Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

PKP: Awesome, fun, and challenging Past Review

By (Physics, Harvard University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was most definitely worthwhile. I got to see Cambridge in vivid detail as well as many European towns/cities, which I traveled to on the weekends thanks to a travel stipend from the Thouron Prize I received.

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 workload and grading system were somewhat similar, except that in Cambridge they used a harsher number scale. They gave us a US grade as well so that sort of negated the issue. Educationally, I felt that there was a more holistic approach to material in general as opposed to a more Harvard-style emphasis on close reading.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought the program was very strong - all my expectations were met. They were also very active in organizing events and very responsive whenever any issues arose.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an excellent single in W entryway in Pembroke College - I'll never forget that room!

* Food:

The food was quite good, but perhaps slightly overpriced.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our trip to Scotland was excellent and very well organized.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

No issues with safety.

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? Late night food should be anticipated - Cambridge has some wonderful food establishments that run until 4AM or so.

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

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Organized
  • Comprehensive
  • Fun
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing really

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Art, Emotion, and Morality
Course Department:
Instructor: Damien Freeman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was an excellent survey course regarding different philosophical theories surrounding the interconnections between art, emotion, and morality. We also had an incredible field trip to Christ College's chapel where we talked to the artist who created the altarpiece diptych.
Credit Transfer Issues: None so far.
Course Name/Rating:

Behavioral Ecology
Course Department:
Instructor: Alex Thornton and Matt Bell
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was excellent and really opened my eyes to how animal behavior can be modeled elegantly using evolutionary theory and behavioral economics. A very coherent and wonderfully-taught course. I particularly enjoyed when we went to the river Cam to feed ducks at two sites at different rates...the ducks spread themselves between these two sites almost in exact accordance to the maximization principles we saw from behavioral economics.
Credit Transfer Issues: None so far.
Course Name/Rating:

Reasoning the Divine (Supervision)
Course Department:
Instructor: Michael Hannon
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I had a wonderful experience in my supervision, and I essentially deconstructing many of the famous arguments for the existence or nonexistence of God. Each week, Michael and I would have an excellent discussion about the paper I had written for that week, and I felt that I really gained a lot in terms of my writing and my philosophical approach.
Credit Transfer Issues: None so far.