Advanced Studies in England

ASE is a great program. Hands down, one of the best decisions I've ever made. I loved the trip to Stratford-upon-Avon the most - being able to see three Royal Shakespeare Company shows was life-changing. I formed a lot of close friendships while also gaining a lot of confidence, whether that be academically, socially, or personally. Bath is an absolutely beautiful city that is small enough that you can really get to know every single part of it and feel like a real resident, but big enough that there's still always something to do.

I was part of this program for a full academic year, and the decision to apply was the best I've made in quite some time. Living in Bath is a uniquely special experience. It's a place where rich history lives alongside a hub of bustling tourism, meaning there's always something to do if you look for it. ASE puts a lot of effort into ensuring its students have as many opportunities as they want to take advantage of; your level of involvement in the community is almost completely customizable to your comfort level, but you have to take initiative. There are mandatory study trips to Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, and Stonehenge, as well as course-specific class trips (for example, to nearby Glastonbury), which means that every student will experience life beyond Bath to some degree. The three-day weekends also allow students an abundance of travel time, as the importance of fully integrating into and exploring the country is stressed early on in the program. In terms of academics, the workload is rigorous but not impossibly difficult, and the smaller class sizes allow for a more personalized learning experience. Every tutor I had was enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable about their subject of choice, and the way classes and essays were structured meant that I developed further as an academic. Equally dedicated and personable were the ASE staff members, who were genuinely friendly and supportive, and I found it hard to leave them behind come the end of my second semester. Altogether, this program offers a perfect blend between schoolwork, social activity, and cultural exploration, and I know that the lessons I learned (both academically and personally) and the friends I made will stick with me for a long time.

I am so glad I made the decision to participate in ASE Summer School 2015. I enjoyed two challenging yet not overwhelming history classes that explored the city and used our location to enhance our learning (Romans in Britain and Domestic Soldiers). I lived in a beautiful 19th-century villa with 7 other housemates and we enjoyed living in a regular neighborhood of Bath, rather than a dormitory. The entire ASE staff was incredibly welcoming and supportive, from giving recommendations on the best pubs, to advice on good day trips, to figuring out the British grocery store. The ASE staff also organized fantastic social excursions for us to Cornwall, London, Oxford, Stonehenge, and Glastonbury--these trips are what make ASE stand out from other study abroad programs.
I will always happily remember my time in Bath.

It's very hard for me to believe that it has been just slightly over a year since I was last across the pond and taking part in this wonderful program.

What I believe to be most difficult, especially upon my return, was trying to describe the program and all that had taken place in just the short five weeks. The only word I seem to keep coming back to is "perfect."

Advanced Studies in England (ASE) have put together one of the greatest overall experiences I've ever been a part of. The program sends students to some of the most incredible places that leaves you feeling as though you've seen the variety that's across England. In addition to some seriously astounding views that would even make the most pristine Instagram account blush. The staff is incredible from tutors Rob, Laura, and Bill to the office crew of Emma, Lindsay, Lucy, and Sue. Seriously some of the kindest people I've ever met.

If you choose to explore, make the most of your time, and put in the necessary work, you will be more than rewarded for the effort and will be forever changed for it.

Summer 2014 in Bath is something I will never, ever forget. I learned so much and made wonderful, true friends. It's been one year and my Linley Housemates and I still talk pretty regularly! I honestly think that I came out of my ASE experience a better version of myself because of all of the support I had from faculty and classmates, the beauty and history of the city and other travel destinations, and of course, all of the laughs and smiles. I wish my school schedule had worked out so that I could do a semester or even a year with ASE, but I am so grateful for my couple of months. I wouldn't trade my experience for the world!