Bath is a great city, and ASE is a great program July 15, 2023

By (Drama, Theater, Theatre Arts, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/23/2023 to 05/13/2023 with

Advanced Studies England: Bath - ASE Study Centre

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. Although the UK is similar to the US in many aspects, I felt I was able to experience a different side of the world. An example- I would never take public buses in the US, but in Bath, that was my main mode of transportation. Additionally, I was able to study and immerse myself in the local culture, as I was an intern at a local community theater venue. Though I was already a fairly independent person, traveling abroad helped me gain more confidence in going places and planing things both by myself and with friends.

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.

Overall, there was a good balance of academic intensity for a study abroad program. However, I do recognize that this is also dependent on classes taken, as a lot of courses varied extremely in intensity. Additionally, the quality of education provided varies by teacher (as one would expect from any college), so some courses ended up being more fulfilling than others.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Phenomenal location, utilities could be improved. One toilet had difficulty flushing and provided utensils and cooking equipment were limited.

* Food:

We were given a set allowance for groceries every three weeks that was very meager. I would always have to supplement the funds with my own in order to afford enough groceries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The staff was excellent about setting up a plethora of programs and social/cultural events in order to engage with Bath and England as a whole.

* 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? Yes

This was definitely a worthwhile experience and I fully enjoyed my time studying abroad. Though I engaged with a bit of local culture, I made a lot of new friends in students studying with me from all over the US. The academics were good, and the staff was excellent and very approachable.

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? ~$150

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
  • The staff
  • The study trips
* What could be improved?
  • Allowance
  • Reevaluation of course teachers
  • Some utilities and housing accommodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The difference between beer, cider, and lagers.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.