FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| About Reach Cambridge |
Academics |
| About the Programmes | Extra-Curricular |
| Safety | Applying to College |
| Accommodation | Travel |
| The Students | Application |
ABOUT REACH CAMBRIDGE
Why Reach Cambridge?
What is Reach Cambridge’s mission?
What does your Latin motto mean?
What experience does Reach Cambridge have in running pre-college programmes?
Who are we?
Why Reach Cambridge?
Reach Cambridge is unique in combining all of the following features in the prestigious and safe surroundings of a Cambridge College:
- Pre-College Preparation based at Cambridge University with Cambridge students: Bedrooms in University Halls with two meals a day in the prestigious College Dining Hall.
- Lecture Series: ‘International Social Responsibility’ by world-class Cambridge University academics.
- Workshop Series: ‘University Life’ with Cambridge students.
- Activities: Sport in the College’s extensive grounds, creative/artistic classes, drama, social activities and free time to explore Cambridge.
- Excursions to places of cultural interest around the UK: London, Stonehenge, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Theatre: Three Theatre trips to the Globe Theatre in London, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford and the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival.
- Local Excursions: There are numerous local Excursions to sites around Cambridge from Museums to the famous Orchard at Grantchester.
On top of these key elements of a Reach Cambridge programme, students also choose one of a variety of courses. Each course is specially designed to complement high school studies, whilst also offering a glimpse of University-style learning.
What is Reach Cambridge's mission?
The mission of Reach Cambridge is to widen the horizons of its students with inspiring experiences, world-class teaching and most importantly - integration with British culture. An understanding of a culture depends on empathy, which in turn is stimulated by communication and interaction. Reach Cambridge achieves this through lectures from local academics on subjects of social importance, workshops with local students on the factors that most affect the life of a student, varied group activities such as sport, art and drama and excursions to national treasures that have inspired both British people and visitors alike for generations.
What does your Latin motto mean?
Sic Itur Ad Astra is a line from Virgil's Aeneid and means 'Thus Reach For The Stars,' which is a sentiment we believe in at Reach Cambridge and pass on to our students.
What experience does Reach Cambridge have in running pre-college programmes?
Reach Cambridge brings together the wealth of knowledge necessary to create an unparalleled pre-college summer school experience. You can read testimonials from previous years here. The senior staff has extensive experience in the education world and travel industry as well as many years of invaluable direct, first hand experience of the Cambridge and British education system. This combined with years of experience in promoting further education to the international community makes Reach Cambridge a superior choice for a summer programme.
Who are we?
Broadly speaking, our staff divides into three departments – academic, supervisory and senior staff. The academic department is made up of experienced Cambridge lecturers and Supervisors, although we also look further afield to build an exceptional team of educators. The supervisory department is made up of Cambridge University students with an intimate knowledge of the College, the University and its workings. The senior staff bring together many years of experience in international schools, Cambridge University and the European education world. Parents can be understandably cautious about sending their daughters and sons abroad for the summer, and so a member of our senior staff would be more than willing to allay any concerns over the phone. If you would like to speak to a member of the senior staff, please email info@reachcambridge to arrange a time to speak to someone.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMMES
Will I have fun?
Are Reach Cambridge programmes like summer camp?
Which Reach Cambridge programme should I choose?
How much spending money do I need?
Can parents visit?
What’s not included in the price?
Will I have fun?
Yes! With so many like-minded students around you, a committed staff and a superior schedule of classes, activities, lectures, workshops and excursions, your time in Cambridge will be full of fun. That is not to say that there will not be challenges – settling into a different culture anywhere in the world can sometimes be difficult. However, with our attentive staff and the friends you will inevitably make almost immediately, these challenges can be easily overcome. Still not convinced - take a look at our Facebook Groups to see how past students have stayed in touch.
Are Reach Cambridge programmes like summer camp?
Yes and no. In that our programmes are all about building a thriving community, Reach Cambridge is similar to summer camps. However there are many differences – not least that we encourage students to reach out of the Reach Cambridge community as well as reach into it. Explore the city of Cambridge in your lunchtimes. Interact with the Cambridge students that are around you out of workshop and class time. Make the most of the extensive grounds and facilities that the Campus has to offer.
Which Reach Cambridge programme should I choose?
This depends on what you want to gain from your time in Cambridge. All the programmes encapsulate the main features at the heart of a Reach Cambridge programme: pre-college preparation, lectures, workshops, activities and excursions. So the good news is that whichever one you choose, you won’t miss out on these things. If you would definitely like to gain a Canadian High School Credit from your time in Cambridge, then the choice is easy. If you are looking for a more detailed experience of the local community in the University and town of Cambridge, and would like to gain Community Service hours, then the Community Service is for you. If you are passionate about a particular subject and wish to study it in detail at a level above that which you have encountered at school and with Cambridge academics, then choose a University Enrichment course. If you would like to improve your English, then the English and Leadership course is for you.
How much spending money do I need?
This will vary from person to person. Students will need money primarily for their lunches, incidentals and souvenirs. Something in the region of GB£100 - £150 per week should be sufficient, although some students do enjoy the wide array of shops in Cambridge and on the trips to London!
Can parents visit?
Parents are more than welcome to visit. Students may leave the programme for a pre-arranged period with close family, although it is worth bearing in mind that you will be very busy during the programme. The ideal situation is for family trips to be scheduled before or after the programme.
What’s not included in the price?
It is important to note that, unlike many summer schools, the vast majority of items on Reach Cambridge are included: All excursions, lectures, theatre trips, workshops and tuition are included.
The main exclusions are as follows:
Flights These should be booked independently – you can try our recommended travel agent - WorldTek Travel
Lunch – Students are encouraged to explore Cambridge during lunchtime
Spending money – Students should bring an allowance for shopping, free time etc
Insurance - Students are encouraged to take out the recommended insurance cover. See the Insurance section under ‘Information’ for further details.
See the ‘Terms and Conditions’ in the ‘Application’ section for further details.
SAFETY
What about safety/security?
What supervisory staff do you have?
What happens if I break one of the rules?
How safe are the dormitories?
What about medical insurance?
What about safety/security?
Our foremost concern at Reach Cambridge is to ensure the safety, security and health of all students. We have a clear set of regulations for students and staff and detailed preparations regarding medical support. Detailed Risk Assessments have been carried out all over the campus and on all activities/excursions.
All supervisors are:
- Trained in first aid, counseling and safe organization of activities.
- Subject to a vigorous CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check as per the legal requirements for working with young people in the UK and in contrast with many other international summer programmes.
- Experienced at working with young people. As Cambridge University undergraduates, they also have a perfect idea of the pressures and strains on young people living in a new College environment.
In addition, Reach Cambridge is regularly inspected by the British Accreditation Council
What supervisory staff do you have?
The supervisors are Cambridge graduates and undergraduates selected for their experience in working with young people, their knowledge of the College and Cambridge and their commitment to putting every energy into making the students feel at home.
What happens if I break one of the rules?
One of the aims at a Reach Cambridge programme is to encourage independence. There are not very many rules, but the ones we do have are strictly enforced. Students will sign up to the rules and regulations on application, but the main rules are as follows:
Students must attend all classes; you must report to your supervisor at curfew; you cannot leave your dormitory after curfew; you may not possess or consume alcohol or drugs; you may not smoke on campus; you must treat other students, staff and the public with respect.
The consequences for breaking one of the rules vary depending on the circumstances. However, particularly in the case of alcohol or drug related misconduct, the penalty can be severe: should a student violate any of the rules and regulations of the programme, Reach Cambridge have the right to dismiss and repatriate them at their own expense without refund of the programme fee (see terms and conditions).
How safe are the dormitories?
Access to the College campus is by the Porters’ Lodge, which has 24 hour CCTV surveillance of the College grounds. This is manned 24hrs a day by first aid trained and highly experienced porters. Cambridge porters have existed for generations, watching over the students and facilities of the Colleges. As well as making the College’s dormitories incredibly safe, the porters are also an invaluable resource of information on the College and the city of Cambridge. Every corridor has a resident supervisor, with whom the students must check-in at curfew.
What about medical insurance?
Students must fill in a medical insurance online form via their personal webpage once they have applied, with full details of their Health Insurance Carrier. Please make sure that your policy covers you abroad.
Reach Cambridge strongly recommends that students take out Deluxe Travel Protection. We have affiliated with World Travel Center to ensure that students are directed to the most appropriate cancellation and medical insurance for their needs on a Reach Cambridge programme.
Our recommended insurance can be found by visiting the World Travel Center policy page or calling +1 866-979-6753 and quoting ‘Reach Cambridge.’
ACCOMMODATION
Where will I live?
What’s the difference between a Cambridge ‘College’ and Cambridge University?
Does every student have their own room?
Do I get to choose the person I room with?
Are boys & girls housed separately?
How do you decide which students are put on which floors/staircases?
What about food?
What if I get sick?
Do I need a laptop?
Do I need a cell phone?
What clothes should I bring and how much luggage?
Are there laundry facilities?
Where will I live?
All students reside in one of the 31 Colleges that make up the University of Cambridge. Dormitories are arranged in corridor style with between 10 and 15 students on each corridor. Each corridor is supervised by a supervisor, who is resident there in case of emergencies and to give support to the students. See the Cambridge section for details on the accommodation and photos. All corridors have a well equipped, modern kitchen, a telephone, and substantial washing facilities. Washing machines are located in some of the staircases.
What’s the difference between a Cambridge ‘College’ and Cambridge University?
Many visitors to Cambridge remark that they have seen the Colleges and Faculties but are yet to see the University. In fact they have seen the University – it is the collective name for all departments, accommodations (‘Colleges’), libraries and lecture halls spread around the city. There are 31 Colleges that accommodate Cambridge’s 15,000 students.
Does every student have their own room?
Students typically share two-bed dorm rooms, but can choose to pay an additional fee for a single room. All the rooms are modern, well-heated, bright and airy. Every room has a wardrobe, a desk and plenty of drawer space.
Do I get to choose the person I room with?
Requests to share with a particular roommate made before the programme commences will be honoured. Most students attend alone so you should not worry about making friends - students often comment that after a few days they feel like they have known their new friends for years.
Are boys & girls housed separately?
Yes. We assign girls and boys to separate staircases or floors, each with a resident supervisor. These supervisors are available 24hrs a day. The curfew is typically 11pm, although this is relaxed on Friday and Saturday nights to midnight. At this time, students must sign in with their supervisor and remain on their floor until 7am the following morning.
How do you decide which students are put on which floors/staircases?
We match students together on corridors and in rooms based on their personal statement, the course they are taking and any requests to share with friends. Students who are coming with friends are welcome to specify that they would like to room with their friend and such requests shall be honored. Don’t worry if you are not coming with a friend – you will make plenty in a very short time!
What about food?
‘Plentiful’ is one word to describe our meals in College. Meals are served in the main dining hall and students often comment that the dining hall is like a scene from Harry Potter with wood-pannelled walls, huge portraits and vaulted ceilings. The food is of the high standard that Cambridge academics, from undergraduates to Nobel Prize winners, have come to expect. Breakfast is continental style and the dinner menu varies to account for all tastes. We encourage students to use lunch as an opportunity to explore Cambridge, the town centre being only 10 minutes away with its wide variety of restaurants, cafes and tea rooms. However, for those that wish to stay on campus, the dining hall serves lunch on a daily basis.
What if I get sick?
Should a student need to see a doctor; the nearby Doctor’s Surgery is only 20 minutes walk away or 2 minutes by taxi. For any more serious situations, Addenbrookes hospital – one of the top hospitals in the UK – is also within easy reach. All supervisors are first aid trained and are available 24hrs a day to make sure any students that get sick are taken care of and kept comfortable.
Do I need a laptop?
There is no need for a laptop on the programme, although students are welcome to bring them if they feel they will help with their academic work. There is free internet broadband in each bedroom. In addition, we have 24 hour access to a computer room for checking email/the internet. Numerous Internet cafes can also be found in the city centre. Please note that neither Reach Cambridge or the College can be held responsible for lost, stolen or broken laptops.
Do I need a cell phone?
As with laptops, cell phones are acceptable on the programme, although they are not a requirement. Some students choose to buy a ‘pay-as-you-go’ cellphone upon arrival in Cambridge. There are numerous landline telephones available to students on the College campus and in Cambridge itself. The Reach Cambridge office telephone is manned by staff during the day and parents are very welcome to leave messages that will be passed on swiftly to students.
What clothes should I bring and how much luggage?
Students are limited to two pieces of luggage aside from their day bag.
A detailed clothing list will be sent through in the weeks leading up to the programmes.
Are there laundry facilities?
Yes. We have 24hr access to the laundry facilities at Girton College.
THE STUDENTS
Where do the students come from?
Do I need to bring a friend?
Will my religious commitments be catered for?
Where do the students come from?
Our programmes are open to all international students. There were 25 countries represented on the most recent programme. Although students taking different options will be engaged in different ways on mornings and during some afternoons, we bring students from all programmes together on a daily basis for activities, excursions, lectures and workshops. We have students from literally all over the world. In the past, countries represented have included: USA, Canada, Singapore, Haiti, China, Switzerland, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, France, Greece, Lebanon, India, Jordan, Romania, England, Germany, Guatemala, numerous Caribbean islands plus many more.
Do I need to bring a friend?
There is no need to bring a friend. In fact, sometimes students find it easier to make new friends when they attend alone. If you would like to attend with a friend, it is always nice to have a familiar face around the campus. Either way, the social activities, the structure of the programme and the free time you have will make it incredibly easy to make friends.
Will my religious commitments be catered for?
Reach Cambridge welcomes students of all faiths. We make the effort to cater for individual needs, and the most expedient course is for students to advise us of their specific needs ahead of time. We prefer that students attend religious services out of class times and so schedule classes and compulsory activities so as to avoid conflict. This is not always possible and although we discourage students from missing class, it is permitted under these circumstances. The College dining halls are not able to provide Kosher or Halal foods, however there are a number of solutions to this – one is that there is often enough of a selection of other foods for a student to get by; another is that students can purchase a refrigerator for their room and store food that they buy in the appropriate stores in Cambridge.
ACADEMICS
How much time do I spend working? Is there much homework?
How will Reach Cambridge prepare me for College?
Can I get Credit if I’m not taking the High School Credit courses?
Who are the faculty?
What is the average class size?
Will I receive a transcript at the end of the programme?
How much time do I spend working? Is there much homework?
Classes run on weekdays for an average of five hours, usually in the mornings. We have designed the courses to allow plenty of time for class discussion and interaction. For the Community Service course, placements run at similar times, although these are dependent on placements. Homework is kept to a minimum, although work that is set is expected to be completed to a high standard. Overall we keep a good balance between work and play - activities run every day of the week, and on weekends we organize excursions away from campus.
How will Reach Cambridge prepare me for College?
These programmes are designed to bring you as close to a College experience as possible. Living and working with Cambridge students in University Halls is a real plus point and we encourage students to make the most of the privilege. We also give students a large amount of freedom out of class time. We insist that students attend all classes and are on their staircases or corridors by curfew, but otherwise there are very few other compulsory activities. Preparing for College is as much about learning to manage your new independence responsibly as it is about experiencing a new environment.
Can I get Credit if I’m not taking the High School Credit courses?
For all courses, you will receive a Reach Cambridge transcript at the end of the programme. This will detail the lectures, workshops, classes and community service hours you will have completed during the summer. This may or may not be sufficient to earn you a Credit (check with your school in advance), but will certainly be invaluable on application to University .
Who are the faculty?
Reach Cambridge combines the world-class knowledge and 'critical-thinking' teaching style of Cambridge academics and the exceptional classroom experience of our teachers from within the Cambridge system, with the most recent pedagogical techniques tailored to young people.
What is the average class size?
The average class ratio is twelve students to one teacher. Our small class sizes ensure that all students are able to interact with the teacher as the lesson progresses.
Will I receive a transcript at the end of the programme?
Yes. All students receive a transcript no matter which programme they have attended. If you are taking a Credit Class, you will receive your final grade directly from the school board. These transcripts can be sent directly to your school on request.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
What is a typical day like?
What do I do in my free time?
What happens on the weekends?
What activities are offered in the afternoons and evenings?
Do I have to attend activities?
Do I have to attend the excursions?
What is a typical day like?
A typical day would begin with continental breakfast in the prestigious College Dining Hall (the largest in Cambridge) before the first class at 9am. Classes and placements finish in time for lunch, at which point students are free to explore the city of Cambridge or the campus grounds.
The afternoon is spent enjoying the many activities laid on by the supervisors and perhaps doing some independent study. Dinner is at 6pm, and following this, students are free to enjoy the evening entertainment organized by the supervisors, spend time socializing or catch up on homework (those on Credit Courses). Curfew is typically at 11pm (midnight on weekends), at which point students must be on their staircases or corridors to sign in with their supervisors.
What do I do in my free time?
Your time out of class or placement is structured so that there is always something you can be doing – be it sport, art or a plethora of other activities. All of these are supervised. On the other hand, in providing a University experience, we also encourage independence in our students. Students may choose to stroll into Cambridge and relax in one of the tea rooms, explore the famous sites around the city centre or go shopping in the city’s market place and retail district.
What happens on the weekends?
Weekends are a time for excursions. Excursions are included in the programme, and so students are encouraged to participate. Saturday is the best time to visit London – we arrange two excursions to the capital. There are also excursions to the magical Hampton Court Palace and Shakespeare’s birthplace – Stratford-upon-Avon.
What activities are offered in the afternoons and evenings?
The aim of the activities schedule is to help you make the most out of the campus facilities and the Reach Cambridge community. Afternoon activities vary from team sports such as Football (Soccer!), ultimate Frisbee and basketball to arts-based activities such as painting, photography or drama. Evening activities tend to focus more on the social side of things with talent shows, quiz shows and film nights. The evening is also typically the time that we schedule University lectures and workshops. These can be equally sociable with discussion during and particularly after the presentation.
Do I have to attend activities?
Activities are not compulsory, however students are encouraged to make the most of their time in Cambridge by engaging in activities as much as possible. In terms of the lectures and workshops, students will need to attend a certain percentage in order for their contribution to be noted on their transcript.
Do I have to attend the excursions?
Again, excursions are not compulsory. It would be extremely unusual for students to not participate though, as the excursions really are one the highlights of the programme. Should students choose not to attend an excursion, there are activities and supervision for them on campus.
APPLYING TO COLLEGE
Will my attendance at Reach Cambridge help my College application?
How do I add my attendance to my application?
Can I learn about applying to College on the programme?
Do we visit other Colleges/Universities on the programme?
Will my attendance at Reach Cambridge help my College application?
Your experiences on a Reach Cambridge programme will help you in more ways than can possibly be listed here. Yes – there is the obvious fact that attendance on a pre-college programme in Cambridge is likely to improve any College application on paper. Admissions offices increasingly look for interesting applicants that have spent their summers in productive ways. But you will also learn many more skills and insights that will help your College application – an understanding of University life, an awareness of what University study entails in particular subjects, how to interact with University students and academics and how to manage your time responsibly.
How do I add my attendance to my application?
Your relationship with Reach Cambridge need not end when you leave the programme. We will happily forward a copy of your transcript to your school, or any number of Colleges to which you apply. Just send us stamped envelopes, addressed to the appropriate institutions.
Can I learn about applying to College on the programme?
Yes – One of the many advantages to the Reach Cambridge programmes is that you can learn about University application direct from the point of view of successful applicants. The workshops run by Cambridge students will cover issues as wide-ranging as application and interview techniques to deciding which University and courses you wish to apply for.
Do we visit other Colleges/Universities on the programme?
There is an optional addition to the programme called ‘University Advance,’ which enables students to visit one of Britain’s top Universities of their choice. Students are introduced to the University’s facilities as well as a member of the admissions office to discuss making an application.
TRAVEL
Who makes my travel arrangements?
How do I get from the airport to the programme?
What time should I plan to arrive/depart the programme?
What type of visa do you need?
Who makes my travel arrangements?
Students make their own travel arrangements. We encourage students to join our recommended flights out of New York, Toronto, Beirut and Hong Kong but understand that this might not always be possible. The advantage of joining our recommended flights is that you will be met by us at the airport in London and transferred by coach direct to the campus. However – as long as you arrange your flights so that you arrive between 7am and 11am and depart between 12pm and 2pm, we can guarantee to meet you at the airport and transfer you to Cambridge (and vice versa).
Our Travel Agent, WorldTek Travel arranges flights from all destinations.
How do I get from the airport to the programme?
If you arrive/depart within the specified times, then we will meet you at the airport and transport you to the programme. If you are traveling independently, it is your responsibility to organize transport from the airport to the campus in Cambridge. We can advise you of appropriate taxi firms.
What time should I plan to arrive in/depart from Cambridge if I am travelling independently?
Students should aim to arrive at the campus between 10am and 2pm on the arrival day. All students should aim to depart the campus between 9am and 12pm on the final day of the programme.
What type of visa do you need?
For courses, such as Reach Cambridge, lasting less than 6 months, our students are eligible to apply for a child visitor's visa. Reach Cambridge is accredited by the British Accreditation Council, which means that we can supply you with a letter to support your application for a child visitor visa.
To come to the United Kingdom as a child visitor you must be able to show that you:
- meet the general visitor requirements other than those that refer to age and study .
- are under 18 years at the time of your application; can show that suitable arrangements are in place for your travel,reception and care and can provide full details of these arrangements
- have a parent or guardian in your home country who is responsible for your care and can provide their address and landline telephone number
- if accepted on a course of study, are studying at an establishment that is included on the register of education and training providers and is not state-funded.
In addition, child visitors who are visa nationals must have a valid entry clearance which identifies the adult accompanying the child visitor, or states that the child visitor is unaccompanied. The child visit visa will only be valid if the named adult physically accompanies the child.
APPLICATION
How do I know if I’ve been accepted?
What is the payment schedule?
What is your cancellation policy if I am unable to attend?
How do I know if I’ve been accepted?
Assuming we have received all the documents and deposit (see ‘Application’ section), we will respond to let you know whether you have been accepted within two weeks of your application. At this point, your place on the programme will be secure.
What is the payment schedule?
The final payment deadline for fees is May 15th. Late enrolments may be accepted after this point, but after May 15th places cannot be held for students that have not paid.
What is your cancellation policy if I am unable to attend?
Cancellations must be received in writing by Reach Cambridge Ltd. The deposit is non-refundable. There is no cancellation charge, aside from the non refundable deposit, for cancellations received before January 31st. The charge for cancellations received between February 1st and April 15th is 50% of the total programme price. No refunds are granted after April 15th. Students who cancel for medical reasons are usually financially protected as long as they have purchased trip cancellation insurance.
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