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Summer in Cambridge, England Program    June 17 - August 14, 2004 The maximum number of students: 30

Program Cost: $5,199 (approximately)

For more information, contact Raymond Obstfeld via email at rlobstfeld@aol.com or by phone at (714) 432-5043.

Who’s Leading this Invasion of England?

OCC English professor Raymond Obstfeld will be taking approximately 30 students to Cambridge, England for eight weeks in the summer of 2004.  Raymond has taken two previous groups to Cambridge, so he is very familiar with the area.  Raymond is the author of 40 books, including several best-selling novels (Earth Angel), a book of poetry (The Cat with Half a Face), and over a dozen non-fiction books that cover topics from comparative religion to animal behavior to rock-’n’-roll quotations.  He is also an experienced screenwriter, with ten scripts either sold or optioned to studios and one recently produced.  In addition, he is a contributing editor to Writer’s Digest magazine.

What’s Up with Cambridge?  Isn’t that a Smelly Cheese?

Cambridge University is the most highly regarded university in England, and one of the top schools in the world.  Although you won’t be attending their classes, our classes will be held on the University campus, allowing you to experience some of what it would be like to attend.  Cambridge alumni include Sylvia Plath (poet, novelist, The Bell Jar); John Milton, (poet, Paradise Lost); Samuel Taylor Coleridge (poet and opium enthusiast); Lord Byron (poet and poor swimmer); Stephen Hawking (A Brief History of Time); Sir Isaac Newton (gravity guy); Charles Darwin (evolution guy); Crick and Watson (Nobel Prize for discovering DNA); Prince Charles; Emma Thompson (actress).

            But Cambridge is much more than the University.  It is also a charming small town filled with quaint shops, cobblestone streets, charming pubs, and pale-skinned people with funny accents.  Only an hour by train from London, Cambridge is the ideal place to study and live.

What’ll We Do in England for Eight Weeks

First, there’s the whole “school” thing.  I’ll be offering two courses: Eng. 148: British Film as Literature.  In this class, we’ll watch some of the classic examples of English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish films and learn why they are so well regarded.  The films will include Trainspotting, The Third Man, The Commitments, Remains of the Day, etc.).  Eng. 119: Introduction to Creative Writing.  In this class, students will be taught writing techniques in poetry, fiction, and scriptwriting.  [note: For students who need a specific course other than the above two, independent studies might be arranged.  For example, Eng. 100 or Eng. 101, or an advanced creative writing course could be substituted.]

            Second, there’s the whole “cultural experience” thing.  Because classes are held only Monday through Thursday, students will have ample opportunity to travel, either around England or on mainland Europe.  To enhance that experience, we have several trips planned, including one to London and one to York.

  Third, and most important, the overall experience is unlike anything you may have done before.  Classes are smaller, so the academic experience is much more personal.  Close friendships are formed.  And there are many optional group activities that have been very popular in the past, including coed basketball, weekly movie nights, pizza parties, and so forth.  There’s lots to do and plenty of great people to do it with.

How Much Is this Gonna Cost Me (or My Unsuspecting Parents)?

About $5,199.  At first, five grand sounds like a lot.  But look again.  Okay, it still sounds like a lot.  But it isn’t.  Here’s what you get for your money:

• Roundtrip airfare

• Lodging with a family in Cambridge.  You’ll live with a local family.  You’ll have your own room and study area.  This will allow you to experience England as more than a tourist.  Many students say the friendships they form with their host families is the best part of the trip.

• Breakfast and dinner

• 3-day trip to London, including hotel, tickets to a play, bus tour of London, tour of the British Museum, and a tour of the Tower of London

• 2-day trip to York, including hotel, walking tour of York

Five thousand isn’t much more than many people spend to live in Orange County for two months.  The difference is that instead of heading off to the mall, you’ll be living in England, maybe heading off to London or Paris.  Instead of coming back with a Thighmaster, you’ll be coming back with a lifetime of memories and friendships.

Enrollment Fees

An enrollment fee of $18.00 per unit must be paid to Coastline Community College, Golden West or Orange Coast College at the time of registration. Non-resident students pay $154.00 per unit. This tuition is state mandated and subject to change.

Insurance

The International Student I.D. is included for the study abroad term in Cambridge . The card includes a very basic sickness and accident insurance policy. In general, the limits are $100 per day up to a maximum of 60 days for in-hospital sickness expense. If you do not have a policy that will cover you while abroad you will need to obtain supplemental medical insurance. Students will be required to provide proof of medical insurance prior to departure.

More Information

Passports and Customs Information: The following site is brought to you by the United States Federal Government. You may go here to get information about obtaining, or renewing your passport, as well as customs information you'll need before you return to the United States. People residing in America holding a foreign passport should contact their embassy or consulate, as a visa may be required. The 'euro' is now the common currency in many European countries. The French franc, the Spanish peseta, the Italian lire and other currencies are no longer valid. Find out the facts! You may find the 'Timetable' and the 'Coins-Notes' links on this page very helpful.

Now What?

If you’re interested, contact Raymond Obstfeld via email at rlobstfeld@aol.com or by phone at (714) 432-5043.  You’ll go on a list of prospective students and receive more information on deposits and other deadlines over the next couple months.  Only thirty students are going and the trip has filled quickly the last two times, so don’t procrastinate too long.  Meantime, get your passport.

The Coast Community College District reserves the right to cancel, change, append, add, or delete Programs or features of Programs. Dates, prices, locations, and other details indicated on this preliminary information page may not accurately reflect the actual Program offered in 2004, as Programs are still in the final planning stage.

Copyright © 2001 Coast Community College District