Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Autumn in Bristol January 07, 2026

By (Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/13/2025 to 12/20/2025 with

University of Bristol: Bristol - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have a better understanding of a culture outside of the US and I'm very grateful for that opportunity. The people there were really nice and they did not hesitate to teach me some of the cultural norms. But every place comes with its challenges.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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 could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Kind people
  • Lots of walking
  • Helpful advisors
* What could be improved?
  • Diversity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bristol University is in a good city, but you should expect to do a lot of traveling to cities like London and other European countries if you want a variety of options and a diverse group of people to learn from. The population of the school and the campus is much larger compared to Brandeis, but the diversity is lacking and joining cultural clubs/societies and attending these events are never free. Also the grading of courses there is based on two assessments max, so you'll have to prioritize your time to do well on them.