Acting Study Abroad Programs in United Kingdom

Overall, my time in Exeter was phenomenal! The USF Semester in England program allowed our cohort the right window to truly feel a sense of home away from home in southwest England while remaining directed and specific in goals. With this, I was able to spend time getting to know both local and international students, participate in societies and events, and travel to nearby towns to get a feel for the broader English landscape. It was both fascinating and enjoyable to immerse myself in the culture whether through pub crawls and thrifting, fish and chips and cream teas, or hikes and train rides. In short, each new experience impels one to consider, what is uniquely British and not American here, but also what remains similar? Academically, studying abroad posed a unique but welcome challenge in the more self-directed, term-paper approach in Exeter instead of a structured weekly assignment schedule. Ultimately, the biggest lesson for me was actually being able to better appreciate the value of diversity in thought and the importance of travel to achieve this, and I continue to hope to encourage others to take this kind of chance since such opportunities are not so common in life.

I met so many people from diverse places and backgrounds, however, the most common comment I got when people first met me while I was in England was "you have such a cute American" accent. I don't know why but it made me laugh and overall made all my interactions feel lighter and more comfortable. I had such an amazing time on campus, exploring Exeter, and seeing what England has to offer. Not as many Americans pick the UK for a study abroad location, it just is not as popular for some reason. However, I would like to argue that coming to Exeter is not about beans on toast but about the student, staff, environment, and much more. I had the time of my life in England, went on lots of amazing adventures, met amazing people through societies, classes, and international events, learned and grew as a person, also met my best friend, and didn't want to leave at the end of the semester. There was not a single second in my study abroad that did not feel like an adventure, from the time I stepped foot in Bristol, to having strangers helping through the London underground and tubes late at night on my way back to America!

Going abroad was, undoubtedly, what I needed to start becoming the best version of myself. The University of Exeter is a fantastic campus with a plethora of societies to join. Before studying abroad, I really kept to myself at school, but I was determined to make the most of it, and I opened myself up and joined so many organizations — from the Body Society for work out classes, to the Harry Potter society to do scavenger hunts. I found myself not only being more willing to interact with others, but having these interactions became so much easier for me to do. I, a proud introvert, suddenly felt so much less awkward starting conversations with strangers. I was in a new environment, and— while that is scary— Exeter is a wonderful place to sit and ponder those emotions. Coming from a non-walkable city, there is nothing I loved more than spending time with myself at the quayside, or being able to walk from my dorms in the middle of town to anywhere in the city. As a writer, it allowed me to truly observe the world around me, and how I wanted to put it to the page. I left Exeter with nothing but kind things to say. Every student and teacher and local that I met was absolutely lovely, and there are many that I still keep in touch with and cherish dearly. This is a journey that I cannot recommend enough.

I loved my experience over at Exeter. It was my first time in uk so I was super excited. Exeter was a university town which I felt very safe. The weather wasn’t the best but I met a whole bunch of cool people from all over the country. I met most of them through different club/organization. I also met some nice people from my dorm, which was a private dorm near the university. I’m still in touch with some of the people I met. I even met up with some in Paris, Seoul, London, and Manchester.

Deciding to attend the Bristol Summer School in Medieval Studies was one of the happiest decisions I've made. I really enjoyed my time there: the university building and dormitory were really comfortable, the academic program was so rich that I couldn't imagine one richer, and the professors and staff were so kind and helpful. During the summer school, we were given the opportunity to visit numerous medieval towns, castles, cathedrals and manuscripts. At the end of this summer school, we, the students, can navigate the world of medieval studies: we learned how to approach a manuscript, how to analyse churches and literary works. In addition to the specific medieval teachings, the staff had always organised different and funny activities to do in the extra time, to meet and get to know the other students there in Bristol.

Studying at the University of Exeter was an incredible experience that truly changed me. I met people from so many different cultural backgrounds and got to immerse myself in a completely new part of the world. That time abroad helped me grow in so many ways; the independence and new experiences were so worth it. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago and spending time in the quieter towns of Exeter, Cornwall, and Newquay was honestly refreshing. The six months I spent outside my comfort zone, discovering new passions, and creating unforgettable memories will last me a lifetime. I loved my time there so much that I’m already planning to return in February 2026!

I wish I could go back to Bristol again. To sit in the Royal Fort Gardens with an iced latte in hand, feeling the breeze against my skin. To wander down to the harbourside and let the summer vibes soak into my bones. To walk alone up Brandon Hill and take in the city from Cabot Tower, the kind of view that makes you breathe a little deeper and think a little clearer. And to relive those late Friday nights on King Street, where the laughter, the music, and the warmth of the crowd made me feel alive in a way I can’t quite put into words. Bristol wasn’t just a place I visited, it became a feeling I carry with me.

My time at the University of Exeter is something that I will never forget. I not only loved the classes and professors there, but the students were so warm and welcoming. I lived in student accommodation on campus, and it was so awesome. I was in a flat with other international students and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Going to Exeter for an entire semester after never leaving the country before was not only terrifying, but so rewarding. I met so many people, from so many different countries who I would’ve never encountered unless I took that leap to go abroad by myself. Yes, change is scary, but so is staying the same! I was not only integrated in the culture of the university I was living at, but I also got the opportunity to travel to multiple different countries other than the United Kingdom.

Studying abroad at the University of Exeter ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made in college. I knew going in that I’d get the chance to study international security from a different angle, but actually being there changed the way I look at the world. It was refreshing to step outside the U.S. bubble and see how another country talks about the same global issues. Hearing things explained from a British and European perspective made me rethink a lot of assumptions I didn’t even know I had. My classes were probably the biggest part of that. The way professors approached foreign policy felt different—less U.S.-centric, obviously, but also more historical and strategic in a way that I hadn’t experienced before. Conversations that back home would revolve around American interests were suddenly framed around the UK’s role and responsibilities. It pushed me to think more broadly, and honestly made me better at understanding how different actors see the same event in completely different ways. That shift alone made the whole experience worth it. Life on campus was easy to settle into. Exeter has this calm, comfortable atmosphere where you can focus on what you’re there to do without feeling overwhelmed. People were friendly, the city was manageable, and the university’s support system made everything straightforward. It didn’t take long before it felt like a place I belonged, even if only temporarily. One of the highlights of the semester was using my April break to travel. Being based in the UK made it ridiculously easy to hop around Europe, and getting to see different countries and cultures in person added so much to what I was learning. It’s one thing to discuss European politics in class, but it hits differently when you’re actually standing in those places. The travel made everything feel real and added a layer of experience you simply can’t get from reading or lectures. Living abroad for a few months also forced me to become more independent. Figuring out transportation, adjusting to new routines, and navigating life in a different country made me more confident and adaptable. It’s the kind of growth you don’t really notice until you’re looking back on it. Overall, my time at the University of Exeter gave me exactly what I hoped for: a broader perspective, a stronger sense of independence, and an experience that genuinely shaped the way I think about international security. I’m really grateful I chose Exeter, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to see the world from a different angle and push themselves a bit. It was a meaningful experience for me, and I’m glad I had the chance to be there.

My experience at UoE was incredible!! Exeter is a beautiful and historic town with tons of coffee shops, pubs, shopping, and clubs. It’s a very fun place to be a student! I loved my English classes, and they accommodated my schedule to give me Fridays off so I could travel!

I had such a great time at Lite Regal Education Summer School 2025 The Intensive English course really helped my English improve a lot in such a short time. I also met so many new friends from different countries everyone was super kind and friendly.

I really enjoyed and appreciated my time at the University of Exeter. My time there was meaningful, educational and personally enriching. I had the opportunity to engage with a diverse academic community, explore new perspectives through challenging coursework, and develop a deeper understanding of both my field of study and myself. Beyond academics, I had the opportunity to travel and explore England and made lasting friendships by joining the polo team and neuroscience society. The supportive environment and beautiful campus also contributed to a truly unforgettable year abroad.

It has been a fantastic experience that gave me the chance to speak English and to visit a foreign country. I became friend with two British guys I will keep in touch with. Moreover, I've had the opportunity to meet students from different parts of the world. I found the University absolutely amazing, with lots of spaces for students, new and very large rooms where to stay, and lots of cute pubs inside the University. The atmosphere of the British environment is like in the Harry Potter's films: magic and particular.

ISSFT gave my daughter an excellent chance to explore new interests with supportive teachers and counsellors on an absolutely beautiful campus. She made lots of new friends and came home with wonderful memories. ISSFT was truly the highlight of her year!

I studied abroad at AUB on the Costume and Performance Design Course. I'm from NY, USA, and am a double major in Dance and Sociology. I've always wanted to study abroad, and stumbled upon AUB completely by random chance – and I'm endlessly thankful that I did. I was studying something completely new, meeting the most amazing people every day, traveling to a multitude of different countries, and living in a vibrant, exciting town on the beautiful coast of England. The semester was a whirlwind of trying new things, exploring, and meeting new people. Generally speaking, there seems to be a pervasive culture of community and family within students living in Bournemouth. Bournemouth itself is such a fun town. There are tons of great shopping and restaurants, lovely gardens, and of course, the beautiful sea. It was wonderful to be able to just leave my room, walk through town and through the gardens, and reach the beach within 15 minutes. Bournemouth was an absolutely incredible place to be for the semester because of the accessibility it provided for traveling. A bus into London takes only about 2.5 hours from Bournemouth, and from there, I was able to fly to a multitude of incredible places all over Europe. Over the course of the semester, I was lucky enough to visit eleven cities in nine different countries. I learned that I absolutely love traveling by myself. It gives you the chance to really absorb and appreciate a city, taking everything in.

I enjoy the campus; it's nice, clean, and easy to get around. My favourite thing is the moss ecosystems that grow on the rooftops. My course tutors also created a welcoming environment. Being an international student, this was comforting. I'm so far from home, so having this community was super important for me to find and has helped me adjust to living in England. My first impression of the course was that our tutors were knowledgeable in what they were teaching; I love that they're also passionate about design. On the BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy course, one of the topics we've been focusing on is typography, which I've enjoyed. My creative process has changed drastically during my two months at AUB; I still don't have a solid process because I'm trying different methods to find it. However, one fundamental part has changed, and that is research. Research has always been part of my creative process, but learning more about good research and its project requirements has helped me. I love art, design, and crafting, so I have a million different hobbies. One of these is embroidery – I've been working on embroidering words, which has turned out to be helpful on my course because it ties in with typography. While embroidering, I look at the anatomy of different fonts and how the pieces work together to build a whole font, which has helped me appreciate type more. I recommend AUB to any creative- learning from passionate people makes your passion grow.

I studied with the 1st year students in BA (Hons) Fine at AUB for about 10 months. Because it was my first time to academically study art abroad after my career change, I was really nervous in the beginning. However, everyone I met at AUB was very supportive and friendly. The course encouraged students to engage creative practice in the studio and to try various media and themes. I was easily able to communicate with lecturers and tutors when I had a question. The more I studied, the more I became enthusiastic especially about painting. I had an access to some workshops. Printing room was also my favourite place which enabled me to cultivate my potential apart from the course project. As for my assignment support, I often booked a tutorial of English for Academic Purpose (EAP) in Student Service. I was able to talk about difficulties and the solutions to study in English as my second language. In my student accommodation, I had amazing flat mates in the student hall who celebrated every occasions, such as someone's birthday and seasonal events. I often cooked with them in the shared kitchen. The whole community had such an inclusive atmosphere which helped me feel comfortable. This was really important point for me to study there as an international student being away from home country. I think I was able to meet everything and everyone I needed for my art studies. It was a really valuable experience. Everyone was very friendly. Students and lecturers called their first names each other, but I did know expect the situation and felt uncomfortable to call the lecturers' first names even without Mr. or Ms. It was too casual for me to do this, so it took me for a while to be brave enough to follow the way as other students do.

I have been on the Fine Art program at AUB and it has been a great experience. The immediate difference I noticed at AUB is how the faculty encourage students to do things out of the box, which I feel was much needed for me. Secondly, being a specialist art university means that everyone around you is an artist/creator and that itself is a unique experience. They have very talented technicians across a range of workshops and printmaking facilities. Overall the time at AUB has really helped me grow. I would advice students to indulge in the course activities as much as they can and get inducted to as many workshop inductions. Also carry an umbrella everyday.

Going to Harlaxton fall 2018 changed my life! I got to travel to so many incredible places both with the school and without on the weekends, and then basically got to live in a castle during the week. The community and culture at Harlaxton are so uplifting and encouraging! Even though the house competitions could get a bit heated, everyone was there to support each other. Not to mention the town where its located, Grantham, is the loveliest town. I cannot recommend their tea shops and gingerbread enough! I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world, and I honestly can't wait for a day I can maybe go back to visit (yeah, alums can come back to visit!!)

Probably the most convenient and unique way to study abroad. It's just like going to school but in a castle in the English countryside. There are many resources available to you, both in the manor and in town. The staff genuinely cares about your safety and comfort and understands how important travel and cultural immersion is. You build incredible relationships within your class and meet people all over the world.