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Native English fluency, or a qualifying score from one of the following: GCSE/IGCSE, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, or TOEFL
Visa Required:
Maybe
About the Program
Your six weeks of study at one of the world’s oldest universities lets you experience the unique Cambridge-style learning of small class sizes with a focus on intense classroom discussion and individual feedback and support.
Take Classes Like a Local
Experience small, intensive classes with students from around the world.
Conduct Your Own Research
Develop your research through an optional Independent Supervision.
Get One-on-One Instruction
Dive deep into your subjects with support from professors and advisors.
Explore the City
Explore Cambridge by punting down the river Cam or visiting local parks.
Summer 2025
Program Dates:
July 10 - August 23
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
10,320
Program Advisor
Camilla Alway
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
Native English fluency, or a qualifying score from one of the following: GCSE/IGCSE, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, or TOEFL
Visa Required:
Maybe
About the Destination
Why Cambridge?
Spend your summer studying at the University of Cambridge, the alma mater of Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Jane Goodall, to name a few. Hosted by Pembroke College, one of the University's 31 autonomous colleges, this program will engage you academically and culturally during your time in historic Cambridge.
You will live in what is known at Pembroke College as a “staircase” or “townhouse.” You will have a single bedroom and shared bathroom. Your accommodation will include internet access, cleaning services, a shared kitchen, and laundry facilities. Rooms may vary in cost, size, location, amenities, and distance from classrooms. Ten meals are included per week.
Academics
Contra
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the University of Cambridge.
Current University of Cambridge students serve as Programme Assistants (PAs) to make you feel at home and help you get to know other students. Join the PAs for film nights, outings to local cafes, classic Cambridge sports such as croquet and punting, and more. A weekly bulletin details upcoming events, so you can plan to make the most of your Cambridge experience.
Partner Institution
University of Cambridge – Pembroke College
University of Cambridge – Pembroke College
Cambridge is one of the most remarkable places in Europe with an unbroken and impressive link, dating back over 800 years, to first class education and scholarship. Its famous alumni, including Newton, Darwin, Wittgenstein, Wordsworth and Tennyson, have illuminated all branches of learning, endeavor and enterprise. Poets, politicians and philosophers have lived and worked here and continue to inspire those who follow them.
The Pembroke Summer Programme provides a rare opportunity to enjoy outstanding small-group teaching in a beautiful and inspiring academic environment. The programme combines the intimacy of College life with the excitement of studying with over three hundred students from all over the world. IES Abroad staff and Programme Assistants, drawn from current Cambridge students, work closely with students to ensure they get the most out of their six weeks in Cambridge.
Create your own experience by enrolling in 3 courses from the following fields: Arts & Humanities; Economics, Business, Finance & Management; Science & Mathematics; Social Sciences.
You can replace one of your three courses with an Independent Supervision* which allows you to research a topic of your choice under expert guidance.
Further information about course content and availability can be found on the Pembroke College website.
*NOTE: There is an additional non-refundable fee for the Independent Supervision. Once chosen and paid for, this option cannot be dropped.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Optional Independent Supervision additional fee
$1,875
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$600-900
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$75
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$600
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$200
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$900
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad London Center is in a centrally-located Georgian building with green space called the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Whether you’re grabbing lunch at the Leather Lane food market, or visiting the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, the Center is your study abroad hub.
Student Affairs and Customized Programs Coordinator
Rhys Dunlop
Accounts & Budgets Manager
Angela Ellermeier
Associate Director & Dean of Faculty
Miranda Hale
Direct Enrollment & Orientations Co-Ordinator
Ahmed Hamdan
Senior Facilities Manager
Adam Harrison
Customized Programs Manager
Jacci Lawson
Internship Manager
Beth Lehlbach
Head of Internships
Lewis Liming
Customized Programs and Projects Manager
Rohima Miah
Academic Manager
Zosia Rutkowska
Assistant Director and Head of Customized Programs
Nicola Yates
Student Success Manager
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
Must have completed one full year of university when program begins (rising sophomore)
3.2 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form.
Official Transcript(s) — Include a transcript for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Cambridge Supplemental Application
Academic Reference — A faculty of your university who is familiar with your work for at least one year must provide a letter of reference.
Color Copy of Valid Passport Photo Page — Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the program end date.
Professional Passport-Sized (2’’x 2’’) Photo of Yourself
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information. Minimum scores are listed below:
Wait for communication from the Host University
Please Note — Final admissions decision are made by Cambridge University, not IES Abroad. Average admission decision wait time is about 3-6 weeks
Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:
You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends
Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.
Check the Student Visa Requirements
As a U.S. citizen, you may need to apply for a student visa before studying abroad. Learn more about what stamp or visa you will need to enter the UK and the UK student visa process. You will receive more detailed information upon admission.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
Navigating identity abroad as a Mexican-Polish student, I reflect on language, culture, and experiences like visiting Madrid's Museo de América and Día de los...
