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Cambridge Testimonials
Madison Bernath (University of Central Florida/2010)
 When I first decided to study abroad in Cambridge I anticipated a school in the middle of nowhere surrounded by rolling hills and pastures. I thought I’d be taught in large old classrooms with an elderly professor who was as brilliant as he/she was severe. I imagined all the English people I’d meet. What I got was a bit different. Cambridge is green all over (don’t step on the manicured lawns!) but it is a city in itself with one half occupied by ancient college buildings and the other half filled with shops, pubs, and entertainment. My professors were brilliant, but so accessible. They were open to questions during your subject course, often opened for comments and discussion, and were happy to talk to you before and after class. My biggest shock, though, was the range of nationalities I came across. I befriended people from Denmark, Austria, France, Taiwan, China, Holland, Russia, Germany, etc. The things I learned from interacting with people from all the corners of the Earth matched if not surpassed the education I received in the classroom—being a Cambridge classroom, that means something.
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Eva LaBoy (Rollins College/2010)
 Cambridge is absolutely the best thing I have ever done for myself. The memories of this trip will be with me my lifetime. I will never forget the incredible people I met. One of my favorite experiences was our discussions together. How often can you really engage in theological debates with a group of people from all different cultures and from all parts of the world? I had no idea I would make so many friends, so fast. I feel so fortunate to have been able to do the study abroad at Cambridge. The walks through the beautiful town and punting down the river Cam will be etched in my mind always. Thank you for the wonderful experience and opportunity!
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Mead Bowen (University of Florida/2010)
 Few things could be nicer than medieval studies in one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in England. Traces of life in the middle ages pepper the city in its streets, its churches, its stained-glass windows and in the city's medieval street plan.
More remarkable, however, is how the city blends the old with the new. Cambridge's historic market square has stayed true to its original intent, where vendors still hawk their wares every afternoon. The streets that once carried horses and carriages now suit both cars and bicycles, and a ride through the countryside to the nearby village of Grantchester is worth the bike rental. But what I will treasure most are the friends who walked and pedaled those streets with me, flown here from every corner of the globe.
I met scholars both young and mature from Germany, Brazil, Denmark, Poland, Italy, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Belgium. We struck a pact to reunite at Cambridge in two years--it is a promise I intend to keep!
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Sean DeLima (Broward College/2010)
 The information I gathered from the Cambridge University Summer School Program - through plenary lectures, classes, and conversation - has truly provided me with an invaluable international perspective. Being able to interact with citizens of some 32 countries (during and after classes), allowed me to gain clarity on topics such as socialism, the environment, the European Union, and above all, Indian and Chinese politics. During my free time, the bicycle-friendly campus landscape gave me an opportunity to explore the terrain at my discretion ? I had an opportunity to ride through the former residence of Charles Darwin, read and write in the former backyard of Stephen Hawking, explore the historical infrastructure around Cambridge, and investigate the museums, the eateries, the parks, the River Cam, and numerous other points of interest . The weather, likened to that of spring-time in the northeast United States, complemented my experience; as a Floridian, experiencing non-humid 70-degree days and cool nights in July was a virtue! I will always cherish the time spent at this lovely university, and look forward to rekindling the experience at some point in the future!
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Ana Woods-Hill (University of South Florida/2009)
 It is quite the challenge to sing the praises of the Cambridge program in such a limited format. I do not think my eyes were even open to the wonder of this world until I set foot in the gardens of beautiful Selwyn College. Armed with my camera and a suitcase full of clothing for a hundred years, I was still not prepared for the journey that awaited me, whether gardens, historic sites, classes, special lectures, international students. Each day offered a million adventures, each conversation spurred a thousand self discoveries, and every minute I wish I was back there to live it all again. Cambridge was a lifetime of memories in a month, where I lost myself and found myself all at once.
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Dahlia Legault (University of South Florida/2009)
 I continue to get glimpses of the towering college buildings, and the beautifully mowed lawns, and the Cam River as it meandered through the town. Having the opportunity to study and learn in the atmosphere of Cambridge has opened my mind to so many possibilities. Thinking about a place where Newton encountered gravity, where Watson and Crick celebrated their discovery of DNA, and where Milton wrote Paradise Lost, I began to get revolutionary ideas of my own. This 800 year old institution, now a 21st university, still has the same purpose for which is was built: for the power of knowledge. As someone who has never traveled to another country, my time in Cambridge has most certainly changed my life, and I will dreadfully miss the friends I have made there.
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Hugh Adcock (St. Petersburg College/2009)
 “I’m going to study at Cambridge”. This phrase, so unreal, repeated through my mind as I left Tampa bound for England. As I had many hopes and expectations leading up to the arrival to my home for the next month, there is little I can say that might describe my first impression. Walking through the fortified doors leading to the interior green, I found a sight that forced me to pause; a place that made even my dreams envious. After the initial shock had worn off, the stay for the remaining month passed far too quickly as one could imagine. The courses had a wide range of subjects with which to choose and the teachers I received were great. This seemed to be the general response from friends when asked about their instructors. I found the plenary lectures very informative and interesting. Naturally, there were some that stood out. Among the best lectures was the presentation on the Enigma Machine, in which a real German enigma machine was brought in and explained. The weekends gave me a chance to explore the rest of the U.K. Ireland, Scotland, Stonehenge and Bath were all amazing. A 30 minute train ride from London made day trips possible and so fun to just go for the afternoon with friends. I can say that I am now a master of the Underground, or “Tube”, which is definitely the most efficient way of travelling around London. For a life changing experience, the price for this trip absolutely seemed justified. I will always remember this trip to be an experience of a lifetime with hopes to visit again someday. Cheers!
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Steven Deboer (University of South Florida/2009)
 Participating in the four week term at the University of Cambridge is a fantastic experience. The ability to immerse oneself in a different culture for such an extended period of time allows one to explore both the city of Cambridge as well as other parts of Europe. The ease with which one is able to catch a train to other parts of Great Britain or hop on a flight to mainland Europe is such that the opportunities to make quick excursions should not be passed up. During my participation in the ISS Term I program, I attended concerts in London at St. Paul's Cathedral and travelled to various cities around Europe on the weekends. Life in Cambridge is fantastic ? everything you need is within a fifteen or twenty minute walk. From museums and concerts to touring the university itself, the activities are endless. Coupled with the stellar courses offered by the ISS program, the Cambridge experience is one that will never be forgotten.
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Mike Capps (University of Central Florida/2009)
 My time spent in Cambridge was wonderful. The architecture there is amazing and much older than anything we have in the States. In my free time I got to explore the city and I went on a beautiful punting tour of the river. I met people from all over the world and made new friends while immersing myself in strange cultures. Even when the lectures were boring I found myself learning so much from the people around me. I got to see a castle, hear a lot of great music, and meet people I will remember for a very long time. I highly recommend going to Cambridge if you're ready to take yourself on a truly international adventure.
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Chris Jones (University of South Florida/2009)
 Cambridge was definitely the highlight of my summer. I had the chance to experience the prestige of a top university in the world and meet so many international students. I thought to myself if this would be worth my time, it definitely was! I now have my vacations booked for the next 12 years! The social time was perfect at Cambridge, it was so easy to meet people and with Facebook so easy to keep in touch! One particular thing I remember is when a guy from Denmark and I took a day trip to London. It was so instantaneous. We just thought of it on the spot and had no plans. It was great. We hopped on a red bus that we had no idea where to take us. We then found the tourist sites. It was so funny, because we went to London by ourselves and out of some random coincidence we saw another friend from Cambridge there, just randomly in a park! Small world! Cambridge was so much fun. I enjoyed the lectures and friends I met. I enjoyed the 800th Anniversary Garden Party. I loved the 'internationalness' of the summer school. Experience of a lifetime!
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Britney Lipton (Florida International University/2009)
 At the peak of the Castle Mound, a historic hill just ten minutes walking distance from the City Centre, the sun is setting and we’re reciting T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” That morning, I sat in the lecture block of Lady Mitchell Hall and listened as Dr. Fred Parker spoke about Christopher Marlowe and Dr. Faustus. At the Cambridge International Summer School, experiences like these are continually available. I had tea with a retired Professor from San Juan, Brazil, who could no longer count the number of summers she had attended the program, and listened as she told me of her life’s accomplishments. I met Ursula in my “Shakespeare’s Romances” course, and our talks of life and literature were simply spectacular. That wouldn’t have been possible without my summer at Cambridge, where the first floor is a ground floor and dinner is an event on its own. Without Cambridge, I wouldn’t have met people from all over the globe, nor would I have cemented my passion and realized that literature is what I’m supposed to do. Without Cambridge, without the lectures and a city full of vibrant history, I would never have had the life changing experience that I did from my time at their International Summer School.
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Steve Julson (University of Central Florida/2007)
 The view from my airplane window--waves breaking on the coast of England and then the checkerboard fields of green and yellow--told me I was far away from the concrete world of my Orlando home. My first reaction as I stepped into the terminal was the welcoming chill unknown to me in the month of July. Back home my friends would be sweating in shorts and t-shirts, but here, in this beautifully overgrown country, my fellow students and I wore sweaters and jeans. The three weeks I spent immersed in Literature at Cambridge gave me more knowledge than I would gain in an entire semester at home. The professors were brilliant, and their exuberance in their selected topic motivated me to read and learn as much as I could in my short time there. But not only did the classes inspire, so too did the city itself. Just seeing the buildings that aged back before America's Independence (some by even hundreds of years), well, nothing in this world had prepared me for it, so from my first day in the city to the last, I explored it with a hunger for discovery I had never found before. Up until my final night in Cambridge, I continued to make new discoveries of Europe's culture every single day. During my trip, I made countless numbers of friends from so many states and laughed and enjoyed myself with people from so many different countries throughout Europe. Outside of the classroom, I learned so much about the cultures of other countries from these newfound friends that it made me truly feel like a well rounded human being. No experience can compare to being a study-abroad student in Cambridge. You are respected as a foreigner seeking knowledge, and you are welcomed hospitably everywhere you go. If anyone were to ask me to "Name the time of your life," I would say "Cambridge."
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Patrick Whitmarsh (University of South Florida/2007)
 I had one of the best experiences of my life during the summer of 2007. I participated in the Cambridge International Summer School Program. On the plane ride over I knew that I was going to have an amazing, life-changing experience. I met a young British couple who happened to be sitting next to me, and I asked them about Cambridge and what I was in for. They told me that I was in for a great time, that people there were nice and that it also was a bit of a party town (which, true enough, it was). I asked them how their time in America was, and when they professed that they had a great time I made sure to invite them back! I knew on the bus ride from the airport to the university that I was going to have a great time. I met other kids on the bus who were from USF and some other schools. Soon we were laughing and talking, and already discussing what we were going to do. Upon arriving at the university I met more students who were as eager as I was to explore. The town of Cambridge was incredible, and each individual college was beautiful (my favorites were King's and Trinity, personally; have to mention Selwyn as well, since that's where I lived!). There are plenty of good places to get a small lunch, and wonderful open grassy parks to sit with friends and enjoy the day (of which, fortunately, we had many nice ones). Over our long weekend I went with friends to Dublin, which was a blast. We saw the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, and of course enjoyed the Irish pastime of drinking. I had an amazing time with the friends I made, and there were also some very interesting romances within the group (nothing like an overseas love affair). We also made sure to visit London which was incredible. The Tate London and Modern were fantastic; I got to see John Martin's Last Judgment series, so I was happy! There is plenty to do in Cambridge as well. Aside from exploring the colleges, there are several museums to visit and there are always student groups putting on Shakespeare productions (which were very good; I saw A Midsummer Night's Dream). The weekend excursions are great, but it was fun to organize our own thing too. The long weekend is great to plan something with people you meet. It's hard to describe my entire experience in only so many words. I can say with complete certainty that I am so glad I went to Cambridge. I have no regrets, and had an amazing time. I know that it is cliché, but it truly was a life-changing experience for me. I still think about it each day and wish it could have lasted longer. But it's still good to come home; and I had some great stories to tell my friends!
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Nikita Patel (University of South Florida/2007)
 Because I was born in England, I really thought I knew what to expect when I decided to study abroad at the University of Cambridge. To some extent, I was right, but for the most part, it was a completely new experience. There is nothing like the feeling of waking up to a crisp Cambridge morning and walking those cobblestone roads that so many great people have walked before me. I came to Cambridge with the mindset that I really wouldn't meet people that I would keep in close contact with after the trip, but it turned out to be the complete opposite. We all formed a close-knit family with people from across the globe and created memories that will be forever ingrained in all of us. From the daily trips to city-centre, to the thought-provoking lectures given by renowned professors, my trip to Cambridge was truly one of those experiences you look back on and wonder if it really did happen.
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Jon Beilan (University of Central Florida/2007)
 My semester at Cambridge was easily one of the most memorable months of my life. Time spent there was nothing short of amazing. The sense of prestige and the atmosphere of excitement immediately wrap you up and suddenly you find yourself making new friends, exploring new places, and actually being excited to go to class. When people tour they may stay only one or two nights at each spot. They hit the big tourist sights, but never get a true feel for the city. Having a month in Cambridge really allows you to appreciate the personality of the town, soaking in the new environment at your own pace. And believe me- you will have a lot of soaking to do. The architecture and landscaping alone are breathtaking. There's so much to do and discover, not to mention the opportunity to travel to other locations. My group often commuted to London, and we took a weekend trip to Edinburgh. There's nothing better than traveling with friends- especially when your bed for the month is at the University of Cambridge.
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Jessica Krohn (Olympic College, WA/2007)
 When I left for Cambridge I was super excited and also super nervous because I had never left the US before, but I am so glad that I went. I met people from all over the world and two of my best friends I made there were from Holland and Portugal. I went to museums and saw works of history like the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Staying at St. Catherine's College was amazing as there were spacious rooms and the beautiful strains of classical music coming from the Chapel directly across the courtyard. The education that we received rivaled some of the best classes I have ever had here in the states. Just last night I was watching "Lost Worlds" on the History Channel and one of the featured archeologists was Mr. Jonathan Foyle who just happened to teach my Medieval Power Houses and Palaces class in Cambridge. That was an exciting moment for my friends and family.
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Christine Morando (Florida Gulf Coast University/2007)
 Going to Cambridge was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I got to spend three weeks going to class in one of the oldest university towns in the world! The professors were incredible, all very enthusiastic about their subjects. On top of the incredible academic experience, life in Cambridge was FUN! Weekend trips to Stratford and Bath, checking out local pubs and clubs, historic ghost tours.there was never a lack of entertainment. The sights of Cambridge are burned into my brain: Newton's apple tree, the gardens at Clare, the punts on the Cam, and so many more. Of course, the friends I made in Cambridge were one of the best parts of the experience and I expect to be in touch with them for a long time to come. I can't imagine having found a more fun, beautiful place to have spent my summer!
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Bethany Monks (University of North Florida/2007)
 When I was an undergrad, I felt too shy to study abroad. I wish now I had just gone for it. But recently, as a more confident adult (and teacher, with summers off), I began graduate school with the intent of studying abroad. Cambridge was simply the trip that felt right. The classes, the lectures, the immediate and constant flow of new friends, the city surroundings, the easy travel to most of Europe... all this combined into a dream come true! It was also comforting to visit a place that spoke my language. I literally wept on the plane when I touched down back in the States, for I did not want to come home. My friends tell me I am a changed person: even more confident, fun, and daring. I am currently saving up to go back!
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Daniel Rosa (Broward Community College/2006)
 Cambridge was a fantastic experience for me all the way around-people, places, classes, fun! I certainly have traveled a bit, but primarily in South and Central so I was very familiar with those cultures, but not so familiar with England. I was a bit apprehensive over the summer till my Term 2 time came by, but I was glad to get out of hot and humid Florida, and once I landed in London and made my way to Cambridge, I felt right at home, with very few jarring cultural differences. Though I live and study in an international culture here in the Ft.Lauderdale/Miami area, while at Cambridge I encountered so many students from all over, making friends with them and learning about their lives in Pakistan, Japan, South Africa, France, Spain, Australia, and Holland. As for the cultural differences, my biggest adjustment was to some of the 'strange meats' at college dinner, never having had guinea fowl, lamb stew, roasted duck or cod loin here at home. Of course, the friends I made, the classes I took, and the places I visited more than compensated for my necessary food adjustment! I had two classes, Britain and Europe, 1945-2006 and Cold War: Truman and Reagan, both taught by prominent historians who brought a real British perspective to contemporary politics. My Cold War professor was the best college professor I have ever had at home or abroad. It was hard to return home to Ft. Lauderdale after my two weeks in Cambridge.
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Michael Marcous (University of Central Florida/2006)
 If I had to make a list of the cities I knew by heart, Cambridge would rank right after my hometown. I spent roughly a month traversing narrow streets between classes and taking in all that England had to offer, and I can honestly say that it has changed my life. It helps put things in perspective, for one thing. It is also an incredible way to meet the rest of the world, and to know that, for the most part, we're just a bunch of like-minded people, ready to bridge the gaps and be friends. I'm addicted to traveling now. There's no better way to grow.
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Eric Velt (University of South Florida/2006)
 To describe my time at the International Summer School at Cambridge University in England in one word would be nearly impossible, but if I had to pick one word it would be phenomenal. The professors were fantastic—very nice, approachable, knowledgeable; the weekend excursions were nothing short of beautiful—convenient, cheap, fantastic places of historic and cultural interest; and you meet friends for life—worldwide students that I still email and talk with all the time. One of my weekend excursions was to Blenheim Palace, home of the Duke of Marlborough and ancestral home of Winston Churchill; it was memorable and superb in every way. Upon my return to the states, I was watching the movie The Avengers when I had realized that one of the locations used in the movie was indeed Blenheim Palace! I was at a movie location overseas and that is something that I will not forget. From this experience, I wasn’t just learning about History, but I was living in it and walked through it everyday; after all, Cambridge University is 800 years old, and there’s plenty of history that can happen in 800 years!. The memories that I obtained throughout this experience will stay with me forever, from living in a college founded in 1473 and rebuilt in the 17th century, to visiting Stonehenge to experiencing English life and culture, both in the town of Cambridge and in the University of Cambridge. Both town and gown taught me so much.
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Brittany Osbourne (University of South Florida/2006)
 Before I came to Cambridge University I had never (and I repeat NEVER) left the country alone. I was stressed, afraid, and paranoid...all for nothing! The flight was not as nearly as terrifying and when I touched British soil, many of my fears were quickly alleviated. The historical architecture, the small intimate coffee shops, and friendly people made the transition smooth. Going to Cambridge was perhaps the best decision I could've ever made. I stayed in St. Catherine's College which was off Sidwick Ave and King's St. The dormitories were spacious and they overlooked a great scenery. Meals at St. Catherine's was a cultural eye-opener. I found that although it wasn't your average American Meal, it could be very scrumptious (especially chocolate chip croissants for breakfast...very addicting). Classes in the Literature program was awesome! The professors were all experts in their field, and they were very engaging...in other words you won't fall asleep. I found that reading the course materials and having a good idea about essay topics ahead time, really took a large load off my shoulders. That gave me free time to visit the small shops (the four story Border's bookstore), and all the many museums and historical buildings interwoven in the city. The weekend excursions were also a great time to learn about British Culture: I found going to Sandringham Estate one of my favorites. Lastly, I was glad that I took advantage of the weekly events that Summer School coordinators put on for us (the jazz concert, and the ceilidh...which I felt they should have a celidh every week because its sooo much fun). I really miss Cambridge, everything about it. I've made friends from all over the world (Pakistan, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Brazil). The memories that I've made, and the friendships I'll never forget really made Cambridge something that I will always remember.
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Kelly Foyle (University of South Florida/2006)
 Kelly Foyle (USF/2006) I never thought that my experience at Cambridge would be so hard to put into words because I truly had the time of my life! I was amazed to be attending classes with people from all over the world who brought a unique perspective to each discussion, providing an intellectual atmosphere both in and out of the classroom. But my experience did not stop at the textbooks and classes - in fact that is where it only began. I made some truly incredible friends and together we experienced the diversity of all Cambridge had to offer, from punting on the Cam to tours of the colleges to traditional British foods like fish and chips. I will never forget my friends or the wonderful time we had. I am so glad that I decided to go on this program (even though I was originally scared to death) - it was definitely one of the best things I have ever done.
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Lynn Kruse (Daytona Beach Community College/2006)
 I attended the Literature Summer School, and must say that the Cambridge University experience from inside the iron gates was a peek at powerful privilege. Everything about it was engineered with the impeccable precision of the English. This trip was the fulfillment of a forty-year-old abandoned dream. Although there was an abundance of twenty-what-year-old students, there were also many life graduate students. We greatly enjoyed learning from each other as Cambridge taught us all!
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Chad Marine (University of South Florida/2006)
 Prior to my trip to Cambridge, I had been a bit of a novice traveler. Canada, check; Mexico, check. But I still craved that definitive leap across the pond to that much-romanticized continent of Europe. USF's Study Abroad program to Cambridge brought this dream well within reach, along with the fine excuse of broadening my intellectual horizons through an impressive selection of courses taught by actual professors of the famed university. My anticipation mounted, and I braced myself for an unprecedented and fulfilling summer. Experience certainly speaks louder than expectation, and I was beyond delighted to find how much I felt at home my very first day in England. By the time I had completed my first week of intriguing classroom discussion, I felt I had been there all my life. It was time for a vacation. A weekend in Dublin exposed me to what is now my favorite city on the planet, and I returned “home” to Cambridge for good friends and good times. The following weekend took me to Paris, where it rains glitter and wine. Then back again to jolly ol’ England for the rest of my trip, and not a minute wasted. My only regret was having to leave.
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Joseph A. Sujka (University of North Florida/2006)
 Joseph A. Sujka (UNF-Jacksonville, 2006) My trip to Cambridge was wonderful. England is a beautiful country with a rich history. The best part was being able to learn about things like Churchill in his country of origin. Seeing some of Churchill's original documents at Churchill College was something I will never forget. The program was flat out amazing, I met great people and on top of that learned things that I will not forget for the rest of my life. I wouldn't even have to think twice about going back. I'd get on a plane and fly back at a moment's notice. Go and enjoy yourself. It was one of the most amazing times in my life.
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Nicole Giammona (St. Petersburg College/2006)
 Going to Cambridge was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The best part of being there was the people that I met and the beautiful scenery. I met such an incredible group of people from all over the world and even learned bits and phrases of their many languages. We went to clubs and dances and went shopping at the Cambridge Open Air Market. I quickly adjusted to life there, and although time seemed to pass slowly throughout the two weeks, when it was over, it was heart-wrenching to leave the people that felt like my family. Certainly Cambridge felt like home. Two days into the trip, I felt like I had always lived in Cambridge. My classes were fun and my professors funny and bizarre. It was an experience of a lifetime and one that I will always treasure.
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Cassie Robertson (University of South Florida/2006)
 Despite the many cultural options in England, my focus remained on one thing: Shakespeare. Every class I took was about Shakespeare and I only took the Stratford excursions. I saw Shakespeare's birthplace, his grave, and the Globe theatre, a place I have dreamed of seeing for years. While I feel more at home among a group of theatre students, I enjoyed the time I spent with my classmates, in and out of the classroom. We formed our little groups, but everyone was joined by the fact that we were living out fantasies. One of the things I found the most unique about the trip was the idea that I was taking classes for enjoyment. There were papers I had to write and they were based on the classes, but there were no tests and no homework. If I didn't want to take notes, I didn't have to. If I wanted to daydream, I could. Usually the lectures were entertaining enough to hold my attention, but it was liberating and kept me from over-stressing. Although I came back swearing to never even look at another deli sandwich again, seeing the Globe was worth a few tuna and cucumber baguettes. I am very glad I went to Cambridge.
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Ruth Diggory (University of South Florida/2006)
 I would highly recommend the Study Abroad Program at Cambridge to anyone interested; it was a wonderful experience in so many ways. The courses offered were excellent; the professionalism, expertise, and enthusiasm of the teaching staff were impressive. I have traveled abroad before but never to Europe, I am more than willing to go back to study again. Studying history in Cambridge literally means living in it, being surrounded by historical sites, museums, archives, historical libraries, etc., which is an experience that cannot be duplicated. I felt awe every time I looked out my dorm room and saw the college’s chapel that had been built in 1703. I made new friends from around the world; it was great to be surrounded by people that shared the same passions and interests as you. I was awed and amazed everyday of the three weeks that I was there from a new discovery I had made whether is was from finding a breathtaking beautiful, secluded English garden, an awe inspiring ancient chapel or ancient artifacts in a museum that I have read so much about but had never actually seen. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how many people go back year after year because of the wonderful experiences they have had. I was also able to travel a bit, seeing London and Paris, but it was nice ‘coming home to Cambridge’ after my adventures. The staff and other students made this a wonderful experience.
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Jessica M. Alarcón (Florida International University/2006)
 How often does one get to open a statement with, "When I attended the University of Cambridge ..."? Even as I contemplate sharing my reflections, I can hardly believe that I have been apart of such a wonderful and yet prestigious opportunity. Upon arrival at Cambridge you immediately transition into a different way of being; with a residence that has the landscape of a castle, a dining hall reminiscent of Harry Potter, and with an atmosphere that echoes the tales of 800 years, just walking through all of this history is transformational. The people are exceptionally nice, not to mention the charming British accents - I secretly tried to mimic them (don't tell anyone, ok?), but each time I tried it just came out sounding Caribbean, so I gave it up. Initially I suspected that the majority would be from Florida, but I would quickly find the contrary. The students are truly international. Every day I would meet someone from a different country: Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Germany, Portugal ....I learned greatly from this a diverse group of people as we dialogued about their experiences at home. Now I have returned to my own home, back to my tropical climate and palm trees, still reminiscing of the amazing summer I have just had. Cambridge is an excellent opportunity and will offer you the best of all worlds - academically, socially, professionally, and culturally. I highly recommend this experience to anyone, it is an investment that enriches in various forms.
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Cathie Astl (University of South Florida/2006)
 My time at Cambridge was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The Cambridge professors were top-notch, the town of Cambridge was very interesting to explore and it was very easy for students to get around. It was my first time overseas and I was initially nervous about being a "mature" student and traveling alone. But everyone was extremely nice and welcoming and I met some wonderful people from all over the world. Opportunities to see England abounded and the excursions were worth every penny. One suggestion I would have everyone take to heart: listen when they tell you to go over there prepared and to get your papers done before you get there! At the very least, have a topic, an outline and sources; there was limited time and resources to complete two papers and three response papers in the three weeks. Doing so will allow you more time for exploring the sights.
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Blaise Gonser (University of South Florida/2006)
 I will never forget the initial awe I experienced once I arrived with the others to Selwyn College on the grounds of Cambridge University. I knew then I was sure to have an experience that would subsequently change my life forever. I am no stranger to travel within the United States, as with Canada and Mexico – for I have seen almost all areas of these countries; however, I had never had the chance to fully go out of the usual constraints of the U.S. and experience Europe. What a great initial taste! I found to be more at home among the British than I had initially expected; they were and are extremely witty, friendly, and understand good humor when one dishes it out in good graces. I found that the celebration of intellect and intrigue truly radiated in the European countries as well, making it easier for me, a philosophy major, to get a better reception from those in a pub, rather than a scoff of confusion. Cambridge in itself was so full of things to see and do; it was quite difficult to determine what was the best adventure to take both locally in England, and even beyond in other European countries – the point is one has they option to select and go anywhere within financial reason and personal interest….Academically I had a terrific time in my courses I enrolled in, and really felt a sense of greatness on the grounds of the campus I stayed on as with the other 29+ campuses that make-up Cambridge. It is like a small little collective town where, if one is motivated, can meet many local people very quickly through the night scene in the ‘downtown’ area….I would not change a thing about the trip, well, maybe some food choices, yet, in all honesty I am a changed person for the better after my Cambridge summer.
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Angie Dolan (University of South Florida/2006)
 I participated in a summer study abroad at Cambridge University during the very last semester of my undergraduate career. It turned out to be the absolute best and most memorable part of my collegiate education. My courses were enjoyable and my lecturers were more than impressive. The entire experience was nothing short of amazing. Whether I was walking to class through a medieval college/castle, or relaxing in a pub amongst some of the cleverest students in the world, I always found myself in a surreal situation. I made friends with people from all over the world, with whom I haven’t stopped talking to on a daily basis since I returned home! Cambridge -the town and the university - and the people I met there have left a life-long impression on me. My entire perception of the world, of education and of myself has been affected by my time there. I would go running back in a heartbeat!
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Dana Rine (University of South Florida/2006)
 Parting from Cambridge was such sweet sorrow. The intellectual experience was beyond words. Finding so many students with goals and pursuits similar to my own was delightful. Equally delightful was the number of open-minded and humble professors at Cambridge. Discussing fictional characters as if they existed in reality became commonplace, particularly with my fellow Jane-ites (the nickname given to Jane Austen purists). The weekend excursions to Sandringham and Stratford provided additional time to bond with new-found friends and were affordable, stress-free forms of travel. My favorite part of each day was walking through King’s College in the early morning when it was still cold and the waters of the River Cam were peaceful and still. Cambridge is a cultural experience like no other. Rather than being tourists, we became residents. I will hold the time in Cambridge close to my heart, and the memories will make me smile for years to come.
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Louis Cohen (Palm Beach Community College/2006)
 I had an amazing time in Cambridge; it was a once in a lifetime experience, where I made some unique life long relationships, with some very special people from all over the world. In fact, I am actually writing this note from Vienna, Austria where I am staying with a friend from summer school. After the courses came to a close, a number of friends really didn’t want to say goodbye and wanted me to stay in Europe, so I have actually been visiting friends staying with them since the end of classes. I was in London for some time and stayed at a friend’s flat, downtown. Then I went to another friend’s summer home on the Atlantic coast of France, in Brittany. We had fun there in the chilly waters around the Bay, then drove his car on a little road trip six hours across France, through his home in Leon, passing Le Mans, on our way to his flat for school in Paris. After some days in Paris, I then headed to Vienna, Austria, where I met another friend and together we went to Prague, in the Czech Republic, for a few nights. Now I am back in Vienna preparing to head home soon to Boca Raton….An absolutely amazing summer indeed.
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