University of Sussex: first bridge to the rest of the world! Past Review

By (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., University of California - Riverside) for

University of Sussex: Brighton - International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was greatly worthwhile. Not only having going to a university that is so highly rated in the UK, but being in a program that was concerned with my cultural experiences. They encouraged us to go out and explore as much as we could.

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.

The workload was actually less than what I was used to at UC, but it required more involvement with the class. The grading system was about the same and the teaching methods were awesome. This may be because it was a smaller program and so the class sizes were greatly smaller, similar to a seminar.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall, my expectations were met and exceeded. The support staff of the host institution and the faculty of the International Summer School program were outstanding and very helpful. They helped in any way they could and took us on some awesome trips.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was good where you could find it! They have small cafes around campus that close way earlier than most Americans are used to, and they didn't have a cafeteria-type location (or a meal plan) of any type. The options were to cook yourself, or eat out. This was the main negative point I found with the program. But be sure to check out the pub on campus! Great beer and pub food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Stonehenge, seeing Wicked in London, Pride in Brighton

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city was pretty safe and the university had a 24 hour security desk and escort.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $30 at the cheapest in a week up to almost $200.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Remember the exchange rate!!!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes
  • Brighton
  • Tutor/Faculty
* What could be improved?
  • Food Options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a great opportunity. The type of student who would benefit from this program is one that not only wants to study at a foreign university, but who wants to experience cultures and visit places unavailable to them in the U.S.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

English Folklore

Course Department: Anthropology
Instructor: Colin Manton
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It wouldn't be that challenging for someone who has taken similar classes as I have. It was focused on the folklore of the county we were in, so the locations discussed were actually travelable and the field trips were directly relevant to the topic. The tutor was always well prepared, and very knowledgable; seeing as how this is a specialty of his. I participated more often because it was a more comfortable environment with the smaller class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No credit transfer issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Museums and Material Culture

Course Department: Anthropology
Instructor: Colin Manton
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was really one of a kind. It had great field trips to local galleries and into London. The county of Sussex offers a wide variety of types of museum. The tutor was very informative and prepared, and has decades of experience with museums from volunteering to curating. I participated much more in this program than at my host institution because of the more relaxed atmosphere.
Credit Transfer Issues: No problems