University of Brighton

Program Reviews

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Travis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience you cannot miss

This trip provides you so many amazing experiences. I look back at this trip and am so glad I took upon this opportunity to embrace another culture. One moment I will never forget is when we went to observe in a school. One of the classes I sat in on was a music classroom. The teacher asked if I could play a song for the students and I couldn't say no. It was an amazing moment for me to be thrown into that classroom like that. It was at that point on the trip that I truly felt connected with the people and the culture.

What would you improve about this program?
I feel that there is nothing that I would have changed for this trip. I was able to do so much and experience so much. I only wish it was longer.
Response from University of Brighton

Thank you for your comments. We're looking at extending the 2017 Summer School to four weeks!

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Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Time of my Life

I had never been out of the country before. Going to Brighton England was the best experience I could have ever had. I was lucky to have great staff and friends with me when I went over seas. I made some of my Best friends and learned a lot! I can't even wait to use the stuff I learned in the classroom one day. Being able to explore England was amazing. The weekend trips were beyond worth it. I experienced so much in such a short time and I could not have asked for anything else. Go to Brighton!! You won't regret it!

Response from University of Brighton

Thank you for your comments. We're so pleased to hear that your first experience abroad was such an enjoyable one.

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Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience of My Life

My time spent in Brighton was an experience that I will never forget! The university is close enough to go visit the downtown life of Brighton and see what the culture is like. The staff at the university are super helpful and want you to make the best out of your experience abroad. The classes were very engaging and unlike normal college lectures. Overall, my experience studying abroad at the University of Brighton was all that I thought it would be and more. Be sure to make the most out of your experience and be sure to try some fish and chips!

What would you improve about this program?
I loved this program, but if I had to change one thing, it would be to offer more scheduled trips to London.
Response from University of Brighton

Thank you for your comments.
Due to the intensive nature of the programme, we have to fit a lot into a short space of time! In order for you to be able to see all the places of interest we think you would like to, we can only schedule one accompanied visit to each place during the programme. However we do encourage students to travel on their 'free' afternoons, whether that be to London or to the nearby towns of Lewes or Arundel.

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Maddi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Do not pass up this amazing opportunity!

I completed this study abroad program the summer before my senior year of college. It was my parents' graduation gift to me, and it was the best gift I will ever receive. I didn't know anyone prior to leaving for Brighton, but quickly made friends with the huge group I traveled with. We had a great time in our classes and really enjoyed our instructor, Kate. The staff planned awesome side trips and experiences for us, and really took the time to get to know us. Becca and Mary are wonderful hostesses, and I still think of them often and miss them! I wish I could relive my trip to Brighton. I will definitely be returning soon!

Response from University of Brighton

Thank you for your comments. We're so glad to hear you remember your time in Brighton so fondly.

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Kirsten
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Statue Workshop

One of my favorite experiences during my study abroad opportunity in Brighton was the drama class we took. This class was all about how creativity through story telling can bring out the most unique imagination experiences in students. My favorite story we told was when we were given a picture of a statue and we had to create a story for it. Even college age students were coming up with the most out of this world stories. I don't think we would have come up with even half the ideas we did if we had just simply read a book about the statue. This class and my overall experience studying abroad in Brighton opened my eyes to a whole new style and way of teaching students in this changing educational world.

What would you improve about this program?
My only wish for what we could have done is had more time in the actual school setting as we were taking our different classes. During my month long study abroad experience we took many amazing field trips to all over England which each were life changing in their own way. However, we only went to the schools once. I wish we could have gone a couple more days to really start to grasp how education in England is similar or different to that of American education.
Response from University of Brighton

Thank you for your constructive feedback. We have since incorporated into the programme three visits into schools, in order for the students to gain a more thorough overview of how the English education system works.

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Josh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Decision of my Life

I have never had such greater experiences in my life! Opening my mind to a new culture has allowed for me to enjoy another culture and even learn things about my own that I would not otherwise notice. The only thing that I regret is leaving the wonderful city of Brighton.

What would you improve about this program?
In no way, it's just lovely!
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Katie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Brighton is the Bee's Knees

England was definitely one of my top choices for studying abroad, but my toughest decision was figuring out where in England! There were a lot of good options, but it ultimately came down to either Bristol or Brighton. I didn't know too much about either place at the time, but my gut was telling me to go to Brighton. That ended up being the best decision I have ever made in my life so far! Brighton is such a funky, lively, diverse city. It's a place where anything goes and everyone is welcome! There are always events, concerts, festivals, etc 'going on-- so don't worry about getting bored or having nothing to do. The nightlife is also really good! There is something for everyone with plenty of bars, nightclubs, comedy clubs, concert venues, and everything inbetween! Brighton is a city that isn't too big nor too small. It is very walkable (which I like) and like I said there is plenty do and see. I found myself discovering a new favorite cafe or bar every week in the funky streets of North Laine or the Lanes. Not to mention the breathtaking scenery of the beach and pier that you get to see every time you go into town. Brighton also isn't too far from neighboring 'traditional' towns like Lewes (it has a castle!!!) or Stanmer Park (go here for tea!!!) or a wondrous hike at Devil's Dyke! All of these places are a bus ride away (You can walk to Stanmer Park from your housing!).

The international advisers at Brighton were absolute gems! They were easy and fun to talk to and were willing to help me with any type of problem I encountered. They definitely helped make my transition to Brighton a breeze!

I'm sure I can go on writing for hours about how great Brighton is, but I won't do that. You should just go discover for yourself and have the best adventure of your life!!! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns :)

What would you improve about this program?
If there was somehow a better and easier way to get connected with other students besides other international students then that would be great (of course I absolutely loved my international family). I found it difficult to make meaningful connections with British people in my classes. I had my British flatmates and a few other friends I met through other means (church and Instagram), but it was difficult to make lasting friendships outside of that. So, maybe if there were some kind of weekly 'coffee and culture' hour where all students are welcome to mingle or other types of events then that would be great!
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McLaren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing!!!

Brighton is absolutely amazing!! I have never had a more incredible, life changing experience than studying abroad at Brighton. The city itself always had something to do. Whether it be great clubs and restaurants in the winter or fun music festivals and outdoor shopping in the Spring, Brighton had everything to offer. The beach is beautiful and makes for a perfect place to hang out with friends during nice weather on the weekends.
The advisors, Becca and Mary, were extremely helpful and welcoming, always making you feel at home. The excursion trips they take you on are really affordable for all that you get to do and it makes it really easy to see new things you may not have necessarily thought about going to see. It's also a good way to see cool sites like Stonehenge and cities like Oxford without having to plan the trip yourself!!
The campus location was nice because they are on a gorgeous campus that is only a bus ride from the center of town but surrounded by beautiful English hills so you get the best of both city and nature. Also, the campus has really nice amenities like a library with printing, a cafe, a really nice sports complex with intramural fields, and they even have a train station nearby so when you take a weekend trip to Italy or France or wherever, it's easy to get to the airport in London which is only two hours or so away.
That also leads me to my next point that Brighton is a perfect location for traveling! I was able to go to over 8 different countries in 5 months because England is so accessible to the rest of Europe. I wouldn't have been able to see nearly as many cities if I had been anywhere else, especially Ireland and Scotland because they are pretty far East compared with the mainland of Europe.
Overall, Brighton was perfect for me. The classes were challenging but not overwhelming, the study abroad staff was accepting and welcoming, the campus was beautiful and full of opportunities, and the city was entertaining and travel friendly. Really, what more could you ask for?

What would you improve about this program?
I don't regret anything from my experience at Brighton, however, if there was one thing that could be changed with the program, I think it would be to integrate some of the local British students into the International accommodations. I loved my American roommates and wouldn't trade them, or the experiences we shared, for the world but I do think it would have been fun to live with more Europeans.
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Joel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living in Brighton

If I had to be honest studying in Brighton was not my first choice for studying abroad, but I am so glad it was my final choice!

I originally planned to stay for one term and I loved it so much I stayed a whole year. The University was great, the staff was amazing, and the people everywhere were friendly. I stayed in Paddock Fields Hall of Residence which was, in my opinion, the best location for meeting new people and traveling to and from classes or city center. The city itself is beautiful. By day, when the weather is nice, the pier and beach are breathe taking. The board walk will keep you entertained with everything from little shops to street performers. The famous Laines have tons of shops and places to eat so you will definitely find something you like there. Brighton even offers several parks, many of which have hiking trails and some of the best views of the city that I have seen.The night scene offers something for everyone whether you want a night of dancing or a nice relaxing pint at one of the many local pubs. The city even offers a bus service the runs from the city center to the university that runs all day and all night.

Taking classes at Brighton University was both challenging and rewarding. It was very independent as far as studying goes and exams for my degree were essay based which was new for me. I was also able to do things related to my degree that I never would have been able to at my home university. Brighton University has so many clubs and organizations to join. Maybe you want to try a new sport like Kerfball and rockclimbing or stick with one you know like football. (soccer or american football) If your not into sports you could join a Nature Club, that had many nature hikes through out the term, or the Beard Society if you like beards.

Living in halls was another experience that I would highly recommend. The location is great, being only a short bus ride to and from classes, (depending on which campus your classes are at) and had a really pretty view, making each morning nice to wake up to. There are fitness facilities only a few minutes walk away. In halls I made some of my closest friends, without them I would have had a very different experience. The only down side was the hot water going out a few times and a couple power outages, which was nothing that a quick call to maintenance wouldn't fix.

The study abroad staff and the field trips they put on were another thing that made this trip unforgettable. Mary, Becca, and Zoe are some of the nicest, most professional people I've met here. They took care of anything I needed and made me feel very comfortable coming to them with any questions that I had. I would completely recommend the field trips that they put on. All of them are very stress free as the staff handles everything. (transportation, activities, lodging) They also know tons of information about each location you visit including what to do when you have free time. Every trip felt very different giving you an opportunity to see several different sides of England like small cobble stone towns and moat surrounded castle,(Bodium/Rye) big cities like London, to even exploring all around Paris, France.

The last thing I will say about the Brighton program is try and stay for a whole year, if you don't your going to wish that you did.

What would you improve about this program?
If I had to pick one thing to change about this program it would probably be breaking up the American flats living in the halls. I loved all my flat mates, however I would have been a good experience to live in a flat with a few UK students.
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Darian
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study in Brighton with no regrets!

Brighton is such an amazing city and a great place to study abroad. The University of Brighton has three campuses throughout the city, so you're able to see the city and interact with UK students everyday.There are free shuttle buses that take you from campus to campus, as well as several other city buses that run frequently that take you downtown. The program advisors, Mary and Becca are such wonderful people. They are always willing to help and are so easy going.

Since there are a lot of other university students in the area, the night life really caters towards us. There are always student deals (on top of already reasonable prices). The buses run till 4am so there's always a way to get home. the Brighton Pier, the seafront and the lanes are great places to spend the afternoon or weekend at. There are tons of places to shop, eat and have fun.

You wont regret studying at Uni Brighton

What would you improve about this program?
I would offer a option to live in different parts of Brighton. While the on campus dorms are convenient for classes, I would have preferred to live closer to downtown.