Brighton: Amazing experiences, friends, and adventures Past Review
By Shannon C (Exercise Physiology, California State University - Chico) for
USAC England: Brighton - Undergraduate Courses
Absolutely! I loved my study abroad experience. I wouldn't change it for the world. I would love to be able to stay for a year, I never want to leave. This is an amazing place to come! Make the best of it while it lasts!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics isn't too difficult. For those staying only a semester, the coursework for each class usually consists of two essays which is your overall grade. Not fairly difficult classes and no homework which was nice. Classes of course do vary. Biology courses have a couple practicals including essays whereas literature and sociology courses do not have practicals. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration is amazing. They help you with any issues including coursework, professors, tutors, and daily life problems. They are extremely friendly and enjoy talking to you. Awesome people to work with! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The rooms were nice, just like a dorm room back home. You have your own though. The bathroom is awful, but again you have your own. The heaters turn off every two hours which sucks because it is freezing at night. You get two mini fridge's and freezers for 8 people. Definately not the best living situation, especially if your flatmates don't get along, but it wasn't too bad, it could have been alot worse. |
| * Food: |
I made most food myself and went out a few times a week. This town has a large variety of different types of food which is nice, so you never get bored of the same old thing. The food on campus is alright, just school food similar to back home. I only ate on campus a couple of times because I had my own full kitchen |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had an amazing time on this trip overall. I met many awesome people with very different backgrounds. All of the trips that USAC offered were really fun and definately a deal. If I tried to do those trips on my own it would have cost a lot more than I had paid. The people I met, the places I went, and the experiences I will never forget made this an amazing trip! I am definately coming back to Brighton in the future! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe overall. Just remember, even if your in a new country, exploring new things, you still need to use your common sense and not put yourself in bad situations. I never felt unsafe at any point on this trip! Health is a little different here than in America. They believe that your immune system will heal itself and basically refuse to give you any medicine unless you fall really ill. I have been sick for about a month now and have still been unable to get medicine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I planned on coming for a year, but unfortunately I did not have enough money to stay that long so I only stayed for a semester. I strongly recommend looking at the exchange rate before coming to see how much money you actually have to spend in local currency. Also, the first week is really expensive just settling in and buying things that you forgot or didn't bring over, you go out to eat alot, and out to clubs so money goes really fast the first week. After that week though, it tends to get cheaper, you don't go out nearly as much, and you start to make your own food at home. Also, bring your own Ethernet cord that is longer than 10ft, because the cords they provide you are very short and since there is no wifi you can't do homework or anything on your bed. |
