Cambridge, England
University of Cambridge, Pembroke College Summer
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
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.
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.
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.
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
- Windsor and Eton: Roughly half an hour by train from London, the beautiful Berkshire towns of Windsor and Eaton occupy opposite sides of the Thames. There’s no shortage of history here, with Windsor Castle—an imposing architectural study, built by Norman the Conqueror and now a residence for the British Royal family—and Eton College—a prestigious all-boys public school with a long list of famous alums.
- 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.
- Get to know the real London with Unseen Tours. No one knows London like the locals. Explore the East End’s Brick Lane—known for its street art and multicultural heritage—or the West End’s Covenant Garden—once orchard garden for Westminster Abbey, now home of theatre, opera, shopping, and food galore.
- Shakespeare’s Globe: In London’s Southbank, travel back to 1599 and explore what’s arguably the world’s most famous theatre. Along the way, learn about Shakespeare and the history of this legendary open-air structure.
- 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.)
- Thames River Boat Cruise. Get a perspective on London you can’t find from land. See why England’s longest river has long been a vital link for trade and transport as you take in icons like Big Ben, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the House of Parliament, and the London Eye, and more, depending on route.
- 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 OptionMeals
Some IncludedDetails
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
Get Started
Kevin Cañas
Enrollment Counselor