Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Becoming a Cambridge Scholar in 3 Months Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/02/2018 to 12/08/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program is incredibly rigorous, and as a result I grew as an academic scholar. The supervision system and close one-on-one interactions I experienced with my supervisors strengthened my writing and research skills, which will prove useful for my senior thesis. Although this program does not provide quite as much freedom to travel as less rigorous programs, if any prospective student is interested in pursuing a doctorate or becoming more experienced at independent research, this program will be worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 GBD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Future study abroad students should quickly familiarize themselves with the different grocery stores and markets in the Cambridge area in order to figure out which places have the best food options and pricing. Students should also save money in advance of this program and be aware that food can be pricey in the Cambridge area.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Cambridge's Supervision System
  • Matriculation (which allowed study abroad students to participate in the same activities as Cambridge students)
  • The city of Cambridge
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Particular details regarding the dissertation academic option
  • More extensive pre-arrival information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much money I would be spending weekly. Further, I wish I knew more about the Cambridge academic system and certain supervisor expectations.

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 Linguist
You 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!