Past Review
By Chelsea G (theatre major, Valparaiso University) for
Valparaiso University: Cambridge - Valparaiso University Study Center
My study abroad experience was very worthwhile...how could it not be? I gained a load of understanding about just how big the world is. There is life outside of America that is enriching and rewarding. SIGN UP AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!!!
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned more in Cambridge about American History/English History than I did in all of my schooling.... there is just something about being in an 800 yr old scholastic village that you cant get anywhere else. Also, I loved Mythology and then being able to actually go to Italy and see what I learned or take a train and look at the painting in the National Gallery and know what I'm looking at is amazing ;) Thanks Mark so much. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I have to hand it to Mark Farmer.... He did all he could do for us in Cambridge. It was his first time and I think he did a wonderful job. Mr. Fix it, dad, teacher, friend, brother, ect.... |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Throwing down 22A Huntingdon Rd. A big four story house. I say big because everything else in England is small compared to our house ahhaha <br /><br /> Not to far away from town. I loved walking down our road to the city centre. Its a straight shot. We really are close to everything. The clubs, pubs, restaurants, are all within 10-20 min walks. Having class upstairs in the house was a dream. I didnt have to wake up an hour before class. When you return from Cambridge its going to slap you in the face, b/c you arent use to "one minute to get to class" type deal |
| * Food: |
the only down side to shopping for groceries is that you have to be sure to eat everything pretty quickly. They dont have as many perservatives in their food so it spoils quite quickly. Be careful when you buy bread dont buy a huge loaf for two weeks...or meat..... |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
good heavens... I had SUCH A GREAT TIME!!!! AHHHHH |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Cambridge is safe. traveling to Italy and Morocco kind of not safe. For a woman its different, so just be aware of men gawking its inevitable. |
| 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? | god. so much. uhh it depends on what you want to do. If you go out to eat or if you hit up shopping at the arcade or book store or if you go to the club/pubs on the weekend...if you were traveling some where and you wanted souveneirs it just depends everyone is different I spent probably around 40-100 pounds a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | i wish i would have gotten three jobs before i went to cambridge so i could have saved up more money to spend! In the pre-deparure meeting they gave you a budget thats like really low....just go ahead and DOUBLE it!!!!!! plus you must factor in the conversion rates |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I know fluent Essex, Norwich, Cambs dialect |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes 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? | Don't waste anytime, quit watching DVD's and get out of the house, soak up everything that Cambridge has to offer, if you don't you will regret it. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
History |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Murphy |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Once you take a course with him.... you compare all your other courses to it... in my opinion He is a great professor and helped me get all the World Wars straight. Also, he is very in the know and is all about getting you interested in participating in Cambridge Life. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | nope. very easy. everything transferred |
