Geology 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.

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!

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.

Adelante's study abroad program exceeded my expectations, I received equal levels of cultural experiences and academic knowledge. The program's lecturers were beyond knowledgable about their respective subjects and wanted us to have the best time possible. This is the easiest and funnest way to earn some college credit whilst you are a in another country.

One of the first cultural experiences we went to was a traditional Scottish dance called a Ceilidh. I'm not a dancer by any means, but I'm glad I gave a couple dances a try. This is a good chance to meet students from the college and get to know the other students in the summer program. The staff are extremely kind and are willing to make the program a better experience for you. One in particular is a bit intense, but they are trying to give you the hands on activity you wouldn't get somewhere else. So bring a good pair of hiking boots, wool socks, and a rain jacket. Layering is also the best way to keep warm if you tend to be cold. Scotland is a bit cooler and ranges from mid 50s to mid 60s as highs with little humidity and is usually cloudy. One of my favorite activities that we did as bird ringing (or bird banding in the US). They had a couple licensed ringers show us how to ring birds, measure their wings, and then release them. We also did plenty of hiking "wee hills" one of which was Cairngorm.

This study abroad trip with Adelante to Scotland was my first experience to see a completely new environment and culture. Although I have been a well versed travel in the Untied States. None of my past experiences come close to the experience I have had in Scotland this past month. For a country that is so small compared to the United States, Scotland has such a diverse landscape. From the Lowlands to the Highlands, Scotland has some of the most magnificent scenery I have ever seen. This trip has made me want to visit more places around the world, but hopefully in the near future I can come back to Scotland.

Overall this program provided a good amount of both education and culture. Getting to explore different nature reserves as well as get some hands on work with the land, like working in peat bogs and getting to band birds was an absolute amazing way to explore a different country. I was genuinely impressed with each site we got to explore. Some negatives about the trip: - The communication was poor - Having had multiple schedule changes meant that we had little to no heads up in advance as to what we were doing - The food was not nutritious and lacked in substitutes in protein and iron if you were a vegetarian - Because of the students behaviour on campus and with the taxi service we were not always able to get a ride to and from campus The positives far out way these small negatives. Had I an opportunity to do this trip again, I would.

Adelante Abroad responded to this reviewJune 23, 2015

Dear Payton,<br/><br/>Thank you very much for your detailed review as well as all the positive bullet points. To the helpful points that we can improve on: I spoke with the Environment Team Leader (who heads up our Ecology program in Scotland) to clarify the schedule changes. The staff put their heads together and built what they thought were better visits, practical and class work combinations, but neglected to advise everyone in a timely manner. I’m sure there were apologies at the time and we apologize again for those last minute changes. The feedback from these changes from your group was definitely good, so next year all will be incorporated into the program schedule well in advance. We have met with the catering manager too, and have confirmed a healthy, better balanced diet for all students in this program... independent of their dietary needs (e.g. vegetarians or kosher, for example). In regards to taxi services: if students call out for taxi services out to campus then do not come out to redeem requested services, it is unlikely taxi drivers will come out again. This is apparently what happened. The solution is to run taxi request services through the campus housing office and we will highlight this in Orientation next year. Thank you again for your excellent detail; it helps make the program better for future Ecology Program students!<br/><br/>- Adelante

My experience in Scotland was a pleasant one. The people were very friendly and flexible, and the students on the trip were easy to talk to. Field time greatly outweighed the time we spent in a classroom, which in my opinion, is what made the experience so much fun. Every day it seemed that we would visit a new area of the Scottish lowlands and would learn about anything from the culture of the area to the conservation issues. At the beginning of the trip we received two assessment packets that we eventually completed by the end of the trip. The classwork is kept at a minimum, most of the work is hands on. I recommend this experience to anyone working toward environmental science, or ecology degrees. The program has broadened my knowledge of the ecology work field, and has given me hands on experience that I have taken back to the states.

This has been an amazing journey. I got to explore Scotland from both a cultural and natural perspective. I also got experience with several different conservation techniques, like bird banding and electrofishing. I made great friends and had an unforgettable experience.

The Ecology Conservation Program is absolutely amazing. We were given the opportunity to work in the field as well as take cultural excursions. Every activity was linked back to conservation so there was never a moment throughout the trip when we weren't learning something new. Our instructors took us to several significant historical sites that were educational and interesting all on their own but they were then able to relate the sites back to our studies. I learned so much more than I ever thought I could in just four weeks. I will forever be thankful for this amazing experience.

The college held a Ceilidgh the first week we were here which is a traditional Scottish end of term celebration. All the boys wore kilts and we got to dress in nicer clothes and learn a ton of traditional Scottish line and partner dances. It was truly amazing to be so immersed in a culture that is so old and well founded. I chose this program simply because I got to ride and be instructed in a different country We had single rooms with a desk, dresser, wardrobe, night stand, and single bed - as well as an attached bathroom.

This was such a great and unique opportunity to see a beautiful country, as well as receive university credit for it. Since it was the first year it was offered, there is much to be improved, but not enough that I wouldn't reccomend it to other people. I saw so many areas and sites that I would not have seen if I had just been a regular tourist. There was always something to do and somewhere to see.