Program Reviews

From the beginning of my application to ASA, Chelsea was there every step of the way. She answered all of my emails in a timely manner. You are provided help along every "check point" before you leave the U.S.

You are introduced to your city manager, Chiara, plenty of time before leaving for Florence. She was so so so happy to see all of us when we landed and was very helpful when my flight was diverted to Pisa instead of Florence because of wind. Throughout our program, we all fell in love with our "mom" Chiara as she regularly checked in and supported us. She even joined us for our American Thanksgiving dinner!

Overall, ASA is a great program because of the way it is managed. It's small size is probably it's best attribute because you never feel as if your concerns will go unanswered. Wish I could go back to Florence!!

Before I picked my program and city, I knew that when I visited Florence when I was younger that I liked it. Living in the city, I loved it. I made one of my best friend's at Florence University of the Arts. The city was perfect because there was plenty to do but still being walk-able. From meeting new people, taking interesting classes, and the whole feeling of the city, I know I will make my way back to Florence to relive my experience.

Buenos Aires is such an amazing city, and this program gives you lots of different opportunities to explore the city. The program director Gaby is so nice and helpful and is always full of suggestions for cool things to do. She showed us around some of the historical and cultural sights that make Buenos Aires so unique, and the excursions outside the city were awesome. My favorite was Iguazu Falls, which has amazing scenery, zip lining in the jungle, and a boat ride in the Falls. The courses at Belgrano aren't too hard and are actually really interesting, and the school is located in a beautiful and safe part of the city. Plus, you can't beat Argentine steak, wine, and gelato! I miss that city every day, and still keep in touch with the friends I made there!

Choosing to study abroad at Oxford Brookes University with ASA was literally THE BEST DECISION i've ever made! :D I was not a complete fan of my available academic choices or the academic process that they use in England (it's more writing and essay based than test and homework based as it is in America) but that was by no means a deterrent in my choice to go there! I had a blast and I made so many valuable friendships with people from all over the world! Many of whom I'm still in contact with today, 3 years after my year abroad!
My best tip for students abroad would be this: GET INVOLVED WITH SOCIETIES ON CAMPUS!!! :D It's the best way to meet new friends and get the most out of your experience. Traveling with the Road Trip Society and the ASA excursions gave me amazing memories that made my time there even more special and I know that my experience wouldn't have been the same with any other program. ASA was with me through every step of the study abroad process.
I give them a 15 out of 10 stars! I <3 ASA & England!

Buenos Aires is a dope city, and the ASA program gives you lots of opportunity to experience all that the city, and much of what the country has to offer. The on-site director is amazing, the courses are not that difficult, and the fun is never-ending. I definitely recommend this trip! The Iguazu Falls excursion is unbelievable. To see such natural majesty was a spiritual experience. That excursion also included opportunities for outdoor adventures in the jungle, like rappelling down a water fall, and an extra day which I used to see the Brazilian side of the falls. The Brazilian side was a new experience and gave a clearer idea of just how big the falls are.

Studying at University of Edinburgh and working the Fringe was an unbelievably wonderful experience. At the time I was losing faith in my love of theatre and the arts and it completely ignited my love affair and propelled me into my career. I met and worked with incredible leaders in the arts abroad and made friends with my peers that are now taking the industry at home by storm. I cannot recommend this program enough.

Living with a host family, taking the local modes of transportation, eating authentic cuisine, and exploring the flora and fauna of ancient ruins are just a few of the daily life-changing experiences.

Class sizes were more intimate than that of other programs. The faculty of the university made numerous connections to their students challenging our perceptions of Cusco and it's deeply-rooted traditions.

One difficulty that I encountered was the distance in between other cities to experience other communities and customs. Living in the mountains provided long journeys through narrow, winding roads to beautiful landscapes and terrain.

Another concern that I had was the tourism-driven economy. I wanted to break the "he's an American" barrier and live life as closely to that of a Peruvian as possible. In most cases, I was able to avoid the heavily tourist-populated areas and dive into the traditions and customs of the people.

If I could do it all again, I'd sign up in an instant!