Classy adventures in the UK and around Europe! Past Review

By (Government, Cornell University) - abroad from 01/15/2012 to 06/15/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned independence and how to interact with people of different cultures. One of the most worthwhile experiences I've ever had.

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.

I would have preferred a more structure academic system, but I guess that's just the difference between the US and UK. I really enjoyed working one-on-one with my supervisors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International Programmes department did a great job of keeping in touch with students and organizing events for us such as field trips to places around the UK, networking with past abroad alums and getting-to-know-you events with other students in the program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my room which was huge and my hallmates. The kitchen was convenient and it was nice to have people clean my room for me!

* Food:

Formal hall food was delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of my fellow students were very welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I was a little nervous about walking to the bus station at 3am to catch my flight. My advice would be to walk with other people late at night and try to schedule flights so that you're not leaving 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)

Because of the exchange rate, buying things in the UK was pretty expensive and traveling was expensive as well. I suggest doing a lot of research before booking flights for travel.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75 GBP

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Traveling
  • Meeting new people
  • Taking part in Cambridge traditions
* What could be improved?
  • More structured academic system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's colder than I thought it would be...bring a heavy coat