USAC England: Brighton - Undergraduate Courses

I knew I wanted to expand my worldview and studying abroad is a great way to do this. Not only did I get to continue my education while visiting a new country, I got to assimilate into the environment. I was nervous to leave home but I knew it was a step I needed to take. I had such a wonderful experience. The minute I met my study abroad group in person my worries dissipated. We all bonded so much living in the flat together and going on the scheduled trips. I highly recommend taking advantage of those! USAC is a wonderful organization and the entire process was so much less stressful than if I'd done it alone. The USAC and University of Brighton staff were lovely. I felt so supported while abroad. I think a common misconception is that studying abroad is very expensive. Through USAC, I was able to pay my home university tuition so the only extra costs were some fees and the plane tickets. Though these fees add up, I believe it is a manageable added expense when you consider all that is included (we were supplied kitchen supplies, bedding, and snacks from UofB upon arrival and both the University and USAC have trips that are included in the fee costs). Ultimately this experience changed my life. The people in my study abroad group have become some of my best friends. Deciding to study abroad allowed me to have so many amazing experiences at such a young age. The memories I made will truly last a lifetime.

I loved studying abroad in Brighton! Brighton is a great place to live and study, and the community is very friendly. There is so much to do and see in this beachside town! I met so many wonderful people, and had great experiences that I will never forget! Studying abroad allows you to explore a new culture and community. I was able to travel to many different countries, and went into London a lot as its not too long of a train ride from Brighton. The staff at the University of Brighton was very kind and were always willing to help. Based on my experience, I would definitely recommend studying abroad in Brighton!

I’ve always wanted to study abroad and i’ve always wanted to go to England so this was the perfect opportunity! Studying in Brighton for those few months was the best months of my life! I met so many amazing people and experienced so many wonderful things. Saying goodbye was one of the saddest things I’ve had to do but opened my eyes to travelling even more in my lifetime to get that feeling again.

I was originally on the fence about studying abroad. The thought of leaving my friends, family, and network of researchers that were helping further my graduate school plans was hard. I didn't know if I would be remembered as well when I got back. From the other side of my semester abroad, I can say that this wasn't the case. It was easy to fit back into my previous lifestyle. However, I took from Brighton the idea that life isn't simply about academic or professional achievement. Before I studied abroad, I was always focused on school. Socializing, or even relaxing, made me feel guilty. The academic system and lifestyle of England is way more laid back than America. I got the chance to discover I really DO enjoy travelling; it was super easy and relatively cheap to get to the rest of Europe from Brighton. I became more comfortable having things not all the way planned out. I can honestly say that my experience in Brighton was a turning-point in my life. Back amidst my American lifestyle, I use the skills I learned in Britain to comfortably manage school, work, and social events. I'm glad that I overcame my original hesitation!

I had an incredible experiencing studying abroad in Brighton. There is truly something for everyone here. We are close to the beach, hiking trails, and my favorite attraction, the seven sisters cliffs. Brighton has great nightlife, an exciting history and impressive architecture. The location is also perfect for quick day-trips into London, without the commitment to big-city life. I cannot recommend Brighton enough and I will miss everything about my experience here so much!

USAC did such an incredible job making sure we all felt prepared and ready to go on an adventure of a lifetime. I absolutely loved the amount of trips we had within being there. I was able to learn so much about the culture and about me while studying in Brighton England. Not only that but I was also able to grow and be more accepting of myself. I was also able to beat a ton of things that I was struggling with mentally. Not only did USAC make us comfortable but they made sure we felt at home the second we landed the plane. I think everyone should go on an experience such as this because one can learn, grow and meet the people that they will continue to call family for the rest of their life.

My semester at the University of Brighton really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I met fellow Americans in the program who were in the same situation as me--far away from home--so I did not feel so alone. I was able to make these amazing new experiences with my new American and British friends. Living on-campus meant sharing a flat with British students which forced interaction. I still speak with my Welsh flatmate six months after my return to the states. Textbooks were included in the tuition cost, and tuition did not vary much from my American university. The three-week spring break allowed me to tour continental Europe more than the program could offer. The diversity in Brighton introduced me to new perspectives, people, food, and cultures. The public transportation permitted me to explore without high taxi or uber expenses. Since returning home, I cannot wait to return to England and Europe to explore.

I had an amazing time in Brighton! My experience went above and beyond my original expectations and I'm definitely glad I decided to go. I loved getting to explore a new place and culture, all while making wonderful new friends. I highly recommend it!