A Reflective Punt Down the Cam Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Language is wonderfully complex. Initially, I did not entertain the idea that the British cultural environment would be as intricately divergent from that in the States. I instead looked forward to stimulating academic freedom when deciding to apply for the David Rockefeller International Experience Grant. Reflecting on my wide range of cultural stimulation, it is clear that Britain has sincerely impacted my academic faculties, career pursuits, interpersonal relationships, and the prominence of respect. I chose courses for my study abroad that I knew would push me beyond the comfort zone I have established at Harvard over the past three years. The Cambridge teaching system, in a marked departure from American higher education, focused more on independently researched long form analysis. French Architecture After World War II illuminated considerations about modernism, urbanization, and image applicable in countless ways to perspectives on international development today. Paris also spoke more effusively to me. A Practical Introduction to Arts Journalism tested my flexibility in adopting a fresh writing voice on a variety of demanding journalistic assignments. It commanded a previously unknown side of my intellectual creativity and liberated trust in my own writing. This will prove to be an invaluable skill as I refocus my attention on writing my senior thesis. My study abroad experience came unorthodoxly late in my career as an undergraduate – while my peers centered their summer with career aspirations in mind, I reviewed Shakespeare at the Globe Theater. The most stunning result of this program, however, was its effect on my postgraduate academic plans. Spurred in some ways by genetic mapping of an “addiction gene” through my family’s history, I engaged in a study of drugs’ neurobiological implications in Drugs and the Mind. This academic work inspired me to explore pursuing a postgraduate masters in clinical biology – linking my undergraduate research experience with my future plans to undertake a career medicine. By stimulating such connections, my coursework at Cambridge enhanced my regard for my ambition as a student. In Britain, I learned there is a sharp respect for individual agency. This permeates the academic world to a nigh exhaustive extent. Titles and deference are paramount factors in governing interactions between student and their teachers, yet the practice of this respect also enriched my friendships with other students. An unexpected byproduct of the system, there was a wonderfully motivating mutual sense of shared-learning – everyone embarked on independent projects, but, driven by the curiosity that propelled self-study, engaged in cross-disciplinary discussion. These conversations compellingly fastened bonds between new friends from across the world. The atmosphere of my eight-week journey fostered growth, esteem for peers, and appreciation for my commitment to the interdependencies of learning.

On-site administration of your program

There was formality in some respects - dealing with course changes, grades, and payments (of any sort) were excruciatingly rigid and well organized. However, most other concerns were not handled well. Course packs did not arrive / people were ejected from accommodation without explanation / meal cards were terminated at the end of the trip during an east coast hurricane which prevented return. These are just a few examples, but there were several other instances in trip planning or maintaining standards for local RAs that were less than satisfactory.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing is fantastic in this program. It is important to read the description of the different "bands" or levels prior to paying. I would consult with people who have gone - living in the college is vastly superior to living elsewhere, but there are idiosyncrasies to each accommodation.

The food was well cooked and highly varied. However, the limited dining hall hours coupled with excessive overuse by international programs students made it difficult to deal with.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The weekends are an excellent time to travel around Europe - I made it to Bordeaux, Prague, Dublin, and Paris. There are a lot of people in the program willing to travel and numerous options for this to be done inexpensively, though it is also independent of the program.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was not readily accessible for friends of mine. I did not have any medical issues myself while abroad, but others did. Getting appointments was difficult and the ER was effectively closed after 10pm.

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

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students