Academic Year Study Abroad Programs in Cambridge, England

Before my study abroad journey, I was filled with excitement, mostly about the idea of being in a new country and soaking in a different culture. I had high hopes, but honestly, both London and the IES Abroad program exceeded every expectation I had. Of course, I got to experience all the iconic London attractions you dream about: the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace—every postcard landmark was just as magical in real life. But what really surprised me was how much more there was beyond the tourist side. One of the most unforgettable experiences was a trip organised by IES to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s not a place I would’ve ever put on my personal travel itinerary, but it ended up being one of the highlights of my entire time abroad. That trip showed me a completely different side of the UK, natural, historical, and deeply beautiful. While most people think of study abroad as all about travel and adventure (which it definitely is), I have to highlight how incredible the academic side was, too. The classes were intellectually engaging, and the professors brought a whole new perspective to learning. What I loved most was how they incorporated the city and our experiences into the classroom. We went to art galleries, had community volunteering placements, and brought real-life news to discuss in class that made learning feel holistic and alive. If I had the chance, I would absolutely do it all over again.

I had a great time studying abroad in London! My program was theater focused and my professors were very knowledgeable. My program planned many fun weekend trips and the admin made sure to also host small events too. I felt supported throughout it all. I would highly recommend IES Abroad.

Studying abroad with IES allowed me to have an unforgettable semester in London! I was a part of the Direct Enrollment program at University College London (UCL), and IES helped me through all parts of the process, from the application, my arrival, and during my time in London.

My time at the University of College of London was terrific. There really isn't anything you can compare to going to a country and knowing almost nothing (no matter how much research you do). You not only learn about a new country but also yourself while you live there. I did just that I wouldn't be here without my study abroad experience. I am a grad student now at USC and the master's program I chose was inspired by a class I took at UCL. Everyone was super kind and great to explore with. The people I meet there I still connect with and have a close bond with. Overall, my experience was phenomenal and I wish every college student gets to experience what I did.

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.

Step 1: Go. And don't look back. I grew so much as a human and performer (which is what I was studying) in my time abroad. I had the entire world, culturally and artistically, at my fingertips. Each weekend I would sit with my friends, over a full potluck we cooked together at only 19 or 20 years old, and decide whether or not we wanted to go see 3 shows on the West End this weekend, or go to France and try escargot and fine wine. To put it simply, the availability to extend myself whichever way I wanted, grew me. The opportunities to be around some of the best theatre in the world, grew me. Making my own choices and handling my own responsibilities halfway across the world, grew me.

After being back in the States for almost four months, I am still continuing to rave over my study abroad program. I loved IES and everything they had to offer. The London center was phenomenal-professors, staff, location. All of the classes that I chose to take gave us a chance to be immersed into the London culture, with field trips to art and history museums, walking tours of the various London neighborhoods, and theatre performances. All of my professors were knowledgeable in their fields, and I learned a lot from them. The staff at the IES Center were always very friendly and helpful. I was a part of the running and yoga clubs, and got to know some of the staff members because of it. These extra-curricular opportunities not only continued to allow us to get to know London better, but it allowed us to get to know the people we were studying with, and showed us that the staff at the center weren't just there as staff. They were there to help make our study abroad experience the best it could be! And when I got sick during our exam week, I was able to get into see a doctor immediately, and everyone-staff and professors-were extremely accommodating. I always felt safe in London too. My apartment was in a great neighborhood, with only a twenty minute bus ride to most of the iconic London places. All of the housing locations were close to each other too, which made visiting friends even easier.

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!

When I left for my study abroad program, I had no expectations. I had never been to Europe before and as excited as I was to embark on this journey, it was hard to believe that I would be living in a foreign country for four months. But I did, and I absolutely loved it. I used to think it was cliché when someone would tell me that studying abroad would change my life, but after my experience with the IES Study London Program, I can honestly say that it did. Not only was our housing situation fantastic, and complete with all of the amenities one could need, but the staff was also brilliant! I can genuinely say I have never enjoyed going to class more than I did while in London. The classes are all fairly small and the professors really take the time to help you better understand the culture you are living in. Our academic advisors were also amazing and got to know each of us on a personal level. This made the transition very smooth, and it made me feel as though I had a group of English friends from the start. All of the class trips were very fun and educational, and it allowed for students to affordably travel around the United Kingdom. Although IES gave us a great deal of support, they also gave us the time to explore London on our own and truly become immersed in the culture. This was the best of studying abroad, in my opinion. When I say that this program changed my life for the better, I truly mean it. Going on this adventure not only gave me a new perspective on the world, and my life, but it also gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. Experiencing a new city, and a new culture, gave me a newfound confidence and showed me how much this world has to offer, outside of college. I truly had the best time, and I would recommend this program to anyone who is considering studying abroad.

The IES Abroad - UK Today program was amazing. Choosing to go to London was one of the best decisions of my life. IES made everything very easy from the start so I didn't have to go into the program with any confusion or worry. In the weeks before I left for London, the IES advisor for my program was excellent with answering my questions or concerns. I have always been a planner and they definitely made it easy. When I got to London it seemed so big and crazy, but IES helped me acclimate to it very quickly and soon the neighborhood felt more like home. The locations of my residence hall and classes were very centralized and easy to navigate. I took two courses with the IES program and had amazing professors for both of them. Both Professors were amazing and had such passion for the courses that they were teaching. My British Youth Culture class is easily on of the best classes I have taken in my college career. Throughout my time in London I always felt safe and like I was able to still be an adult and explore the city on my own. IES gave me the space I needed but also was always there if I needed advice on places to eat, cool sites to see, and how the world cup worked (among other things). I was able to travel through England and Europe with ease over the weekends with the other students in my program, it made it very hard to leave and come back to the U.S..

Studying through this program was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I would go back tomorrow if I were able. Not only were the professors absolutely amazing, but the way the program itself allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the city through classes and group outings really gave us a unique perspective of being able to use the city to our advantage. The staff at the IES center were always willing to help you with even the smallest concerns and I can't thank them enough for their support on the journey.

Growing up on Harry Potter and a love for tea, Studying abroad in London was a no brainer. IES was extremely helpful in preparing for the move and continued to help with any questions I had once I was there. My accommodation was great and located near the biggest tube station in London so getting places was very easy. The classes at IES were interesting and a lot of the times were not held in an actual class room. The instructors would take the class around the city to give us an in person view of the building or the exact spot where a monumental event happened. This brought the information alive and was far more engaging than reading about it in a book. I planned my class schedule to allow me to have a 4 day weekend, leaving a lot of free time to travel to different countries and to also explore the great city of London. The city has so much to offer you and you'll only regret it if you don’t go and see for yourself.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to travel to England. I grew up on Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, and I always loved British culture. In high school, I was determined that in college I would study abroad in London. Last summer my dreams came true when IES Abroad gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. Honestly, I had a lot of doubts about going overseas by myself for an entire summer. Would I get homesick? Would I make any friends? Would my classes be too hard or too boring? But IES made me feel at home in London and created the best experience possible for me. The staff at IES London were absolutely incredible. They were always there to help us, give us tips and ideas, or even just to chat. There were so many trips and events for us to attend in our free time and I feel like the program really helped me make the most out of my time abroad. My classes were great, as well. The professors were knowledgeable and made the classes exciting. I learned so much and experienced the city in different ways through my classes. Although, there wasn't much of an opportunity to make local friends, I made a group of friends in my program that I wouldn't trade for anything. They absolutely made the experience the best it could possibly be. We spent so much time exploring and even just hanging out together, and we still keep in touch. I know it sounds cliche, but I really do believe I grew as a person because of this experience. I gained a new sense of independence and a new viewpoint of the world. Without a doubt it was the best summer of my life and the best choice I have ever made to study abroad. No matter what you are studying or what doubts you have, study abroad sometime during your college career. You will not regret it. I loved my experience with IES Abroad and I miss that summer every day!

After dreaming about studying in London for almost 10 years, I was able to attend University College London for a semester through IES Abroad. The US staff was incredibly helpful with pre-departure information, and the London staff were an excellent "home base" for information, questions, and concerns. I didn't feel like the were babysitting me, but there were always there if I needed something. They helped coordinate doctor's appointments for me and always had someone manning their emergency phone. One of my favorite things about IES was the field trips they organized. They coordinated a handful of afternoon outings around London, as well as day & weekend trips around England. They were convenient, affordable, and brought me to so many interesting places I might not have visited otherwise. As much as I loved London, it was nice to get out of the city every now and then to explore these places! I took my classes at UCL, which is a top institution & part of University of London. I'm so glad I was able to experience the British school system by utilizing IES's Direct Enrollment Program. I lived in the same apartment complex as the other IES students at UCL, which was UCL housing and conveniently located in central London (close to public transportation and campus). My study abroad experience was fun, enriching, and a huge learning experience for me. I have IES to thank for making this journey run smoothly!

It's extremely hard to describe how amazing this program was and how much I learned and grew from being a part of it. The staff at IES were truly incredible--many of them were young and love experiencing the city so they were able to provide advice and suggestions (whether it was where to go for dinner, what museums were the best, or what are of London had the best nightlife). The classes were very interesting and I loved being able to learn about the UK and then have the opportunity to go out and experience what we were learning in the classroom. In all of my classes we took at least one trip out of the classroom and into the city--being a visual learner this was extremely helpful in learning the class materials and it also helped me learn a lot about the history of certain parts of London. Living right near King's Cross was incredible and it was so easy to get around London considering the tube was right down the street! I also was able to make so many amazing friends from this program that I know I will always share my experiences with! I cannot wait to go back to London and wish I could experience it all over again!

Spending my summer in one of the best cities in the world is an opportunity I will always be grateful for and always remember. It was without a doubt one of the best summers of my life. I chose to study abroad for several reasons, however two of the most important reasons would have to be to find a sense of self and to immerse myself into another culture. England already offered me so much comfort because I knew I wouldn't have to worry about a language barrier. I believe that traveling the world is the best form of education one can receive. IES Abroad gave me so many opportunities to explore England, especially in the summer months. London has so much to offer such as music festivals, activities in Hyde Park, free museums, Wimbledon, as well as many other activities and IES offers trips to Brighton, Stonehenge, and Bath, and so much more. Being in a big city gave me the chance to push myself, grow in self confidence and expand my view of the world through my interactions with people from all over. The academics are a little different from the U.S. style, however, it was very easy going and a fun environment. I choose to take British politics and British pop culture in order to fully immerse myself into the British culture. The staff at the IES center is extremely friendly and can always offer suggestions for hidden places to explore in the city. London is truly a great place to be!

Spending a semester in London was was of the best experiences of my life and I am so glad I made the choice to go. Picking a program is difficult, but IES Abroad is a wonderful organization to go abroad through. Every staff member, both in the US and in London was supremely helpful during the entire process. Any question I had was answered quickly and fully. Our orientation once we arrived in London was well rounded, the staff made certain that we would know what to do in case of emergencies and that we would be equipped to handle the British style of classes and teaching. I felt very prepared and in good hands if any problem were ever to arise. The staff members also check in with us multiple times during the semester to make sure we are continuing to do well living in the city and are coping with being away from home. I was satisfied with my housing situation, we were housed in an international residence hall. If problems ever arose with housing, the staff was also helpful in assisting us with fixing the problems. The classes gave me a good hands-on understanding of the theatre industry in London. We talked about Theatre within the city and as a whole, how it can be used, is used, how it fits into society, while having fun and watching performances. I was able to attend many smaller fringe performances that I would not be witness to in my hometown or if I was simply on holiday in England. My other classes were well taught, most of the instructors work so well with students. They are very willing to help you if you have issues in class, we were encouraged to think of theatre and our other subjects in new light. This program is great if you are wanting to learn and fulfill credits at your home school, but still want to travel. It is very easy to stay on top of course work and take multiple trips during the semester to other countries and cities (which I definitely recommend). The professors and staff members encourage exploring the city of London as well as other countries. By the end of this program, I felt like a much more capable person, I learned that I could definitely take care of myself in a different city than what I was used to, and I could enjoy myself and make friends in almost any situation. I learned more about British culture and I have become more open to cultural diversity(in fact I love cultural diversity). This program is a great combination of fun, learning, and exploration. I wholeheartedly recommend it.