I absolutely loved my experience abroad. I was surrounded by other study-abroad students and made life-long friends. Having others in a similar situation meant that I always had someone around who wanted to go travel, wander around town, or just laze by the beach. The town was wonderful, Mary and Zoe (my support/advisors from Brighton University), and I LOVED the beach.
Another thing I liked that doesn't necessarily have to do with the program itself is the cheap travel. You can get $15 flights to other countries and hostels for $10 a night. There is also an abundance of (relatively) cheap food everywhere I traveled. This allows those on a budget to still travel.
This was an experience that I will never forget. I loved my time and would absolutely do it again. However, if you are based in America, then you should be aware of some of the bureaucratic issues that arose. Getting a Visa is not particularly challenging, but you do need to pay attention to the details and to have time. Do not wait until the last minute. My college specifically had issues processing my transcript back, and scholarship money did not come in until the middle of November due to the delay in processing. So be careful.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is have fun, love the experience, and keep in mind that you are there to have fun. It is a beautiful city with wonderful countryside nearby, and a stunning beach.
Response from University of Brighton
Dear Anna, thank you so much for your kind words! How great is to read about your experience, overcoming the initial fears of leaving home on your own to live abroad and how this decision has paid off and made such a difference for you! Thank you so much and Mary Zoe and I from the Study Abroad Team wish you a great end of 2024 and start of 2025!