Cambridge University: Modern Study in a Historic Place Past Review
By Raya S (Undeclared, Brandeis University) for
IFSA: Cambridge - Pembroke & Kings Colleges Cambridge, Summer
I learned about how a seemingly similar country can be so different. I learned that the UK is much different from the USA, in many more ways than the change in accent! (The people, the climate, the politics, the economy, the culture, etc.)
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was substantial, as is expected of a university like Cambridge. The grading system was very different from American grading. For one thing, the scale of numbers was different. The equivalent of an A (or 94%) in the US is about 75% in the UK. Furthermore, your entire grade rests on exactly 2 assignments -- usually a final paper and a final exam. There are no small quizzes or weekly homework assignments aside from the readings. Classes usually have lecture sessions and seminar sessions, both of which are mandatory. The lectures are all about the lecturer giving you information, whereas the seminars are your chance to do something more interactive. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There were always LOTS of events, trips, and activities planned. There was always several things going on -- sports, day trips, movies, British parties, etc. The only complaint was that sometimes the organization of big events was a bit chaotic. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not need to buy towels or bedding, such as pillows, blankets, and sheets. Additionally, someone would come in several times a week to take out my wastebin, change my sheets, and vacuum the floor. My room also had a personal sink and cabinet built in. |
| * Food: |
As a vegetarian, I was able to have enough options to eat. However, the food was simply repetitive day after day. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The several-day long trip to Scotland and Edinburgh was very memorable. The hike in the Trossachs was beautiful and challenging. There were also Scottish parties called "ceilidh" with fun dancing and music. There were also day trips to London. Punting on the river. "Bop" parties -- British-style university parties. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not need any vaccines. There was a nurse on staff for our program. The city wasn't dangerous, but as with every tourist city, there will be petty crimes. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You must be willing to spend a lot of your time studying, and you must be able to enjoy your courses. Don't expect it to be a relaxing or "chill" summer! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Novel Writing in Cambridge |
| Course Department: | English/ Literature |
| Instructor: | Emma Sweeney |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | During the entire course, we would work on writing the first 6,000 words of a novel, our very own novel. Seminars were always 4-person group work-shops on proofreading and making suggestions on the work of our peers. We also had 4 real life British authors come in and speak about their experience as writers, professionally and personally. (We were also assigned to read their books.) In addition, a professional book agent and publisher also both came in to speak to us about the practical and "money" side of the business. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I have not received my transcript yet, so I do not know if I will have any credit transfer trouble. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Art, Emotion, and Morality |
| Course Department: | Philosophy |
| Instructor: | Damien Freeman |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Very deep, philosophical, and pensive. Lots of insights offered from many different readings and philosophers. A wide range of topics are discussed. The lecturer structured the course in a very systematic way, so that each topic built on the ones before it. The seminars were always used to discuss the readings in a dynamic way. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I have not received my transcript yet, so I do not know if I will have any credit transfer trouble. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Creativity and Business Innovation |
| Course Department: | Business |
| Instructor: | Nelli Theyel and Ivano Cardinale |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The first half of the course was taught by Nelli Theyel. They focus was on the managerial side of innovation and business. The second half of the course was taught by Ivano Cardinale and focused on how to promote creativity when working with, or managing, a group. We also learned about different theories of creativity. The two parts of the course were very engaging and a great way to structure the approach to this topic. It was also very valuable to have the input from two different lectures. Both of their seminars were spent doing interactive activities, NOT talking about readings. We always worked in groups, just like in a real business setting. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I have not received my transcript yet, so I do not know if I will have any credit transfer trouble. |
