What better way to both study and develop your own human potential than to study abroad? Come along to experience English life and traditions up close and personal, from castles and cathedrals to tea rooms and pubs.

• Live with a British family in the elegant Georgian city of Bath
• Immerse yourself in a world heritage city—its Roman ruins, Georgian architecture, art, music, and more
• See Stonehenge as well as numerous local and regional attractions
• Discover for yourself how we're similar and different from our closest cousins, the English

City FACTS

The city of Bath is located very near Bristol and the Western coast of England, about 100 miles west of London. Rich in Roman history and classical Georgian architecture, Bath is one of the most distinctive cities in Great Britain. Home to 80,000 people, Bath is a lively small city with theatre, music, museums, art galleries, gardens, courtyards and parks. As a World Heritage city, Bath attracts visitors from all over the world to its festivals and its unique ambience. As a regional transit hub Bath affords multiple opportunities for exploring the villages in the surrounding area.

We enjoy excellent support from our study abroad partner (Mari Brookes) in Bath. Check out the video posted on the Bath Study Abroad Programmes page.

Facilities & Resources

For this excellent summer program, options for meeting space for classes include, the City of Bath College, University of Bath, Bath Spa University and/or in the city of Bath. The University of Bath has a student travel office, and the city has a pubic library. There are also internet (wireless) cafes and pubs.

Eligibility and Course Information

SJSU Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors (minimum GPA 2.75) are eligible to participate in this program. A special review can be requested for SJSU students with a GPA of 2.5 or above when circumstances suggest current academic performance is strong. This course is also available through Open University and so to all members of the SJSU and CSU community. All students will enroll in the 3 unit course: CHAD/KIN 67: Development of Human Potential. This course meets the lower division GE requirement in area E. An option available to all participants is to also enroll in a 1 unit Ballroom Dance course (KIN 46a) that meets the Physical education graduation requirement at SJSU. Participants will be expected to walk a lot and ride local buses. Rain will not alter plans. Plan to be out and about in whatever summer weather England gives us.

The CHAD portion of the Development of Human Potential course will be completed at SJSU while the KIN portion of the program will begin when the group meets at London’s Heathrow Airport for the coach ride to Bath (provided). Tentative dates are:

• CHAD section at SJSU: 2 days/week, 5/26 - 6/12
• Required meeting prior to departure for England 6/11; Depart 6/13 (arrive 6/14).
• KIN section in Bath England: 6/14 - 7/4

Optional Ballroom Dance Course

The option to also take KIN 46a (Beginning Social Dance) is open to all students participating in this program. Most of the course will be taught here at SJSU (5/22-6/12) and wrap up in Bath England. Efforts are presently underway to establish a connection with the University of Bath’s Latin and Ballroom Dance Club so that program participants can take advantage of this exciting and excellent resource.

Program Overview

Uppon arrival in Bath, students will meet their host families and settle in. Following a walking tour and orientation to the city, we’ll blend class trips and lectures in a truly unique exploration of the development of human potential.

Not to be overlooked is the incredible opportunity to learn through experiencing first hand everything from transportation to festivals and local grocery shops in another country. As a group we’ll take local and regional bus transport and visit some incredible sites (Roman Baths, Stonehenge). An optional weekend in London is planned as well. In your day-to-day activities outside of our class time you will be able to explore the region and compare Sainsbury’s with Safeway and Home Base with Home Depot and then venture off to explore what interests you whether it be art, music, sports, or historic sites.

At the end of a wonderful three weeks, we’ll travel as a group back to Heathrow Airport and the program will officially end. Some will return home; others may stay on to continue their travels.

Safety and Visas

Students will have room and board (breakfast and dinner) with British host families, all of whom live within a short bus ride of the city center. Students will have their own bedroom and will typically share bathroom facilities with the family. England in general, and Bath in particular, are quite safe. The Royal United Hospital is nearby and emergencies are covered by the student insurance required of all participants and included in the program fees; dentistry and community clinics are also available. There is no particular State Department safety or security alert for Britain at this time. For the most current situation, check the State Department's travel site.

Program Instructors

Dr. Bethany Shiffflett is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and has been with SJSU since 1987. Teaching the CHAD portion of the program at SJSU prior to departure for England is Dr. Amy Strage. She is a professor in the Child and Adolescent Development. Long time colleagues, they are a great team and both are delighted to be able to make this opportunity to study abroad available.

Estimated Costs

We estimate program costs to be about $2800 (excluding airfare), assuming a minimum of 15 participants and the current US Dollar to British Pound Sterling exchange rate. Changes in either (or both) of these may result in slight cost adjustments.

Program costs include transfers from Heathrow to Bath and return, as well as room and board (breakfast and dinner) with local homestay families, all planned group excursions (excludes optional trips), local and regional bus passes, facilities rentals, 3 or 4 units of academic credit, and all program administration fees.

Note: airfare is NOT included. We have found that many program participants have access to frequent flyer miles (or other airline arrangements) and that many also wish to depart from England (or return to the U.S.) on different days to accommodate various travel plans for the summer. Group air travel for such a small group does not save that much over the lowest internet fares and is more difficult to arrange, requiring long lead times and advance deposits. Therefore, each participant must make independent flight arrangements such that s/he can meet up with the group at the specified date and time at Heathrow Airport.

Information Meetings

Please contact Dr. Shifflett if you plan to attend one of the meetings below so enough materials are on hand for all who attend.

Contact us at the Study Abroad Office, Clark Hall, Room 543 Tel  (408) 924-5931 Fax (408) 924-5976
or send us an email