The Loveliest Study Abroad Experience May 24, 2024

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although this program is academically rigorous and more intense than other study abroad programs, the educational quality is incredible. I have learned more this past semester than in my whole life. We are offered a library of resources and the readings are so intriguing. I always found myself getting lost in my work. I had never felt so academically fulfilled before going on this program.

On-site administration of your program

The ASE staff were genuinely the kindest most approachable people you will ever meet. They make you feel so cared for and seen throughout the entirety of the program. There was never a moment where I felt neglected by the administration, and I knew I could always go to them if there was a problem. They always kept us busy with cultural and social events and always checked in with us. Each student on the program had a mentor they could talk to if they needed anything. The support throughout this entire program was unlike any study abroad program I have seen before.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was enchanting to live in a flat in the historic city of Bath. The flat was older but I genuinely think it added so much to my experience. I loved my flatmates and how we were all spread out throughout the building through different floors. I know that for everyone else on the program too, the strongest friendships were made through the loving roommates everyone had. I did have to share my room, as did many other students, but singles are also available.

The city of Bath has incredible restaurants and food choices! This program doesn't have a dining hall, as we are not living in dorms, but they give you money for food which is lovely.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt incredibly integrated with Bath by the end of the program. I had no idea what I was in for beginning the program, and I was slightly expecting to be in the middle of nowhere. However, Bath is a lively city with tons of student life, events, shows, and anything you can imagine to get involved in! The program was incredible of integrating us with the local community and universities through events and programs.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I never had an experience with healthcare, I had many friends who sought out services for physical and mental health. At the beginning of the program during orientation, we were told how to access health care services, where to go, and who to contact if we had any issues. Healthcare was very easily accessible and the program was always there to help. There were no prevalent health issues in Bath and I was generally healthy throughout the entire program besides a minor cold, which I got from traveling.

Every morning I would go on a run, and in the beginning, I was terrified that Bath would be unsafe. However, I cannot emphasize more how safe the city of Bath is. There was never one point that I felt unsafe in Bath. No matter what time or place, I constantly felt safe, as did all my program members. If there was ever any safety problem, the program made it clear how to handle it and how they would best support us.

I am heartbroken that I had to leave this program because I genuinely believe it was the most perfect experience. Not only is Bath the most gorgeous city, but this program truly cares for you and your wellbeing. They constantly look out for you and want you to be well-integrated into the city of Bath. The academics on this program, although hard, are so fulfilling to complete with such incredible professors. The tutorial program, where you can work one-on-one with a professor, was hands down the most fulfilling academic experience I have had to date. I could not imagine myself doing any other program!

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

It was very easy to handle living on a student budget because they gave us food money for groceries. Additionally, Bath is not a very expensive city and there are dollar stores and cheap grocery stores. Housing is covered and you can spend as little or as much money as you please. ASE also offers scholarships, which helped me a lot throughout my time on the program.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• The City of Bath
• The Constant Support from Staff
• Independence

• More opportunities for the entire program to be together
• More required events
• Having more meals together as a program

The Academic or Linguist