Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lots of Fun with a Good Amount of Work in Between Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/29/2018 to 05/19/2018 with

Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to live in one of my favorite countries and really experience British life. I saw the greater part of Southern England and went on trips that were academically-interesting, culturally-enriching, entertaining, and even sometimes athletically-challenging (in a good way). I tried many new things, including traveling alone, taking a one-on-one course at Oxford, and even partying a little. I feel less anxious and more independent due to my time away from Wellesley. I would 100% do it again.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Groceries in Bath were quite expensive, wish I had been warned I'd need more money as a student on FA.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Bath was very safe.

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)

Bath is a very expensive city and I sometimes had issues with money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget early on. Cook family meals with your flatmates--this served us quite well.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Small and intimate--everyone knows you!
  • Study and program trips--you really get to see England
  • The opportunity for an Oxford tutorial without going to Oxford
* What could be improved?
  • Wish the breaks had been more carefully planned out
  • Lack of organization when it came to mental health and conflict resources, especially when it came to other students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to cook things other than pasta, potatoes, and breakfast food (i.e. meat). Also, despite popular belief, things aren't cheaper in England than the U.S.

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!