Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A fulfilling semester abroad December 18, 2023

By (Sociology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/03/2023 to 12/09/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In terms of what I learned, I think that my study abroad experience definitely helped me to become more independent and challenged me academically as well. I learned new methods of learning and developed important skills, so I would say that my experience was 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.

The academics were rigorous and different from what I was used to, but was a rewarding experience. I felt well supported by my supervisors and found my lecturers to be engaging. Resources for help were widely and easily available.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international studies team at Cambridge was not only efficient and helpful in responding to questions I had about academics and logistics during the semester, but also worked to put on different events throughout the semester to bring the semester students together.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing for me was a little far, but still walkable. The houses themselves were very old and in need of minor repairs, but the rooms were overall spacious and were single occupancy rooms.

* Food:

The food was mostly good and there was a variety of meals and sides to choose from each day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt that I was able to integrate fairly easily with the local culture and did not experience many instances of alienation.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Cambridge was a generally safe town, with most streets being well-lit at night and not many dangers.

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

I think that my experience at Cambridge University was fulfilling, both educationally and personally due to the beautiful campus, excellent supervisors and lecturers, and the students as well. The town itself was very charming and I had so much fun exploring and living daily life there.

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)

I didn't find the country that I was living in to be much more expensive than the US, and generally think that I spent a reasonable amount on food or other supplies. I was located near two stores with good deals, which helped.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70

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

  • 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?
  • Strong support network
  • Good location
* What could be improved?
  • Faster repair requests for dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known about how clubs function, because although this did not stop me from interacting and integrating into various societies, many included a membership fee that allowed access to exclusive events, which I couldn't attend.

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!