Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer in Cambridge Past Review

By (Social Studies, Harvard University) for

University of Cambridge, Pembroke College: Cambridge - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system is different and hard to get used to. There is hardly any emphasis put on readings and homework assignments. Most of the grade comes from final exams and papers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Good support from PKP and Cambridge staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food was alright. Many people had trouble budgeting their alloted meal spending, but I didn't.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great opportunities to meet people, explore Cambridge, and travel around Europe.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It is quite dark and deserted at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you exchange money for a good exchange rate

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling in Europe, exploring Cambridge
  • The people
  • Supervision option
* What could be improved?
  • Classes were sometimes uninteresting. There were also not very clear expectations.
  • All the books are on reserve at the library, but it is hard to find them to study when it is busy.