Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Bath is a small city but has everything you could ever want or need Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., SUNY - Binghamton) for

University of Bath: Bath - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned more about British culture, met amazing people from all over the world, and have great memories to look back on.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was well organized. I got help when I needed it and knew who to ask for help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was off campus but a 30 min walk to campus. It was housed by exchange and postgraduate students. <br /><br /> Housing was close to campus- I was able to walk every day that the weather was good. I had an apartment with my own bathroom and a shared kitchen between 5 people. Housing was within a 10-20 minute walk of everything you could need, including restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, nightlife, etc.

* Food:

Grocery stores had mostly the same food but I liked trying new things, like flapjacks!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

They arranged trips to destinations in England, like Windsor Castle, Stonehendge, and Salisbury. It allowed me to get to know the other exchange students better and get transportation to sites I've always wanted to see.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city of Bath itself is very safe. I ran into no problems.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Know the conversion rate ahead of time and check your balance on your ATM to notice how much you are spending. Things are more expensive in Bath, especially since it is a college town.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

They spoke English but I can familiar with the nuances of a British speaker and an American speaker.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely pick to go to Bath! It is a small city but has everything you could ever want or need. The locals are so nice and friendly, and you befriend all the other exchange students. There are a variety of programs for all the exchange students to get together, and you will soon befriend everyone! The city is gorgeous (weather not so much..until springtime). Academics are challenging but very interesting!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Modern British Society: Social Institutions
Course Department: EL10684, A02
Instructor: Christina Baron
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was for exchange students only, so everyone was either Canadian or American. We learned about modern british society- 1 new topic a week. There were quizzes, papers, and an open-note paper final examination. I'd say this was my easiest course.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Personality Psychology
Course Department: PS20104
Instructor: Christine Griffin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course covered 20 chapters in a textbook. Powerpoint slides were to be printed out before class and we could take notes on them. Grades consisted of a paper worth 20% and a final exam (3 essays out of 6 to write) worth the other 80%. The teacher was helpful and the course was interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Childhood: Sociological Perspectives
Course Department: SP20099
Instructor: Tess Ridge
Instruction Language: English
Comments: We were to print out powerpoints before the class and take notes on them. The course consisted of a take home essay worth 100% of the grades (on one of the topics covered with research). I really enjoyed this class and the professor has published numerous books and articles.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Clinical Psychology
Course Department: PS30122
Instructor: Alan Lewis
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Every week we had a speaker come in with a topic they specialized in. We were to print out the powerpoint notes ahead of time and take notes. I got an in-depth knowledge of various topics. In the final exam, we were to write 2 essays out of 6.
Credit Transfer Issues: