Study Abroad Programs: Do More Than Just Study!

Autumn has come early in Cambridge this year. Across the UK people are digging out their coats from the back of wardrobes and swapping their flip-flops for boots. The days are beginning to get shorter and the school term is now in full swing – indeed, summer holidays are just a distant memory… But here at Reach Cambridge we are already looking forward to next summer when it will be time, once again, for eager high school students from across the world to descend on the University town of Cambridge for another exciting summer program. But why do so many students come to Reach Cambridge summer school every year? Of course, a major motivation is to study a subject they are passionate about, and the many advantages of studying abroad over summer are discussed in our previous blog. However, the benefits of a residential summer program like Reach Cambridge extend far beyond academic study. Going away from home, family, and friends for the first time could be a scary prospect. But signing up for a summer abroad program like Reach Cambridge is really signing up for an adventure – the adventure of a lifetime! There are many reasons why summer schools are a fantastic experience – in fact, many of our Reach Cambridge summer students don’t want to go home at the end of the three week program! Here are just a few reasons why:   1. Live life as a university student At Reach Cambridge summer school, all students live and learn in the colleges of Cambridge University. That means that they stay in the very bedrooms that are home to University students during the rest of the year – where they study, sleep, and hang out with their friends. Reach Cambridge students also eat many of their meals in the beautiful college dining halls where Cambridge students dine during term time, so during the summer program Reach Cambridge students get a real taste of what life might be like at university. 2. Make international friends In 2013 Reach Cambridge summer school students came from around 40 different countries! Reach Cambridge students therefore have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn about a wide variety of different cultures, broadening their horizons and making friends for life!  3. Have fun! We hope that all students on the summer program will enjoy studying in their classes, but we also believe that it is important to unwind after all that hard work! That is why we offer such a wide range of exciting activities outside of class time – you can try everything from sports to arts to drama, visit local museums, and even try our dance classes or our photography group! If you prefer to relax with your new friends there are plenty of beautiful spots in Cambridge from which to enjoy a picnic! 4. Grow in confidence and independence On all Reach Cambridge summer programs there will be a dedicated staff team on-site to help you at any time. However, many of our students report that living away from home for three weeks helps them to grow in confidence and independence. Outside of class time, the summer school students have the freedom to manage their own time, growing in independence as a result. And, of course, there is the small matter of doing your own laundry…an essential student skill! 5. Explore England! Cambridge is, in our opinion, one of the best places in all of England, full of history and impressive architecture! However, there are plenty of other must-see sites in the UK. On Reach Cambridge study programs all students join our exciting weekend excursions to places such as London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, and Brighton! At the end of it all you will have an endless supply of souvenirs, photographs, and most importantly fantastic memories of an incredible summer program.   These are just five reasons you should join us at Reach Cambridge next summer. Interested? Apply now and sign up for the greatest summer ever!