Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cambridge Rocks my Socks! Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 07/02/2012 to 08/25/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Cambridge University Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much, I could not sum it up in one review. It was completely worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Superior academics; I enjoyed every moment of the challenge.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The PKP people were fantastic. They were always so kind and accommodating.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing I stayed in was quite old and quite expensive...

* Food:

Great food, I loved that they provided vegetarian and organic options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The social environment at Cambridge is very enlightening, lively, and fun. I loved it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Great nurse, very accessible.

* Safety:

I tripped on the old cobblestones on more than one occasion and was injured two of the times I fell.

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)

Cambridge is not a cheap place to live in general so I wouldn't blame the programme for this one.

* 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? A lot! Very expensive place.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be smart with your meal cards and know that you will have tons of money on the CUS card. Practically nobody knew that last summer, so everyone had around 40 pounds in money to spend at CUS in the last week while they had run out of money on their actual dining cards.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Everything; the whole experience was outstanding.
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • The quality of housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cambridge is an amazing town. Take advantage of the cultural things around you as well as the academics.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'