Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-Changing Past Review

By (Clinical Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/27/2012 to 08/25/2012 with

Arcadia: Cambridge - Pembroke Cambridge Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence, and got to experience a different teaching style. I also got to study at one of the best Universities in the world. And I got 8 credits that will transfer to my home school. It was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very academically challenging, very different teaching style in the UK, much more self-motivated learning. Sometimes the workload was overwhelming, but professors and program coordinaters were helpful and available. There were organized activities by the program assistants, and there was always a lot to do, and much fun to be had.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was told I would have internet access in my room, and I did not.

* Food:

Tasted good, but not many healthy options. A lot of potatoes, and fried food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was hoping to be more integrated into the local culture, but since the program was comprised completely of American students, I did not meet many British students like I hoped I would.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

British pounds are extremely expensive, and the exchange rate with US dollars is not good. However, the partial meal plan provided by the PKP program was very helpful, and it was easy to live in Cambridge and spend minimal money. However, most students traveled on weekends, which cost money.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Utilize the meal plan as much as you can, and when traveling, look for good deals with cheap airlines and hostels. Also, ask about student discounts EVERYWHERE you go! Many museums/cafes/clothing stores offer student discounts if you present an ID.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The other American students I met
  • The wide variety of classes offered
  • The Location
* What could be improved?
  • Internet in every room!
  • More realistic workload... it's summer!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It was very academically challenging, and there was a lot of homework. Many hours were spent in the library. I thought I was going to have more free time.