Please take time to read over the frequently asked questions and answers below as it contains important information about the Cambridge Summer Institute programme.
Cambridge Summer Institute Courses
Cambridge Summer Institute?
Here we would like to take the opportunity to confirm that Cambridge Summer Institute is not part of or otherwise affiliated with the University of Cambridge itself. Cambridge Summer Institute is a study abroad programme offered in partnership with WorldStrides | CBL International. The University of Cambridge and WorldStrides | CBL International are independent education providers. Cambridge Summer Institute contracts with the colleges of the University of Cambridge for use of their facilities and also contracts with tutors from Cambridge, Oxford and other leading universities, however this is done not under the aegis of any university.
How do I book a course?
We want to make applying for the Cambridge Summer Institute programme as comfortable as possible, please choose one of the two following options to get your application process started:
- Apply Online: Fill out an online application form.
- Apply Offline: Download, print, and fill out an offline application form. When complete, you can return it to us via the following methods:Email: apply@cambridgesummerinstitute.com
An email confirmation will be sent to you once we receive and review your application. When you receive the confirmation email and you have paid the registration fee, your spot in the programme is secured. Additional information will be sent to you at a later time.
CSI offers a wonderful way for you to instantly save on your tuition fees if you book 3 months ahead of the programme start date. This “Early Bird” discount will automatically reduce your tuition cost by 100 GBP!
Can I partake in multiple courses?
At Cambridge Summer Institute you have the opportunity to participate for 2, 4, 6, or even 8 weeks. Each two week period is one “session”. When applying for a session, you can extend for 1, 2, or 3 additional sessions (the maximum length you can participate in a Cambridge Summer Institute programme is 8 weeks). You will attend one course per week and you will select your courses prior to arriving on the programme.
For students interested in a change of environment, the Cambridge Summer Institute programme can also be combined with the summer programmes we offer in Oxford, UK. This is a unique opportunity offered only at Cambridge Summer Institute. For more information about these programmes please visit www.oxfordsummerabroad.com.
Who can participate?
Although most delegates attending the Cambridge Summer Institute are undergraduates, our programme is open for college and university students, and early graduates to take part in an academic study abroad programme in the UK. The course content is designed to be suitable for late undergraduate students. This course has an age limit of 28 when the programme chosen is starting and delegates must be students at a university.
What kind of group of students do I join?
CBL International study abroad programmes are attended by delegates worldwide. Most participants come from Europe, USA, Middle East, Asia, and Australasia. Depending on regionally different vacation times, some regions may be over-represented at some schools. In any case you should expect an international experience.
Are there any prerequisites for taking part in this course?
When selecting your subject, you would either already be a student in this subject or considering taking the subject in the near future, as prior knowledge will be of assistance. However if you have never studied the subject before, having a strong interest will be beneficial and will allow you to engage in the subject matter. In order to gain the most from the courses, we encourage delegates to engage fully in lectures and participate fully in class discussions. Taking account of the diversity of students’ disciplinary backgrounds, Cambridge Summer Institute is designed to be informative for all attending delegates.
What are the language requirements?
All Cambridge Summer Institute programmes and courses are held in the English language. Therefore, we expect all delegates to have a very good level of English which allows them to interact with fellow delegates, as well as the faculty and programme team members. Participants also have to be able to get involved in academic discussions and take part in assessment and tests at the end of each course. If you are not a native speaker, our courses offer an excellent opportunity for you to fully immerse yourself in an English-speaking academic environment.
Are there mandatory examinations?
For each course you attend Cambridge Summer Institute, there will be an assessment component. If you attend a 2-week session, you will have a total of 2 assessments. The results of the assessments will be included on your academic transcript which you will receive during the final farewell dinner at the certificate ceremony.
What happens outside of lectures?
Beside the stimulating lectures you’ll receive by members of the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, participants are kept fully engaged with a variety of extra-curricular activities, excursions to famous places and historical landmarks, and guest lectures. It’ll be one of the most memorable summers you’ll ever have, we promise. Check out our picture gallery on Facebook to see what our delegates have experienced on our programmes.
https://www.facebook.com/cbleducation/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums
Will I receive a certificate of attendance and achievement?
Yes, CBL International staff will hand out a certificate of participation and achievement at the end of the programme. This is awarded to students that complete and attend at least 90% of lectures, company visits, and other student projects and activities. Additionally, an academic transcript will be presented to you and it will include the results of the assessments you have participated in. This academic transcript may be used for receiving credits at your home university.
Credit may be obtainable through one of WorldStrides’ partner universities. Please speak to one of our academic advisors for more information about requirements.
Will I receive credits for this course?
Cambridge Summer Institute does not award credits for its programmes, instead, credits have to be granted by each participant’s home university. The workload is equivalent to 3 ECTS/ 1.5 U.S. credits each week. We encourage participants to contact the study-abroad office in your home university to learn about the applicable regulations and rules. We’ll gladly provide you with all the documentation and communication to help you receive credits for Cambridge Summer Institute.
Arrival & Departures
Do I need a visa to travel to Cambridge, UK?
Depending on the type of passport you hold, you may need a visa to travel to the United Kingdom. In general, holders of passports of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and European Union member countries do not need a visa for traveling to the United Kingdom. Learn more about visa requirements on UK’s Border Agency website.
How do I get to Cambridge?
Cambridge is approximately 60 miles (90km) northeast of London and has excellent road and national rail links. Regular coach services connect Cambridge with the capital and also with Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton airports.
By Plane
As there are no airports in the city of Cambridge, you’ll need to book a flight to one of London’s airports, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, London City, or Gatwick Airport. The closest airport to Cambridge, UK is Stansted airport which is approximately 30 minutes away by train.
At the airport, there are buses operating 24 hours a day that can transport you to Cambridge. On arrival at the airport, the information desk can direct you to buses, or follow the signs for buses and coaches.
A number of companies including CCB Cars and Panther Taxis offer pre-bookable airport transfers.
By Train
A convenient way of reaching Cambridge is by train. You can get a complete map of stations as well as pick-up time on National Rail’s website (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/) or call them at +44 (0)8457 484950.
By Coach
From information relating to coach services from London airports, please visit National Express for ticket fares and coach timetables.
When should I arrive in Cambridge, UK?
Sunday is the normal day of arrival for all our programmes in Cambridge, UK. Our staff members will welcome you and go over the check-in procedures together with you. The general check-in time is 2:00 PM. In case you arrive later than 6:00 PM, please inform us about your detailed travel arrangements.
More information about arrival dates and times will be clearly expressed in our “10-days-to-go” email.
What happens on the day of arrival?
The day of arrival is generally reserved for participants to check-in to the programme. Students that have booked accommodations with us will receive their keys at this time. Once all participants are checked-in and have had some time to adjust and mingle, you will get the chance to meet the CBL International staff including the directors and delegate advisors.
As some delegates may arrive late, a welcome reception will be held on the next day, Monday evening.
What happens on the day of departure?
The Summer Institute programme will end on a Saturday. All participants are invited to the “Farewell Dinner” where certificates will be awarded on the day before, Friday. Please check-out of the programme and dormitory rooms before 10 AM on the day of departure. All coaches to Heathrow airport will leave Cambridge and Oxford at 9am.
Cambridge Summer Institute Accommodations
Where will I be staying during the programme?
All participants are invited to stay in college dormitories. In case you book accommodations with us, participants will stay in single rooms with shared bathroom facilities. The accommodation includes full board and on weekends breakfast is included. Internet connection is normally available in all rooms (some dormitory rooms reside in historic parts of the colleges and may not be equipped with internet connection).
Please be aware that dormitory rooms come in different size, shape, and style. Rooms are randomly assigned to individual delegates. In case you are not satisfied with your room, there are no exchanges or refunds.
You can request to upgrade to a single ensuite room for an additional fee.
Can I use the kitchen and laundry facilities?
Unfortunately, cooking is not allowed inside the dormitory rooms and college kitchens. Laundry facilities are available for use in every college campus. Charges may apply.
Are the colleges secure?
At Cambridge Summer Institute, we take security and your safety seriously. Porters of all colleges are supervising the entrances 24 hours a day and are available to you at all times.
In addition, we make sure that residential advisors are reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Payments & Cancellation
What are my payment options?
To reserve your spot at Cambridge Summer Institute, a non-refundable registration fee of 300 GBP is required. You can either make a full payment with your registration fee or pay the remainder of your tuition fee (and full board accommodation fee if booked via Cambridge Summer Institute) at a later time.
In the case you submit an application within 3 months of a programme’s start date, you are required to make a full payment.
*Please note that the 300 GBP deposit is not refundable under any circumstances.
You can choose between the following payment options:
- Paypal
- Credit Card
- Bank transfer
- Payment Plan (conditions apply)
Precise payment instructions will be given you in the invoice statement.
What is included in the tuition and accommodation fees?
The tuition and accommodation fee includes:
- Lectures & seminars including materials & hand-outs
- Cambridge Summer Institute certificate of attendance and achievement as well as an academic transcript (see requirements)
- Internet connection (subject to availability)
- One excursion per two-week session
- Visiting tourist attractions & historical landmarks
- Free-time activities
- Evening talks
- Welcome reception & Farewell dinner
The full board accommodation fee includes:
- Accommodation in a single room with shared bathroom facilities
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday in beautiful college dining halls. Breakfast is also served on the weekends.
Can I upgrade my room to Standard single room to ensuite single room?
Yes, You could pay additional GBP 250 per session to ensure that you get the single ensuite room. However, please be aware that there may be some students get free upgrade to single ensuite room due to capacity and different room styles.
And the room upgrade request needs to be made at least 4 weeks before the programme starts.
What is the refund policy?
You can cancel your participation with Cambridge Summer Institute at anytime, please be aware of the cancellation policy and cancellation terms below:
Cancellation Date Refund Amount 3 months prior to start date 50% of the full tuition and accommodation fee (for all selected options) excluding the registration fee 2 months prior to start date 25% of the full tuition and accommodation fee (for all selected options) excluding the registration fee 1 month prior to start date (or after the commencement of the programme) 0% of the full tuition and accommodation fee (for all selected options) excluding the registration fee The 300 GBP registration fee is not refundable.