University of Cambridge: a Truly British Experience Past Review
By Erin F (History and Science, Harvard University) for
University of Cambridge, Pembroke College: Cambridge - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes it was worthwhile! In some way, I feel like before the trip I was missing something about the world, and now I have a better handle on it. I truly am a changed person, and will draw from my experiences, friends, and classroom work from Cambridge for the rest of my life.
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 very variable depending on the classes you took. Also, there was less professor-student interaction than at my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was so nice, but very disorganized. Sign-ups for activities were all done by hand, so there ended up being hordes of people clamoring to get spots in activities with limited enrollment. Using electronic lotteries/Google docs would have been much better. That said, the administration was very friendly and knowledgeable, and gave great advice about day trips, activities, and schoolwork. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt safe, comfortable, and happy in my room. |
| * Food: |
The food was fine, but not great. The dining hall hours were very limited, though, and they never notified us if they were going to be closed for a meal! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Formal halls (formal dinners) are so much fun! Went to Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh, and London. Saw Richard III in the West End in London which was wonderful. Also, cream teas (afternoon excuse to eat cake and scones) were awesome. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Very safe, nothing to worry about. Girls don't walk alone late at night. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 GBP. It varies a LOT depending on how much you eat, how you feel about dining hall food, and personal habits. As a general rule, though, budget more than you think you'll need because the UK is very expensive, and you'll want to do some traveling! Flights are relatively cheap, but travel expenses add up. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food is going to be expensive! Everything in England is expensive. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be ready to work, but open to fun as well. Invest more time in your fellow students than in your classwork. DO A SUPERVISION! and sign up for as many activities as you possibly can. But also, do some traveling, get out of Cambridge for a weekend, and out of the UK as well. |
