Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A near-perfect semester; lots of friends, travel, and memories Past Review

By (English/Creative Writing and Cinema and Media Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My trip was definitely worthwhile; I became much more self-reliant especially organizing my own travel and expenses. I gained what I'm sure will be life-long friendships and memories.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although the courses themselves were not necessarily as challenging as my home courses, I felt that the teachers' enthusiasm and knowledge as well as the intent classroom discussions made them some of the most rewarding classes I've taken. The Advanced Writing course in Oxford was a unique and positive experience; the papers and creative writing I produced were intensely researched using the extensive program-specific library.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I can't say enough about the ASE staff; they were extremely supportive and helpful on a person-to-person basis, knew each student by name, and made the program feel extremely tight-knit and friendly. They were a central and active part of the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a Georgian townhouse with six other girls who became some of my best friends on the program; the house was a close and supportive group that felt very home-like.

* Food:

We were provided with a bi-weekly food allowance for groceries. Most of the food was home-cooking with the occasional group meal out or take-away.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While there were plenty of opportunities to join in community events like Poetry and a Pint, karaoke at local pubs, community gardening, pudding club, etc., the program was not as integrated into the local culture as living at a university. There were chances to teach, volunteer, work, and intern that I didn't take advantage of however.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The staff was very aware of health concerns and referred students to local doctors. I didn't have any significant health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

Bath is a notably safe, well-lit city that, while you shouldn't necessarily walk alone at night, never presented any safety-related incidents.

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)

The pound conversation rate was a little rough, but the prices especially with student discounts for the two universities in the city made a low-cost lifestyle very feasible.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Environment in Bath/Classmates
  • Chances to travel
  • Staff and teachers
* What could be improved?
  • Interactions with local students
  • Cultural integration
  • Notification about exam scheduling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known to get a visa in order to work, intern, or volunteer.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!