Health, Safety and Welfare

ASE has always made the health, well-being and safety of students our top priority.

As a small, personable organisation with a typical staff:student ratio of approximately 1:6, we are unusually well-placed to monitor and adapt to the individual health and welfare needs of the students on our Programme, as well as to circumstances affecting all of us, such as the recent pandemic.

Regular health and welfare and travel safety updates are sent to students throughout their time at ASE.

Pre-Arrival Information

Prior to their arrival in the UK, all students enrolled on the Programme are encouraged to share with ASE any health and welfare circumstances they feel may have an impact on their time abroad. This includes current and historical medical issues, prescriptions, mobility issues, mental health concerns, and any educational accommodations they may wish to request.

All information shared is treated confidentially, and allows us to prepare as a Team for the arrival of each unique cohort of students.

Mentoring and Professional Counselling

Every semester student is assigned a member of the ASE staff to act as their personal mentor throughout their time on the Programme. All staff have an office in Nelson House and are readily contactable via email and Google Meet. Students can speak with their mentor, or indeed with any member of staff, in confidence about any matter that concerns them.

Our Deputy Dean, Dr Lucy Marten, acts as Safeguarding Mentor; and Kara Chambers-Grant, ASE’s Administrative Manager, is our dedicated Rainbow Mentor.

In addition, ASE works closely with a local professional counselling service, with whom all students are entitled to up to six individual sessions at no additional cost.

Covid 19

In line with many institutions in the US and peer providers in study abroad, ASE recommends (but no longer requires) that all students attending the Programme protect against Covid-19 with a WHO or FDA approved vaccine, and booster vaccinations if available. All ASE staff are fully vaccinated.

Mask wearing is no longer a requirement in the UK or at Nelson House. If you prefer to wear a mask, you are welcome to do so.

There are currently no special Covid-19 requirements for travel to and from the UK.

Health Care and Insurance

The UK’s National Health Service has a well-deserved reputation for providing efficient and cost-effective treatment and home institutions’ health insurance will often cover students in Bath for ordinary medical and associated expenses. ASE Staff are on hand to help make appointments with a local surgery where needed.

All ASE students are also covered for the duration of the program by a CHUBB medical insurance policy, provided by Franklin and Marshall College. The insurance covers hospital stays and treatments made necessary by an injury or other event (including mental health issues) which arise and are treated during the programme. Costs must be authorised for reimbursement. Preventive care is not covered by the CHUBB policy, but may be obtained at relatively low cost via the National Health Service.

It is advised that students retain or obtain medical insurance in their home country in case they need further hospitalisation or treatment after leaving the UK.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding health and safety measures during your stay in Bath, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the Contact page.