University of Brighton

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Sam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

London Trip

We spent a whole day in London. I remember running frantically all over the city to see as much as possible. Of course it was nearly impossible to see everything in one day, but everyone was so excited it was hard not to try. We made it to long in about 2 hours, so we were there by around 11 am. We were allowed to stay as long as we wanted, but we had to make sure we were back to get sleep for class the next day. We spent the whole day down there, and I remember how absolutely exhausted I was but it was worth it. We saw Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, changing of the guards, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and so much more. It is an experience that I will never forget and one that is a once in a life time opportunity. Becka and Mary were fantastic. They showed us all around the city and then let us go out on our own to explore. I can't stress enough how wonderful they were, and how personable they were. If you have questions ask because they are always more than willing to share the answers with you!

What would you improve about this program?
One way to improve would maybe be to add on a few days of the trip for students to go out on their own more. Especially the london trip.
Response from University of Brighton

Thank you for your comments.
Due to the intensive nature of the programme we have to fit a lot in to a short space of time; both in terms of teaching and the cultural activities. Unfortunately time restraints mean we can only offer one organised trip to London, however we would encourage students to go back to explore further our huge, vibrant capital city on their 'free' afternoons. We are planning on extending the summer school 2017 programme to 4 weeks which means there should be more time in which to do this.

Default avatar
Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Brighton Study Abroad

My experience in Brighton is one I will always remember. Although my time in Brighton was short I made a lifetime worth of memories. Before leaving I knew no one I was traveling with; however, I quickly became good friends with everyone. Being only a bus ride away from the center of Brighton was amazing. The staff at the University of Brighton was extremely welcoming and made sure that we experienced everything we could. The classes were unlike anything I had been in before, which made attending class much more fun and engaging. If I had the opportunity I would go back to Brighton in a heartbeat.

What would you improve about this program?
I wish we had more free time to explore Brighton and the surrounding areas.
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 further exploration of Brighton or to the nearby towns of Lewes or Arundel.

Default avatar
Kaity
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience!

Going to Brighton, England was the first time I ever traveled out of the United States and it was the best experience of my life. During this trip I made some of the best memories of my life and also best friends. The staff at the University was so helpful and I never felt alone or unsafe! The trips you take will take your breath away and I I could not of asked for anything better! Going on this trip changed my life and my academic career! Go to Brighton and have the best experience of your life! You will not regret it!

Response from University of Brighton

Thank you for your comments and for sharing with us that the summer programme at the University of Brighton has had such a positive impact on both your academic and personal life.

Default avatar
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!

Read my full story
Default avatar
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.

Default avatar
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.

Default avatar
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.

Default avatar
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.

Default avatar
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!
Default avatar
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!