English Courses in Cambridge
Overview
The city of Cambridge was founded on the banks of the River Cam, 90 km northeast of London, and is located in the county of the same name (Cambridgeshire), of which it is the main cultural, commercial, and administrative center of Southwest England.
Cambridge dates back to pre-Roman times, and because of its strategic position on the river, it soon became one of the most important centers north of London, and at the beginning of the Thirteenth century, it was chosen as a university location in opposition to Oxford, Since then, it has rivaled Oxford for the title of the British capital of culture and study (as well as for the famous rowing title).
The first College of the University was founded in 1284. Today, more than seven centuries later, Cambridge is known at the international level as a center for study and academic excellence. The city is also one of the most important and beautiful tourist destinations in all of England (the University Colleges can be visited at certain times) and it is also in the middle of a wealthy county, due to good agriculture, horse farming and business exchange.
Cambridge is a marvelous city for international students, who are guests of a historical city of only 110,000 inhabitants. In the peaceful English countryside, among historical locations, picturesque villages and green pastures, daily life occurs at a pace that is slower with respect to the large cities, and the locals are relaxed and friendly. The student will soon get to know the city, will socialize with the townspeople, and will enjoy a lifestyle that is typically English.
Why Study English in Cambridge?
Cambridge has Beautiful Surroundings
Cambridge is famous for its university, its picturesque streets; the pretty gardens; the calming, welcoming atmosphere and the way it gets the right blend between city life and nature. Students love the breath-taking architecture and uplifting greenery.
Cambridge is the Best Place for Punting
As home to the River Cam, Cambridge is the place where punting was born. When in Cambridge, students can’t help but be fascinated by this unique way of travelling along the river and seeing the very best of Cambridge close up, whether they choose to be chauffeured in luxury or hire a boat themselves.
Cambridge is full of Culture and History
Cambridge is absolutely full of museums, galleries and theaters to intrigue and inspire the visitor. Many galleries offer free or reduced entry for students. Staying in Cambridge gives students ample chance to soak up the rich culture and history this magnificent city has to offer. Whether one chooses to wander around every museum or take one of the many historic walking tours available, he or she is sure to learn fascinating things about the city.
Cambridge is conveniently close to London
By not living in the centre of London, students won’t have the worry about the expense and the stressful crowds or tube network. However, with London being 45 minutes from Cambridge by train, they will be conveniently placed to take a day or evening trip to the big city any time.
Cambridge has a Low Crime Rate
Cambridge is a very safe city, and its crime rates are among the lowest in the country. It’s a very clean city, too.
Cambridge is International
Because Cambridge is such a famous place in which to work and study, the visitor is sure to meet a wide array of students from all over the world and many different walks of life.
Everybody Cycles in Cambridge
Could anything be better than a city where almost everybody cycles? Not only is the air much cleaner thanks to there being fewer cars on the road, it also makes the streets much safer for everybody.
The Amazing Architecture
Simply look upwards from anywhere in Cambridge and you’ll be impressed at the towers, spires and sculptures of the city’s phenomenal buildings. With beauties like King’s College Chapel, St Peter’s Church, Round Church and Trinity College, it’s not surprising that some people call it the most beautiful city in the world!
The English spoken in Cambridge
Students often come to England to listen to and learn the “Queen’s English.” Although Cambridge doesn’t claim to have the best English in the country (but the locals think it is!) it is certainly perfect for language learning as it is generally clear, at a nice speed, and not heavily accented.
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
In Cambridge, Marshall Language Services also works with the following English language schools:
- Bell Cambridge
- St. Giles Cambridge (formerly the New School of English)
- EC Cambridge
- Kaplan Cambridge
Please contact us for further information about them.
Images of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
There’s something for everyone when it comes to entertainment in Cambridge. A choice of galleries showcases an impressive range of art, from the contemporary to the classic, a buzzing theater and performance scene presents drama, dance and family shows, and visitors can enjoy all kinds of live music, from internationally acclaimed orchestras and ensembles, to touring pop stars, pub gigs, the world-famous Folk Festival, the ever-popular Beer Festival, family-friendly Big Weekend and magical Secret Garden Party festivals.
Visitors can also go punting on the River Cam, enjoy a picnic in the park, join a walking tour of the city or explore further afield from the seat of a bicycle following the excellent network of cycle paths in and around the city.
King’s College Chapel is celebrated for its choral services including the famous A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, broadcast live by the BBC to the nation and across the globe on Christmas Eve. If you have a chance to hear the sublime Choir of King’s College, you will be enchanted. Choral Evensong is sung here most days during term time, as it is in many other college chapels – all free and open to everyone.
As well as the free-to-enter University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, which houses world-class collections of art and antiquities spanning centuries and civilizations, and Kettle’s Yard, one of the country’s finest galleries and a major center for 20th century and contemporary art, visitors will find a wide range of artworks, sculpture trail walks and galleries to appreciate.
Theatre lovers will delight in the range of performances on offer, from student theater to touring and West End shows. Come summer, Cambridge is buzzing with al fresco performances of music in the parks and green spaces as part of the annual Summer in the City program of events.
How to Arrive at your Language Course
The city of Cambridge is very easily reachable from the airports of London, especially Stansted, which is closer to Cambridge than to London. In that sense, studying in Cambridge can be advantageous because Stansted is served by low-cost carriers like Ryanair. Once the traveler lands, there is an excellent coach transfer service to Cambridge city centre from each of the four London airports. It is also possible to travel by train to Cambridge. All information on travelling by train, to and from Cambridge is available here.