Opportunities for integration
How is the ASE programme designed to encourage students to learn about and experience British culture for themselves?
An integrated curriculum
All our seminars and tutorials are taught by UK-based faculty, and many courses have a specific focus on Britain, its culture and history, as well as study trips linking classroom learning with British sites, landscape and culture. Those students on the Education Programme spend a day a week assisting at a local school; while many ASE students opt to do Internships, which involve weekly visits to a local work placement.
Housing in the city of Bath
There are no 'dorms' at ASE. Instead, all students are housed in properties in historic neighbourhoods scattered across the city. The city of Bath's cultural wealth and compact size make it an ideal place to live, and to mix with British people of different ages and walks of life. Self-catering encourages use of local shops and amenities.
Orientation, intercultural talks and mentoring
In the first week, a carefully structured programme of information meetings and tours helps familiarise students with the city, and with opportunities for community involvement. Further interactive talks aim to broaden students' understanding of their daily encounters with a new culture. Each student is also allotted a staff mentor who offers support and advice, as well as regular informal opportunities to reflect on their experiences.
Student life in Bath
With more than 20,000 studying full-time at its two universities, Bath is undoubtedly a student city. Our energetic British social assistants, themselves current or recent full-time students, are on hand to encourage participation in events on campus and in the city. In addition, all ASE students are provided with Associate membership of the Students' Union at Bath Spa University where they will find numerous sports and societies, as well as student bars and cafés.
Community involvement
ASE works with various local groups to provide a range of opportunities for community involvement. Recent favourites have included Next Stage Theatre Company, Bath Organic Gardening Group, Bath Foodcycle, Good Gym running group, and community groups at Manver's Street Baptist Church. We have also forged a special relationship with Bath Abbey, which offers opportunities for our students to meet other young people through the activities of the Church. ASE helps students of all faiths and denominations find suitable places to worship and meet their peers.
Clubs and societies
ASE actively encourages students to participate in a wide range of local community groups, from yoga to knitting; and all are eligible to join the extensive list of clubs and societies at Bath Spa University Students' Union. Artists, writers, musicians and dancers will find numerous opportunities to paint, play, write and perform in Bath, and various venues across the city offer dance classes, from Scottish to Salsa. The University of Bath also runs community contemporary arts courses in ceramics, film, musical theatre, and the visual arts.
“There are countless ways to get involved in the Bath community, each rewarding in its own way.”
— Jacqui Easton, Bates College