It's prestigious and this means that graduates often enjoy excellent job opportunities. It's hard to get into (interview process, high grades, etc.) so the need to work hard to get in was a source of motivation when I was studying for my A level exams.
Course Curriculum :
I think it's good and varied. We have to study two languages, which means there's lots of variety. We focus on all aspects of the language: literature (from all eras), society, grammar, linguistics, etc. I think there's something to offer everyone. I look forward to specialization in later years.
Exams :
A-Levels (A*, A, A); AS Levels (A, A, A, B); I also sat an exam at the interview day but we weren't notified of our marks.
Placement :
You do a placement year abroad in year 3 in a country of your choice: you can either study, do an internship or find a job. There's a desirable level of flexibility. It allows much better fluency in your chosen language(s). Cambridge graduates tend to be very employable due to the notoriously tough nature of the degrees.
Events :
There are BOPs every few weeks: which are basically themed events in the college bar, basically a big party. Formals are formal meals in which gowns are worn, they can be run by societies or year groups. May Balls take place after exams - extravagant events, the only let down is the extortionate cost for a ticket.
Fees :
?9250 a year for UK students, though most people are eligible for a student loan to help them fund the costs. Most people live in college residence and the cost of accommodation varies according to where you stay - usually less than $2000 a term. Events like formal dinners do cost money, though not a lot, usually about $15 for a 3-course meal, which I find very reasonable. May Ball tickets almost always cost over $100 which I think to be extortionate.
Scholarship :
Yes - Student Finance. Most UK students receive this funding. It's means-tested: the amount you receive depends on the income of your parents. You receive payments for your college funds and a maintenance loan (to cover living costs). Students whose families earn less than $45,000 a year also get an annual bursary from the university of up to $3,500.
Examination Structure :
I personally sit about 6 exams in my first year: linguistics/literature, grammar/text understanding, oral for both the languages I study, literature for my ab initio language and a written exam for my ab initio language.
Faculty :
It's good, there's always someone to speak to with issues, and plenty of extracurricular activities - allowing you to socialize with like-minded people and enrich your language skills further. They offer funding for trips abroad, which is great too.
