Study Abroad Programs in Cambridge
About
Cambridge, a quaint British village, is home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It welcomes some of the best and brightest despite its rural setting. Cambridge itself is nestled in the green fields of England, with stone brick pubs and a beautiful river. Studying at Cambridge will be a challenging and invigorating experience in an inspiring environment. Students can get lost in the many charming passages around the historic market place and admire the many attractive museums and art galleries.
Students will be able to explore its many museums and famous historical buildings, and have the opportunity to see a comedy at the Corn Exchange. Aside from the arts, Cambridge takes pride in their football clubs, primarily Cambridge United F.C, as the whole city gathers to cheer on the home team. Studying in Cambridge will be a truly remarkable and positively challenging experience because of the many inspiring scholars that fill the city.
Scholarships
Because studying abroad is expensive, however, it is a great idea to know your scholarship options!
- API offers a variety of scholarships for those participating in their programs - and they have two great choices for England!
- The British Chevening Scholarships are funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and administered by the British Council. This scholarship enables overseas students to study in the UK.
- The British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association offers scholarships of 500 pounds to students studying in England for a semester or a year.
- More Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships
Planning Your Trip
Culture and Immersion
Because of the wide variety of sights that Cambridge has to offer, students should have no trouble getting a feel for the English culture. Take a visit to King’s College Chapel, said to be one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. This huge chapel is built out of stone laid by Henry VI himself. Another place that is sure to impress the history buff is Fitzwilliam Museum. This museum contains tons of ancient artifacts and exhibits including the Maccalesfield Psalter.
Because academics are such a huge part of the culture in Cambridge, abroad students must pay a visit to both Trinity College, the largest college in Cambridge, and of course the University of Cambridge. Their beautiful campuses and architecture will pleasantly surprise those who have never been to these universities. Another thing that abroad students in Cambridge must do is go punting on the River Cam. This is a great way to relax and explore the city with a view from the river. If you’re interested in touring the inner streets of the city, take a double-decker red Cambridge tour bus. These tours usually run about an hour long and are a great way to get educated on the history of the city.
Affordability
Although Cambridge is an expensive city, it is not quite as expensive as London, so it is definitely a good option for students looking to study abroad in the UK. Luckily, Cambridge is one of the most walking friendly cities and almost anywhere can be reached by foot. This is great news for those trying to save money because transportation in Cambridge will not break the bank. Dining in Cambridge is somewhat expensive, but cheaper options do exist! In order to save money, eat out at one of the many small cafes that Cambridge has to offer rather than at a fancy restaurant.
Culture Shock and Support
Living in a foreign country is a new and different experience, so students should make sure to pick an abroad program that has lots of support and a great staff!
Eurocentres abroad program, for example, helps each student individually by devising a personal plan and setting students’ clear goals in terms of their language development and immersion. Eurocentres also gives each individual student feedback throughout the course of their study abroad program so that they can gage their productivity while being abroad.
The Institute for Studying Abroad has a full set of staff that are always willing to help students with anything from travel arrangements to housing conflicts. The IFSA also has an orientation for students when they arrive in England, as well as many different excisions throughout the semester in order to ensure a smooth cultural immersion.
Insider Tips
An amazing place to go to study, or even just relax, is the Cambridge University Botanical Gardens. With over 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses, it is the perfect place to get lost for the day.
A great free thing to do is have a picnic at Mill Pond. Mill Pond is located at the bottom of Mill Lane and has a beautiful view of the river, so students will be able to watch punting while they dine.
Visit Market Square to shop for anything from soap to fresh produce. On Sundays, Market square even features an arts and crafts market as well as food being sold at local farmers market stands.