FAQs

ASE is a nonprofit making organisation that runs a study abroad programme with full-year, semester and summer school options for students from American universities and colleges. Students live and study in the World Heritage city of Bath, England, and receive a top quality cultural and academic experience.

Who is eligible for the Programme?

Undergraduates from American colleges and universities in their sophomore, junior or senior years with a GPA of at least 3.0 are eligible for the Programme. ASE will consider positively applicants with a GPA slightly below 3.0 providing the transcript indicates work at a high level in those academic areas which correspond to the ASE curriculum. Graduate students who are taking a Master of Arts in Education and wish to include the Education course are eligible as well.
Please see the How to Apply section on this website for further details and current application deadlines.

What if I am a non-US citizen attending a US institution?

You may apply to the Programme, provided that you are enrolled in a degree seeking course of study at a US institution and you can demonstrate that you have competency in the English language. You will also need to obtain the appropriate Visa to enable you to study in England.

What if I am attending a non-US institution?

Students attending non-US institutions are not eligible for the Programme.

What colleges have past ASE students come from?

Past ASE students have come from colleges and universities all over the US. These include:

Amherst College, Barat College, Barnard College, Bates College, Binghamton University, Boston College, Boston University, Bucknell University, College of Marin, Colorado College, Columbia University, Cornell University, Denison University, Dickinson College, Emerson College, Franklin and Marshall College, Gettysburg College, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampton University, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Lafayette College, Mary Baldwin College, Moravian College, Mount Holyoke College, Nazareth College of Rochester, New York University, North Carolina State University, Oberlin University, Scranton University, Skidmore College, Smith College, Spelman College, St. Michael's College, Texas A&M University, The Catholic University of American, Trinity College, Truman State University, Tufts University, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, University of Mary Washington, University of Massachusetts, University of Notre Dame, University of Oregon, University of Richmond, University of Rochester, University of Vermont, Washington and Lee University, Wells College, Wesleyan University, The College of William and Mary, West Chester University, Williams College and Yale University.

If you do not attend any of these institutions, you are still eligible for the Programme as long as you attend an American university or college and you have the approval of your study abroad office. Please contact ASE at admin@asebath.org if you have any queries.

What are the Full Year privileges?

Full Year students receive priority enrolment in any course that ASE is offering in the Spring semester, the opportunity to take advantage of the Full Year Tutorial Programme providing that your course-work has reached a satisfactory level of competence in the Autumn semester, and your choice of housing allocation for the Spring semester.

What is the procedure on arrival day?

Members of ASE staff will meet students at the train station (which is next to the bus station) with transportation for you and your luggage to your individual properties. You are given a phone card and a card with contact details in your pre-arrival packages. Also in your pre-arrival information, we request that you mail us a passport sized photo of yourself, so don't be surprised if someone calls out your name - we will be looking for you! In the afternoon, a member of staff will give you an orientation on how the house works - including the washing machine and dryer - so that you can survive the night! A welcome pack of food is provided for each house and flat. We recommend that you try and stay up until 9pm to acclimatize to the time shift. The following morning, a member of staff will walk you from your properties to a gathering for a "Welcome Address" from the ASE Director, where you will meet the entire staff and your fellow students.

What kind of orientation will I receive?

ASE provides an intensive orientation week before classes begin to get you acclimated to Bath and the British culture. You will receive the orientation week timetable on arrival day. Activities include sessions with each member of staff to describe their duties and functions, a shopping tour, exploration of Bath, opportunities for Internship and Education students to visit their placements, and an evening reception to introduce you to your tutors. The culmination of orientation week is a trip to Stonehenge, Salisbury and Avebury.

How many students are there per semester/summer?

ASE has a typical intake of 55 students per semester and 35 students in the summer - so there is a great deal of personal attention!

Travel and Study Abroad

Do I need a visa?

Please see the Visa Information page.

How do I get to Bath from the US?

We cannot give precise information on the cheapest trans-Atlantic flights because the costs are frequently revised. We advise you to consult your local travel agent and student travel agent for details and bargains.

We can offer the following general advice:

1 Book early: 6-8 weeks in advance to guarantee a reasonably priced flight
2 Direct services are usually the cheapest fares: major US city to London
3 Flights into Gatwick may offer more competitive prices than Heathrow
4 Virgin Atlantic offers competitive student rates flying out of JFK, Newark and DC
5 Flying out of Toronto is often less expensive than US cities
6 STA TRAVEL and CAMPUS TRAVEL both deal with student fares
7 Bristol is the nearest airport to Bath (30 kms - 1 hour appx), followed by Heathrow (140 kms - 3 hrs appx), then Gatwick (180 kms - 4 hrs appx).
8 Obtain and compare quotes for round-trip flights into Bristol (Continental Airlines have recently introduced a new route into Bristol, departing only from Newark, NJ), Heathrow or Gatwick Airports.

Though ASE does not endorse and can take no responsibility for the following companies, past students have booked their flights from the US though STA Travel, Student Universe, Cheapflights.com, Obitz.com, and Travelocity.com. You should arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, London, or Bristol on the morning of arrival day. You can get to Bath from Gatwick, Heathrow and Bristol by train or bus. Your may wish to buy a Young Person's Rail Card or Student Discount Coach Card as you are likely to use them throughout the semester. For prices, times, and information on Discount Cards, please visit www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk for the train and www. nationalexpress.com for the bus. Students will receive detailed instructions on getting from London or Bristol to Bath in their final mailing packets, which will be sent a month before arrival.

Do I need an ISIC card?

Though ASE does not require that you have one, you may wish to obtain an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). You can purchase these in either the US or UK at most universities or Student Travel Agencies relatively inexpensively. An ISIC Card entitles you to reduced entrance fees to museums, historical sites, theatre tickets, as well as airline and train tickets. It also provides you with health insurance whilst you are abroad. Some US institutions may require that you get an ISIC card to study abroad, so check with your institution's Study Abroad Office to ascertain their requirements.

What kind of insurance do I need (e.g. Medical)?

You must check before leaving the US that your USA medical insurance gives you full medical and accident coverage for the UK and any other country you may visit during your term abroad. You are required to state the name of your insurance company and your policy number on the pre-arrival forms (Medical Insurance Disclaimer Form). While it is not required, we recommend that you check to see that your insurance covers medical evacuation and repatriation. For your records and your own peace of mind, we also recommend that you get a letter or statement from your insurance company in writing which outlines your coverage, deductibles, billing and repayment procedures while abroad. You should also obtain insurance to cover the loss of personal possessions while travelling.

What kind of medical care will be available for me?

ASE students will be able to use the medical facility of a general practice based in Bath. In the event of illness you may make an appointment with the doctor on duty, or during office hours a member of the ASE staff will make an appointment for you. There is also an emergency or night-number. There will be a charge for each consultation with a doctor (of approx £45), and an additional charge (of about £17) for any medicines prescribed and any referral to a hospital or specialist for further treatment. Please be assured that throughout the UK, treatment for serious accidents or emergencies is given without checking insurance coverage, although a bill may be presented for payment later.

How many weekends will I have free to travel?

Classes are held Monday - Thursday, leaving Friday - Sunday free for study trips, course work and independent travel. Many of the courses will have a related study trip, but you will have no more than four of these trips. We will also be in Oxford over a weekend. Over the course of the semester, you should have ample opportunities to travel. There is also a one week mid-semester break. After your arrival, ASE's Associate Dean (Student Affairs) can advise you on independent travel in the UK and on the Continent.

Academic

What is the Oxford connection?

Since 1989, Advanced Studies in England has enjoyed an association with University College, Oxford University. To learn more about this association, please visit the Credentials page of this Website. ASE's Academic Adviser is Dr. Christopher Pelling, Regius Professor of Greek at Oxford University. In addition, for one week each semester, the ASE Programme moves to Oxford where students live and have their classes at University College.

How will my credits transfer?

ASE recommends four credits for a seminar course, internship, and Education Programme with a placement, and eight credits for a tutorial. Each course and placement is designed to meet rigorous academic standards. However, the number of credits you receive and whether or not the courses count toward your major or as electives is up to your home institution. Most institutions require pre-approval for courses before you leave the US. Check with your home institution's Study Abroad Office for pre-departure requirements. Credits are recorded on a transcript issued by Advanced Studies in England and signed by both the Director of ASE and Dr. Christopher Pelling, ASE's Academic Adviser and Regius Professor of Greek at Oxford University.

What is the class schedule like?

Classes are held Monday - Thursday with Fridays free for study trips, individual course work, and independent travel. Classes meet once a week for 2 hours with a break in the middle at the tutor's discretion. You may not take more than 2 classes on the same day.

How many students are there in each class?

There are never more than thirteen students in a class.

What classes are offered?

ASE offers a broad curriculum in the Arts and Humanities. For a full list of courses, please visit the Courses section of this Website.

Is there Internet access?

Yes. ASE has 12 student computers in the Nelson House study centre, all of which have internet access. Whilst in Oxford, ASE students have access to 2 computers with Internet access in the Junior Common Room. There are also Internet cafes in many cities throughout the UK.

Will I need a laptop?

Laptops are not essential, but in addition to 12 computers with printers, Nelson House offers 7 network points for laptop users. Students are increasingly choosing to bring laptops for 24 hour access (the Study Centre closes at midnight each night). Should you opt to bring a laptop, you MUST make sure you have a converter for British outlets. You can find these in stores such as Radio Shack, Circuit City and Best Buy in the US, or at airports. In the UK, you can try Dixons or Curry's. Please note that laptops are the only American "appliances" that you are allowed to use in your ASE properties as power converters come with no guarantee and are a possible safety hazard.

Housing and Residential Life

What are the properties like?

ASE students live in handsome historic town houses and flats throughout the centre of Bath, each with its own characteristics: proximity to the architectural splendours of the Royal Crescent and the Circus; historic connections with one of Bath's most famous families or a terrace on the River Avon. All offer bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, communal areas and gardens of various shapes and sizes. For more details on ASE housing, please visit the Housing section of this Website.

How are meals provided for?

Accommodation is self-catering, which means that students will be expected to cook for themselves. A meal allowance is included in the Programme fees sufficient to cover meal costs, provided that students learn how to shop and cook economically (for which ASE gives a shopping tour during orientation week).

What facilities are available in each house?

Each house is fully equipped with the necessary modern conveniences: wireless internet access, a washer, dryer, refrigerator, oven and multiple bathrooms. The kitchens are equipped with a microwave, pots, pans, dishes and utensils. Students are given an orientation to their individual properties on the first night so that they know how to work all of the appliances and learn the ins and outs of their house and neighbourhood.

What kind of telephone access will I have?

Each house has a telephone line. You may make local calls, but you will need a phone card to make long distance and international calls and calls to mobile phones. ASE will send a £5 calling card in your final mailing so that you may contact us with any problems on arrival day and may call your parents to let them know that you have arrived safely. Calling cards may be purchased at many UK stores, but past students have found that the best deal is the calling cards on sale at the Post Office.

How is housing assigned?

A housing form, along with other pre-arrival information, is mailed to you after you are accepted on to the Programme. The form is a questionnaire used to give us some idea of your personality and lifestyle. This form is confidential and is used by the ASE staff to make a thoughtful and appropriate allocation of roommates and properties.

What dates may I occupy my ASE residence?

We regret that, in order to prepare the properties appropriately, ASE cannot allow students into the ASE properties before the arrival day. We are happy to put you in touch with the local hostel or a B&B if you plan to arrive earlier. Students must vacate the ASE properties by the Saturday following the last day of Final Exams (Thursday). Full Year students may store their belongings in ASE accommodations over Winter Break, but must find alternate accommodations during the period of office closure as the properties are closed for cleaning at that time. We find that full year students tend to either go home at Christmas or use the time to travel within Europe.

Do American appliances work in the UK?

No. Power plugs and voltage are different from the US in the UK. Power converters come with no guarantee and are a possible safety hazard. ASE staff are happy to give advice on the purchase of inexpensive appliances such as hair dryers and alarm clocks on request.

How far will I be from my classes?

The ASE properties are all within walking distance from the Nelson House and Linley House seminar rooms, where all ASE classes are held. Whilst in Oxford, students live in study bedrooms and have classes in seminar rooms at University College, Oxford University.

What type of furnishings are provided? Do I need towels or sheets?

ASE provides the furnishings for the beds. You will, however, need to bring or buy your own towels.

How will I do my laundry?

Each property is equipped with a washer and dryer. You will need to supply your own detergent. A member of ASE staff will explain how to use the machines (yes, they are a little different from the US) at each property on arrival day and advise you on what kind of detergent to use. There are Laundromats with big American-style washers and dryers and dry cleaners if you need them.

Social

What kind of gym/sports facilities are available to me?

Whatever your level of interest in sport - whether you like merely to spectate, to keep fit at the gym, enjoy the occasional jog, or want to play competitive sport while you're abroad - Bath is an ideal place to be based. The city is blessed with some of the best indoor and outdoor facilities anywhere in the British Isles.

The Sports Training Village, located on the University of Bath campus - so you can get up there with your free bus pass - is a Centre of Excellence for Sports, and offers first class facilities. These include a 50 metre swimming pool, indoor tennis courts, indoor and outdoor athletics tracks, a large sports hall (for basketball, badminton etc) and a state-of-the-art Fitness and Conditioning Suite. All of these can be used at discounted rates by students. The City Sports Centre - conveniently located a short walk from Nelson House - has a family pool, a fitness centre, and badminton and squash courts. A discounted membership fee gives ASE students access to these facilities, as well as to free classes, such as yoga, kick-boxing and pilates.

Living throughout the city as they do, ASE students are also well-placed to take advantage of the many parks and open spaces that exist in Bath. Casual games of soccer and ultimate frisbee are often organized in Victoria Park, with the Royal Crescent as a picturesque backdrop. Many students also jog along the many miles of towpath that run beside the river, or by the pretty canal that stretches through the city.

What type of social support does ASE provide?

Because ASE is a small, focused programme, the staff can provide a great amount of personal attention. The "open door" policy means that students can come to any member of staff with questions, concerns or just to chat. Each student is assigned a member of staff as their mentor. They meet their students at the beginning and in the middle of the semester to touch base, and provide support or advice throughout the semester. In addition to this, if the need arises, ASE can put students in touch with professionals within the Bath community who offer counselling and confidential advice.

How will I interact with British students?

Bath is a town for students, with 15% (15,000) of the population in higher education. While ASE students do not share classes with British students, they naturally meet their British counterparts as they explore the many pubs, nightclubs and cafes that cater to students. In addition, our small team of British student assistants are on hand to help you get involved in the social, cultural, musical and religious life of the university. There are further opportunities to mix with British students by joining clubs and societies, by taking extracurricular classes or through volunteer work.

How will I interact with the Bath community?

The city of Bath's cultural wealth and compact size make it an ideal place to live, and to mix on a daily basis with British people of different ages. The fact that all ASE properties are self-catering encourages students to make the most of their local shops and amenities, and to feel like residents in their neighbourhoods. Those students who opt for the Education Programme assistant teach in local schools, while those taking an Internship will work alongside local people on their placement.

ASE has further strong links with numerous volunteering agencies, and helps individual students with particular interests to find the volunteer work best suited to their needs. These include the Cats and Dogs Home where students can walk dogs, cuddle cats, work in the shop or in the office; Julian House, a homeless shelter where volunteers work in a variety of halfway homes and meet co-workers and volunteers as well as the homeless; and the Royal United Hospital.

Money

What do the fees include?

The fees include: full tuition and administrative costs; accommodation in Bath; Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon; a meal allowance (accommodation in Bath is self-catering); all course-related travel (there is a supplementary fee for the course trips to Dublin and France); all visits to theatres, galleries, museums etc., related to the Programme; Day Trips in a remote and beautiful area of the UK; bus passes to the University.

Supplementary fees are charged for Classical and Modern Language courses, the Tutorial Options, an Independent Study and for optional study trips to Dublin and Bayeux, France. These fees are payable after course registration in Bath.

Fees do not include: travel to and from the USA and Bath; £100 refundable damage deposit; medical and dental care; course books.

Does financial aid apply?

ASE will accept financial aid, but this must be worked out through your home institution. Please see the Study Abroad Office and Financial Aid office at your home institution for advice on the release of financial aid for the purpose of study abroad. Please see the Scholarships and Financial Aid section of this Website for more details.

Are there any scholarships?

Yes. There are scholarships that ASE awards on a semester or annual basis. Please see the Scholarships and Financial Aid section of this Website for more details. In addition, your home institution may offer scholarships. Please see your home institution's Study Abroad Office for more details.

How much money will I need?

ASE provides a weekly meal allowance. This amount is quite adequate if students share shopping and cooking. For those whose taste in food requires it, additional funds will be needed for eating out. Students are advised to make a weekly allowance of at least £55 to cover personal expenditure. This figure is only a guideline based on the average student. You may find that you require more or less based on your personal needs. ASE provides a considerable amount of travel within Britain through course-related trips and the social programme. Apart from personal spending money, students will not need extra funding for these trips. If you wish to travel further in Britain or Europe before, during or after the semester, you will, of course, require additional funds.

What is the best way to bring money?

Travellers Cheques are usually the easiest and safest way to bring money. Most US banks have Travellers Cheques in British pounds sterling which you can buy at the current exchange rate with American dollars. You may exchange American dollars and American Traveller's Cheques in UK at many locations, but Marks and Spencer offers competitive exchange rates commission free.

Students increasingly use debit cards to withdraw funds from U.S. accounts, or credit cards to pay directly. You should do careful research with each individual card before you leave the US to see which has the best foreign currency conversion rate as each bank issuing a credit card charges a different percentage.

Can I open a bank account?

Due to a change in regulations, we are now unable to open British bank accounts for visiting students. This is an unavoidable change in our practice.

To access money from home whilst in Bath, you will need to have a home checking account. If you have a checking account (ATMs here do not read savings accounts from the US) with a Cirrus-compatible ATM card and a 4 digit PIN, you can access your money directly throughout the UK and most of Europe. Check with your bank at home about accessibility and withdrawal charges and limits.

General

How will I receive mail and packages?

If you are expecting anyone to post you parcels during your stay here, you should ensure that all parcels are sent only by the US Postal Service and that 'GIFT' is written on the outside of the parcel. Using UPS or Federal Express is faster, but you will be charged a rather expensive receiving fee, which is often greater than the value of the parcel. Please note that parcels should be addressed to you c/o Advanced Studies in England, Nelson House, 2 Pierrepont Street, Bath BA1 1LB, England as we will be able to accept delivery of them on your behalf.

What's the best way to call home?

If you choose to get a mobile phone whilst you are in the UK, Orange or Vodaphone shops offer "pay-as-you go" plans.

How big is Bath?

Bath has a population of 100,000, 15% of which are in higher education. Crossing the city is an easy and fun walk surrounded by shops, pubs, cafes, galleries, the River Avon, several parks, and architectural wonders.

What should I bring?

It cannot be stressed enough by the ASE staff and former students to pack light! Students generally have regretted bringing too much - all residences have laundry facilities, and Bath has a large shopping district. Remember that you will have to carry everything you bring without assistance! Practice walking around with all of it before you leave for the airport to see if you can manage.

Essential clothing to bring: waterproof coat, waterproof shoes, comfortable walking shoes, sweaters (at least 1 thick and 1 thin), semi-formal attire for 3 ASE events. Layers are a good idea for the winter months.

Other suggested items: warm winter coat or jacket; gloves, hat and scarf; long underwear; jeans, flannel shirts, sweaters; hiking boots/shoes; warm pyjamas; a Guide Book (Let's Go Series recommended); supply of batteries and film; camera; cosmetics (US brands are expensive in the UK); back pack; rain gear; a medium sized bag for weekend travel; and a travel alarm clock.

What is the weather like?

The seasons are very much as they are on the north east coast of the US. The average temperature in the winter is 37-48°F/2-8°C and the average temperature in the summer is 55-70°F/12-21°C. Believe the reputation; it does rain a bit, but it can go from sunny to rainy to sunny very quickly. Layering is the name of the game for clothing and rain gear is essential.