Cambridge, England

University of Cambridge, Pembroke College Summer

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Program Overview

CHALLENGE YOURSELF AT CAMBRIDGE’S THIRD-OLDEST COLLEGE

Join students from all over the world for tutorials led by Cambridge faculty and traditions that date back to 1347. In your downtime, take advantage of plentiful opportunities to explore Cambridge, punting on the River Cam, and browsing at Market Square. Plus, there’s time to go farther afield to get to know England’s rich history and iconic places, from London’s Borough Market to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre 

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Summer: Feb. 15

Minimum GPA

3.20

Credit load

12

Housing

Residence Hall/Dormitory, Single Room Option

Instruction language

English

Language prerequisites

None

Visa required?

Not in most cases. Learn more.

Apply Now

Academics

The Pembroke College summer program is renowned for rigorous and intellectually challenging courses. Lectures are capped at 30 students with seminar groups limited to 15 students.

The program offers classes that reflect both Cambridge’s strengths and the intellectual interests of the instructors who develop the classes. Each one is designed to be challenging but accessible, and most have no entry requirements.

Select three classes from the following areas:

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Economics, Business, Finance, and Management
  • Science and Mathematics
  • Social Sciences

To view available courses at Pembroke College, visit the summer catalog.

If you are admitted to this program but later decide to withdraw, you must do so by March 10. You will be charged the entire program fee if you fail to withdraw before this date.

Please review all your syllabi and course materials when you are registering for classes (both prearrival and on-site).

CHART Your Course
Find the classes you need fast with CHART. Our easy-to-use tool shows you classes recently taken by IFSA students.

New country, new way of learning!

Here’s what to expect the University of Cambridge, Pembroke College:

  • More emphasis on independent The university recommends completing ten hours of independent study for each academic credit you seek.
  • More advanced instruction and work than you’d find in a class at the same level in the United States. Because most English university degrees are three-year programs, students gain specialized knowledge faster here.
  • Less personal access to professors. Instead, it’s common to connect with more junior faculty members.
  • Grades are often based on a single final exam or final paper, or on just a few assignments.
  • Choose classes from one department to avoid scheduling conflicts. Local students usually specialize in one department for classes, which means different departments don’t schedule classes with other departments in mind.
  • Full access to the university’s robust academic support system and resources, including an assigned advisor for academic support. IFSA local staff are also available for individual help.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
  • You must have completed at least one (1) full-time year of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
  • Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.

Recommendation Letters
Your application to this program will require one (1) academic letter of recommendation on home institution letterhead.

 

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.

Excursions

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.
Below are a selection of activities and excursions from previous terms; options may vary for your program. Due to the seasonal nature of many of program activities, we cannot guarantee a specific activity or excursion will be available in a given term or program.
  • Women’s History in Cambridge Tour: This tour covers the key role Cambridge played in education for women and women’s suffrage, as well as considering some of the tremendous women who have been associated with the city. Some key highlights areas include Millie Fawcett’s house, Newnham College, Senate House, and Market Square. You will find out how things have changed since women were first admitted to the University of Cambridge 150 years ago.
  • London’s Southbank Walk and Borough Market: Wander the River Thames then nosh on fish and chips, Thai curry, and more­—there are hundreds of produce and street food stalls to choose from. Soak up some history as you refuel—food markets have stood here since the Middle Ages.
  • Buckingham Palace: On the bucket list for countless UK visitors, here’s your chance to see the majestic London home of British monarchs since Queen Victoria in 1837. (Look for the Royal Standard’s yellow, red and blue squares that signify the king is in residence.)
  • Independence Day BBQ: You may be in the UK, but you can still celebrate the fabulous U.S. Independence Day with a festive get-together and meal.

Housing and Meals

Housing

Residence Hall/Dormitory, Single Room Option

Meals

Some Included

Details

All students live in either Pembroke College on-site single rooms or in the college’s off-site central townhouse residences.

Some accommodations feature modern spaces and extra amenities such as private bathrooms that warrant higher rent. Students who are placed in more expensive housing incur additional charges to cover these costs. 

  • On-Campus Rooms. Single rooms with shared bathrooms. Cambridge has many old buildings, which means room size varies. Bed sheets and towels provided. Halls have kitchenettes with microwave, toaster, kettle, and basic utensils. 
  • City Centre Townhouse. Pembroke offers traditional residential townhouses in the city center which house a small number of students per house. Located on quiet residential streets, these houses are usually Victorian or Edwardian in style, feature single bedrooms with shared bathrooms, and are an attractive alternative to living within the Pembroke College grounds. Bed sheets and towels provided.
  • Meals: Your program fee includes 10 meals a week at Pembroke College Dining Hall. Beyond that, you can purchase additional meals at the dining hall, or explore other options in town.  
  • Commute: Student housing is on campus, or within easy walking and cycling distance of campus (Cambridge is a bike-friendly city). Local buses are another easy option. 
  • Nearby: The Backs (a pretty greenspace along the River Cam). Market Square. Cambridge University Library. ADC Theatre. 

Dates and Fees

Term
Term begins
Term ends
Program costs
Application deadline
Summer 2025
Early July 2025
Mid-Aug. 2025
$12,950 (estimated)
Feb. 15, 2025

Get Started

Kevin Canas

Kevin Cañas

Enrollment Counselor