Summer School at University of Brighton

This experience taught me the gift of strangers and taking a leap of faith. It has opened my heart to trying new things, being bad at them, and loving them anyways. I think that’s a powerful lesson. As an educator, I think I will be working to include more individual time with my students and work on advocating for all learning styles. Lots of the adults I talked to in UK schools went on about the teacher-peer ratio and how it needs help. Building a connection with my kids will be the most critical part of my job, and from the adults, I’ve talked to) it is the most crucial part to kids too. Listening to my kid's needs, adapting to their learning styles, and making their lives easier, is how I want to roll. I had no clue that I could walk up to a stranger and start a conversation. There is no way I would do something like that at home, but with the confidence, I found in Brighton, I was able to do it. I hope this is something I can carry over at home because it is a great skill I developed.
Overall, I adored this program! I met the most amazing people within and outside of the program, and am so happy I had this experience. We saw amazing things and I learned so much about myself, England, schools abroad, and more!

I had the time of my life studying abroad in Brighton! Being able to visit multiple schools and see the difference between teaching in England, vs America, was such a rewarding experience. I learned a lot about incorporating drama techniques in the classroom and it has come in handy with my current class. I loved being able to experience the surrounding cities and learn about their culture. I was always exploring, and trying new things. Living there really helps your jump feet first, and understand their day to day life!

I had a great experience studying abroad at University of Brighton. Naturally, I was a little nervous to study abroad because I had never traveled outside of the United States alone. However, it paid off because it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. The teachers were amazing, and I learned so much that I will be able to use in my future job. The program coordinators in Brighton, Becca and Mary, were a great source of support throughout our trip. They were so helpful and brought us on all of the fun weekend trips. I felt like I could come to them to ask questions any time. Overall, I learned tools to use in my own classroom and had fun adventures that I would have never experienced at home. Embracing the British culture, and seeing all of these historical sites was really a once in a lifetime experience. I am so glad I chose this program!

I've always wanted to study abroad, and I thought this would be the most perfect opportunity. It's only a short amount of time and an English speaking country. What I didn't realize how much I would learn about the culture and adapt to the British way of life. This has been the biggest life changing experience I have had yet. Going to college you learn how to be on your own and grow as a person and I thought after my first year I did the biggest amount of my "growing" little did I know what a big impact this program was going to have on me. The things I learned in my classes and the things I learned talking to locals I will not be able to get anywhere else.

This experience was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I traveled to England with 7 strangers, and we all left as 7 great friends! England helped me grow as an individual and as a teacher. I remember our professors (Kate and Dave) telling us, "Now, you can sit in any classroom and learn, but there is only one way to truly learn. Get out and explore! Find out what this world as to offer... so why are you still sitting in our room...go explore...go...I mean it...go!!!" Those words are words that I live by today. Each day we made our own adventures whether that was going to downtown Brighton, exploring Paris for three days, or going to Bath, we made the most of our trip.

There is so much I want to tell you about how amazing this trip was from the fish and chips (I still crave these) to the friendly people helping us navigate public transportation to the intricate architecture to the delicious Paris crepes....I could go on forever. The world was waiting outside our dorm room doors and just waiting for us to explore!

When I was heading home at the end of July in 2014, excitement set in when I realized that my family would be waiting for me at the airport. After showing my family all the pictures, telling them all the stories, and giving them their gifts, my joy wore off. It hit me; I was back to reality. Within only a few days, I already missed the adventure and the adrenaline rush I felt each day the past three weeks. Each day a new adventure was waiting for us to discover. Now, back in my hometown, living the daily life again, I realize there is no European adventure waiting for me when I wake up but there is something I can discover each day whether that is within others or myself. Not being able to explain my experience is one challenge I still have. So many people have asked me about my trip, and I just simply reply, “It was amazing! Nothing like I could have ever imagined.” Showing my family and friends pictures and telling them stories may help them understand a little bit of my experience, but I know that no word I say or image I show them will help them fully understand the whole experience. Something changed in me. Something made me realize the little joys in life, the feeling that everything will be okay, the sense that there is more than one way to reach a goal, and the independence and strength I have had in myself all along.

There is no better experience than studying abroad especially in England. You will learn how life in England is much more laid back; people take life as it comes. In parks, people are not on their phones, but instead they are enjoying each other's company. You will learn how things that may be different from how you do something is not wrong but just different (example: driving on the left side of the road, using pounds instead of dollars, navigating public transportation). Last but not least, you will learn who you are as a person. I have no doubt in my mind that you will walk away from this experience a changed person. Trust me. You will.

As Kate and Dave would say, "Now, you can sit in any classroom and learn, but there is only one way to truly learn. Get out and explore! Find out what this world as to offer, so why are you still sitting in our room...go explore...go...I mean it...go!!!" (so why are you still reading this...go!) :)

My study abroad experience at Brighton University was extraordinary. The greenery and wild life are stunning. Escape is just a scheduled bus ride or train fair away to destinations I couldn't have known would change my life. I visited neighboring towns and found such a rich culture that is rarely seen at tourist attractions. Each day was an adventure and something new. My first week there was a Bollywood movie being filmed and suddenly I was an extra in the film. The next day I was exploring castle ruins. My heart was in a constant state of fluttering with each new experience. School was no different. The staff was warm and welcoming. The support and motivation was constantly present. I saw moments of learning that altered my entire teaching philosophy. I received first hand experience with inclusion and diversity that I was lacking in the states. Most importantly, I felt at home. As an untraditional student I didn't feel at home on campus until I attended Brighton University. My only regret was the limited time I spent there. No other university program could offer the sensations, views, and academic rigor that Brighton can.

During my time in Brighton, I felt not only like I was passing through this city but that I belonged here. I loved going into town with my friends and exploring the streets of Brighton, and also the many pubs. Singing karaoke at Ye Old King and Queens was one of my favorite memories, although I don't think the other patrons enjoyed hearing Party in the USA. Visiting the schools of Brighton was another activity that I really enjoyed. Comparing and contrasting the schools to those in America was really interesting!

We spent a whole day in London. I remember running frantically all over the city to see as much as possible. Of course it was nearly impossible to see everything in one day, but everyone was so excited it was hard not to try. We made it to long in about 2 hours, so we were there by around 11 am. We were allowed to stay as long as we wanted, but we had to make sure we were back to get sleep for class the next day. We spent the whole day down there, and I remember how absolutely exhausted I was but it was worth it. We saw Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, changing of the guards, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and so much more. It is an experience that I will never forget and one that is a once in a life time opportunity. Becka and Mary were fantastic. They showed us all around the city and then let us go out on our own to explore. I can't stress enough how wonderful they were, and how personable they were. If you have questions ask because they are always more than willing to share the answers with you!