It was worthwhile! January 08, 2023
By A student (Neuroscience, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/05/2022 to 12/10/2022 with
University of Cambridge: Cambridge - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned that I was insanely burnt out at Wellesley and that though when I return I probably will be burnt out again, trying to find a better work/life balance will be something I try harder to work towards. I think I didn't quite realize how stressed and overwhelmed I was just because I was trying to get through each day and it hit me all at once when break came. I will try my best to ease up on my workload, make time for just relaxing, and hangout with my friends more often.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was intense, different, and most definitely a welcome challenge. I really enjoyed my time at Pembroke, and I'm glad that I went. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was clear that the International Programme office cared about us and made themselves available. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was okay with my living arrangements. I only wish I was a little closer to the city centre, but the walks were nice so I don't mind. Many had complaints about the small bathrooms and showers, as well as the hygiene habits of others in a communal space, but overall I had an alright experience. |
| * Food: |
The food was good. I didn't expect much for cafeteria/servery food, but an English breakfast once in a while was nice, and everyone at the servery was kind. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had questions about mental health and COVID boosters, questions which people immediately directed me to the right authorities or gave me quick responses to, which was nice. It was a little stressful trying to sort things out, but it was okay in the end. |
| * Safety: |
Cambridge in general is a really safe city, but you could never be too careful - phone pickpocketing is common. Advice that a friend gave me was to never leave your phone on the table when you are outside eating, or to always tuck your phone in a secure or hidden pocket. When you are outside, or in London for a short trip, some have had their phones just snatched out of their hands. A bit of caution is good. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I was apprehensive about this program initially, even not really wanting to go just weeks before leaving. I was nervous about going somewhere new by myself despite being an international student in America already. But now in hindsight, I'm so glad I didn't back out of the program. I made friends, learned more about myself, wrote a dissertation, and just had a really great time in general. |
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) |
Cambridge and London are relatively expensive cities. Especially if you want to travel while abroad, you should have some money saved up for covering those expenses. It is easy to cut costs while you are in the program - servery food is cheaper if you don't add too many sides, if you shop for groceries and cook you'll save on eating out, etc. The general habits coming with living on a budget apply abroad too. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook if you can and have the time. Try not to go shopping too much or don't buy anything heavy/clunky that would be difficult to bring home or may incur additional luggage costs. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That even though getting there was a disaster (flight cancelled 10 minutes before boarding, luggage delayed for 2 weeks), it gets better and there will be many new friends to make. :) |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
