Acacia Burns [pictured above, looking very much at home at the University of Cambridge] is a recent Science/Law graduate from Griffith Uni. Acacia is one our superstar students: in 2010, she attended our Global Leadership Program in Prague. We were so impressed with Acacia that she was then selected to be the AIM Overseas Campus Coordinator at Griffith Uni, acting as our representative on campus. Then in July this year, Acacia got the study/travel bug again and hopped on a plane to the UK to participate in the Cambridge Science program. Read about her experiences below...
Hi Acacia! Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Acacia and I have just graduated from a Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Science (Environment) degree at Griffith University in Brisbane. I studied at Cambridge University in July 2011, as part of the Science Summer School course.
Why did you choose this AIM Overseas course?
I choose this course because it was my last chance to study overseas during my undergraduate degree. I wanted to use this opportunity to experience a life that very few people are privy to, and to better understand and appreciate my own university experience here in Australia.
The course theme for 2011 was Impact and Responsibility, so it suited my degree well, and, being an AIM Overseas Campus Coordinator, I knew what lengths the AIM Overseas team go to to ensure their programs are not only unique, but also of the highest academic quality, and provide a good balance between study and fun. Cambridge University has quite restricted public access and there are very few universities in Australia that have exchange partnerships with Cambridge, so making the decision to do this course was easy.
The gardens at Trinity Hall
Did you have any fears or concerns before doing the program?
I was quite concerned about the pace of lectures and the assessment. I thought that it would be too hard, and was questioning whether I would pass. I soon found out that there was nothing to worry about. The program director, lecturers and other support staff were all very friendly and approachable, and encouraged us to ask questions as much as possible. Every college also has a resident “tutor”, a local student who is on call throughout the program if you have any problems (scholarly or otherwise) and you don’t feel comfortable approaching a lecturer. I thought that the assessment was very fair- not too easy, but not too hard either- and it still gave me time to explore and get to know other students.
Tell me about a typical day at Cambridge.
A typical day at Cambridge would consist of getting up around 7am, walking through the beautiful Clare College gardens to the “Buttery” (the English term for cafeteria) for breakfast just after 8am, morning lectures from 9am to around 12pm, a break for lunch and then afternoon lectures from 1pm to around 3.30-4pm. Dinner was served in the candle lit dinning room in Clare College Old Court at 6.30pm, after which there would usually be an evening lecture scheduled, or some free time to wander around the town or see a Shakespeare play in the college gardens as part of the Summer Shakespeare Festival.
Acacia on Clare Bridge - the oldest bridge in Cambridge - overlooking the Kings College Chapel next door to Clare
How has this program affected you?
Being a part of this program really made me realise how important it is take the opportunities that come your way whenever you can. Studying at Cambridge was a once in a lifetime experience that I never would have had if it weren’t for AIM Overseas. In a professional sense, studying overseas has become a major talking point during job interviews and it has definitely enhanced my employment prospects.
What was the highlight of the program for you?
The incredible history! In a place as old as Cambridge there is a story behind everything you see and I just loved taking time out to stroll through the college grounds (and as you are technically a student while you are there, a simple flash of your student card and the porters will waiver the admission fee) contemplating the enormity of the place just as countless others have before me. From the Bridge of Sighs at St Johns College, the beautiful gardens of Clare College and Trinity Hall, and of course the famous Kings College Chapel that marks the centre of town, there is something to see around every corner.
The Fellows Garden at Clare College
I especially enjoyed the evening lectures about the history of Cambridge architecture, the colleges, and the university traditions of academic dress and graduation, some of which we still see today (the evening lectures are also helpful in finding out where the towns hidden treasures are!). Becoming immersed in such a rich history, it is easy to forget that the modern university of the 21st century is directly descended from places like Cambridge.
The picturesque town and punts on the river Cam
Did you do some extra travel before/after/during the program?
I stopped over in London for a week before the program started. It was a great way for me to catch up with friends, get over the jet lag, and do some sightseeing (of course!).
Do you have any advice for students thinking about doing this course?
(1) If you have the option, do the assessment
It isn’t easy, but having something marked and graded by an academic of Cambridge University (including good and comprehensive feedback) was truly satisfying. I felt more like a student, rather than a tourist, and receiving an academic transcript with Cambridge University on the header was well worth the late night cramming. It allows you to really engage with the subject matter of your course and is also a good excuse to visit the main university library, the grandness of which has to be seen to be believed.
(2) Get to know your resident tutor
The resident tutors are your first point of call in an emergency, or if some other problem arises while you are staying on college, so it’s a good idea to keep their number handy. The same can be said for the college “porters”, who are always on hand if you need help with directions, finding the laundry room, or you simply want to find nice place to eat. Also keep in mind that some of the colleges close there gates at night, so if you’re planning on coming back late (from all that late night study in the library no doubt!) it’s a good idea to check in with the porters first.
(3) Stay open-minded
One of the best things about a program like this is that it attracts a diverse range of students from all over the world with different cultural backgrounds and varying ages. Take this opportunity to get to know people you wouldn't normally talk to. My neighbour at Clare College was 80 years old and had been coming to Cambridge every summer for the last 12 years! Talking to her was like reading a book she was just so full of knowledge. My advice: stay open minded because you never know who you might meet.
(4) Make the most of your stay
Lastly, book a few extra days in Cambridge before or after your trip so that you can really make the most of your stay.
What would you say to somebody who’s thinking of doing the program?
Go for it! How many people can say that they actually studied at one of the most prestigious universities in the world and rubbed shoulders with academic greats? You have everything to gain and nothing to lose, so just do it!
Group shot of Acacia and fellow AIM Overseasers at Cambridge
Thanks Acacia, great advice!
Read another article by Acacia on the Global Leadership Program and the benefits of studying overseas.
This program runs every year in the July uni holidays. To find out more about this program or to apply, please go to our website: www.aimoverseas.com.au or email us on info@aimoverseas.com.au
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