IFSA University of Cambridge, Pembroke College Partnership

My experience abroad with IFSA at Pembroke College of the University of Cambridge was overall an academically enriching and thoroughly enjoyable experience that I will remember and hope to emulate in the future. Even before arriving in England, IFSA provided me with all of the necessary tools for the transition to England, including health insurance and visa information. IFSA’s oversight in the beginning stages of my study abroad experiences allowed me to relax and enter into my abroad experience with less stress. IFSA staff and orientation programs built upon this foundation and helped set me up for emotional and academic success while abroad. As the Cambridge experience is based through supervisions, which at most only have one other student in them, IFSA staff heavily emphasized the need to join clubs and student organizations within Pembroke and Cambridge to interact with British students. I joined the Pembroke College women’s football (soccer) team and had one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time abroad. The experience helped foster connections with other American students studying abroad as well as British or non-American students. On the academic side, the experience at Cambridge is nothing short of exceptional. From the Cambridge University library to the individualized supervision experience, there is no shortage of academic opportunities for students. While it was difficult to shift to the supervision system, IFSA and Pembroke staff were always available if I needed help or guidance. I took two supervisions while abroad, Politics of Southeast Asia and International Law. I wanted to take Politics of Southeast Asia as a similar course was not available at my home institution. The International Law course was thoroughly interesting and has influenced my plans after I complete my bachelor’s degree. Overall, my study abroad experience with IFSA at Pembroke College, University of Cambridge was an academically and personally enriching experience. My study abroad program was shortened due to the pandemic, which forced my second supervision to move online and for me to miss out on IFSA events I was looking forward to. However, I thought that IFSA and Pembroke were heavily supportive during the transition and continued to provide resources and assistance during the last two months of the program.

The educational system in the UK particularly in Cambridge is truly worth experiencing! It puts special emphasis on developing an independent thinker and providing in-depth knowledge instead of a superficial understanding of a broad range of topics. The students who seek to grow academically, particularly those who plan to continue their studies in the graduate school, would certainly benefit from an environment in Cambridge where the one-to-one supervisions and greater academic independence prepare them for the future challenges as the graduate students. But the UK can not only be distinguished by its educational system, but also the urban culture and public transportation. The cities across the UK can truly teach a lot about the culture and people because there are walkable, always full of the crowd, and have a unique motion and dynamic brought by tourists at any time of the year. This is particularly true for Cambridge, which is famous for its old and beautiful colleges, even with the lakes and bridges spread all over the town and a wonderful architecture overall. Cambridge offers an overwhelming number of opportunities to attend concerts, theatre shows, random lectures where one can always meet new and interesting people. Importantly, most students are excited to explore the city in the evening which increases motivation and opportunities for having valuable encounters. I would also add that multiculturalism is an important part of the culture and urban life in Cambridge. Hearing French, Chinese, Spanish, Italian or Hindi becomes a normal occurring in everyday life. If one is interested in studying in an old but nonetheless dynamic European-style city where people mostly bike and enjoy beautiful sceneries, Cambridge would certainly be a wonderful fit!