  • The people.
* What could be improved?
  • Housing.
  • Help with food/budget.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Specifically the summer program— it is a sprint not a marathon. You are going to go all out for five weeks. Prepare accordingly.

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!