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University of Brighton

University of Brighton

9.78 Rating
73 reviews
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Brighton Beach located near the University of Brighton campus
Picture of the Eiffel Tower shinning at night time during a Paris Fieldtrip
The 2 best friends I made in Brighton
Stonehenge Trip!!
Paris Trip!!
We took the additional trip to Paris, and it was amazing!
Amazing trip to see Stonehenge
Studying Abroad from Illinois State University: Looking over Beachy Head
Brighton Beach
Field trip to stonehenge
Pub
Brighton is in the middle of South Downs National Park, where you can spend all day hiking and the White Cliffs of Dover are located.
View of the English Channel and Brighton Pier where you can play carnival games and ride on carnival rides.
The Lanes district in Brighton where most of the restaurants, pubs and cubs are located.
Cliffs
brighton pier

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About

The University of Brighton is a community of over 21,000 students and 2,600 staff based on five campuses in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings.

Our Study Abroad Programme offers international students the opportunity to enroll in a variety of courses across the different schools for a semester or a year.

Both the city and university are very diverse, offering something for everyone. Brighton is located on the South East coast with easy access to Gatwick, International Airport.

Website
www.brighton.ac.uk

Reviews

Default avatar
Tess
22
Female
United States
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Brighton, England
Jan 22, 2021

When I arrived in Brighton almost exactly a year ago, I had never left my home country or lived away from my family / on a college campus before. I was terrified and very homesick at first, but I quickly discovered that Brighton was exactly what I needed: the University of Brighton, and Brighton itself, was a safe yet challenging landscape for me to discover my independence and grow into myself. From the friendly employees of the Park Farm Shop (the farmers market just across the road from the Falmer campus -- DO NOT MISS IT!) to the supportive University of Brighton faculty and staff (especially Mary, Elissa, Zoe, and Becca!), I was humbled by the kindness and generosity of nearly every person I met during my time there. And I still don't know how to put into words the beauty and magic of the city itself -- equal parts cozy and lively, with something to offer for everyone. Brighton's vibrant and colorful charm is one-of-a-kind, and stole my heart from the very first visit.

My experience was unfortunately cut short because of COVID-19, but the seven weeks I spent abroad truly "Brighton"ed my life and I wouldn't change them for the world. I feel so fortunate to have been able to call this city and its people home, and I look forward to returning safely one day in the hopefully-not-too-far-off future.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of the amazing public transportation system. I only started taking trips out of the city during my last couple of weeks in Brighton (unbeknownst to me at the time, of course), and I wish I'd been able to do more independent travelling (including into the city itself)!
Default avatar
Emily
21
United States
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Brighton, England
Apr 5, 2020

Studying abroad in Brighton was one of the best decisions I've made. Both the included and optional day and weekend trips are really well planned out, cost effective, and super enjoyable. They were my favorite part of my experience and having so many of them is really unique to this program.

Brighton itself is a really unique and eclectic city that's really focused on its student population from the two nearby universities. There's bus services all throughout town, and a direct train to Gatwick airport that only takes about 45 minutes. There's plenty to do both inside and outside the city!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of every spare moment! There's lots to do in Brighton, in London, and throughout the rest of the country.
Default avatar
Rosemary
22
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Brighton, England
Feb 10, 2020

As someone who had never left my home country before studying abroad, I can understand why someone might have doubts about attending somewhere foreign and how it might be scary. Fortunately, at the University of Brighton, that isn’t the case. The staff makes sure you feel at home and you understand everything you need to know before you even realize that you haven’t thought about it yourself! I personally am not an extroverted person, but I was able to gain lifelong friends and I am currently maintaining those relationships while I am back home. I would NOT exchange this experience for anything. Go to University of Brighton and live out the dream you deserve! Happy travels to all! 💛

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don’t waste time, it goes by so much quicker than you think!
Response from University of Brighton

I am glad you found studying abroad at the University of Brighton such a positive experience Rose and the staff made you feel at home. It is our aim to help you have the best possible experience whilst here. We look forward to seeing you back in Brighton one day.

By University of Brighton on February 27, 2020
Picture of the Eiffel Tower shinning at night time during a Paris Fieldtrip
Brighton Beach located near the University of Brighton campus
Default avatar
Diana
24
United States
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Brighton, England
Aug 5, 2019

I highly recommend everyone to study abroad at the University of Brighton you will not regret it! The support at the university is incredible from professors to Mary and everyone at the Study abroad office, to the caring accommodation staff. I honestly did not have a single bad experience in Brighton! Brighton is such a lovely place and there is always something fun going on or somewhere to explore. There's the Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion, the Lanes, the festivals in May, also so many shops to visit and eat at. I think a semester was not enough time for me (do an academic year!). During my semester, I had the opportunity to travel to other countries so that is something to keep in mind when planning (I visited 8 in total). I will cherish my time and memories in Brighton forever and Brighton will always have a special place in my heart.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would highly recommend everyone to sign up for the field trips. They are so worth it! It's all planned out so all you do is hop on the bus and enjoy the trip. Each trip is an incredible experience and it's a good time to bond with everyone in the group. Some of my highlights from my semester at the University of Brighton have been from the trips and the memories that were made with them. Aside from that watch out for the seagulls!
Response from University of Brighton

Hi Diana, we are so pleased to hear your positive comments about your time at the University of Brighton, and to hear that Brighton will always be a special place to you. We aim to make the experience as good for every study abroad student we work with.
You will definitely have to come back and see us one day.

By University of Brighton on August 20, 2019
Default avatar
Anya
22
United Kingdom
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Brighton, England
Jul 1, 2019

Doing this exchange has been far greater than I had ever imagined. Brighton is an incredible place to live and study. The city is exciting and unique and has always got something going on. Coming to a new University and immersing myself in a different learning system was a bit daunting at first. However, studying here has opened up so many opportunities for me as a Graphic Designer. It was also a great opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I have met some incredible and talented people during my time here and have had so many amazing experiences. The study abroad team at Brighton are so lovely and supportive. I’m so glad that I chose to study in Brighton for a whole year as I absolutely love it here. I definitely recommend this program!

What would you improve about this program?
Absolutely nothing! Everything was fantastic and I highly recommend this program.
Response from University of Brighton

Hi Anya, thank you for your positive words about your time here at the University of Brighton, and your personal recommendation. We were really glad to support you whilst you were here and wish you the very best for the future.

By University of Brighton on July 30, 2019
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Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Becca Dwyer

Program
Study Abroad at the University of Brighton, England
Becca Dwyer is in her fourth year at California State University Northridge with a Major in Graphic Design and a Minor in Marketing. Currently working as a Graphic Design and Web Development assistant, she is set to graduate in Spring 2018. When she's not working or studying, she likes to watch animated movies and work on her own illustrations.
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Why did you choose this program?

Aside from the fact that they offered courses beneficial to my degree, the University of Brighton offered many included field trips that were very enticing to me.

I was also drawn to this specific program by the town of Brighton, itself. With it's close proximity to a pebble beach and only an hour train journey to London, it seemed like the perfect location.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Applying to the program was a bit more difficult for me than others. Since I did not have a USAC program at my school, I had to apply for National Student Exchange to the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, and then apply straight to the University of Brighton.

I was pretty much on my own throughout the whole process, but since I knew that I wanted to study specifically at Brighton through USAC, it wasn't a huge problem. I know that students who have the USAC program at their school have a pretty easy application process.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Plan ahead and save! I knew that I wanted to study abroad several years before I actually applied to the program. In the years leading up to my application, I saved as much money as I could, and it definitely paid off. Having extra money to spend on a spontaneous trip to Wales with friends is so much more fun then staying home on the weekend.

Having the financial freedom to say yes to random activities and travels allowed me to take full advantage of my year abroad.

Unfortunately, I know of one girl in my program who signed up for the whole year, but didn't have the financial means to do so and left after the first semester. In order to get the most out of your time abroad, you need to save your money and go on as many adventures as you can!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average week would probably have you going to school three out of the five school days. I only took the equivalent of 12 U.S. units per semester and would spend my downtime hanging out with friends, going to the beach and chilling at pubs. Brighton has a young demographic and a lot of nightlife so you definitely don't have any excuse to be bored!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was just doing something so independently. I felt like I had never been put so far out of my comfort before. Arriving in a new country where you don't know where to go, you don't have any friends yet and where nothing is familiar to you is very daunting. Luckily, once you get to your campus, you'll find approximately 30 other students feeling the exact same way! Bonding!

Also, after completing my year abroad, I can tell that I am a much more confident and assertive individual. Because I put myself out there and took the leap to study abroad, I now know how important it is to have that kind of bravery in my everyday life. I'm much more likely now to say yes to new adventures and challenges that once might've seriously intimidated me.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

It's not so much of a story as it is an awesome fact. I went to Edinburgh, Scotland during my three week long Spring Break and stayed in the Castle Rock Hostel. First of all, yes our spring break was three weeks long and also yes, I would definitely recommend staying at the Castle Rock Hostel if you ever find yourself in Edinburgh.

Anyways, the Castle Rock Hostel holds a beer pong tournament every Saturday night and I can now literally say that I won a beer pong tournament in Scotland. My teammate was someone I didn't even know before the start of the tournament, but who for sure became my best friend when she threw the winning shot. My picture is now up on their "Wall of Champions" for 2016 beer pong tournaments, how cool is that!?

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Elissa Gregory

Program
Study Abroad at the University of Brighton, England
Job Title
Study Abroad Administrator

What is your favorite travel memory?

A cruise up the coast of Norway past the Arctic Circle and dog sledding with Huskies in Tromso where there was an ice hotel. I got to experience the Aurora Borealis. It really was a once in lifetime experience and one of the incredible natural wonders of the world that I feel so very fortunate to have experienced.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

It’s been fantastic to work directly with students to really do all we can to have a positive impact on the student experience. When we took our JSA and ISU Spring semester students to Paris; this was the last trip I attended with them before they returned to their hometowns back in the USA. It was gorgeous to see how much they had grown both as individuals and bonded as a group since I first met them at the beginning of the semester. We work really hard to create bespoke programs for our students and it’s great fun and it’s given me a real passion for the service that we provide.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

A student described how she never felt like she fit in anywhere at home, but felt a sense of belonging here in Brighton. She learned a lot about herself on the program and could now get a sense and see the direction of where her life was going. She felt like Brighton was her second home and couldn’t wait to return and hopefully move here one day!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I think the Summer program would be really fun. Students are here during the best part of the year with the weather and when it’s hot the vibe is great in Brighton. The program is jam-packed with activities and as student teachers, you would get to experience a wide range of various, fantastic schools that make up our school system, from independent forest schools to SEN schools and of course mainstream schools who we have spent many years building a partnership with. Schools love having students from the USA.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We’re a very small team and the service has developed over 20 years creating bespoke programmes for our students wishing to experience studying abroad. You can’t compare our programmes to other institutions because they are so different. The programmes have been built up from the reviews of the students who really are our best marketing tool and advert and I’m proud that the team really have listened and created programmes that really go out a limb to make sure students return home with a life-changing experience.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Passion and caring about what you're doing. It’s so rewarding to support our students on their journey of studying abroad which is often their first time away from home, and although companies do have to have financial stability it’s not about profit and numbers, it’s about creating a service that stands out from the rest.