As you will have realised, Cambridge is a highly international place. About fifteen percent of the student body is from overseas, coming from over 100 countries, and the majority of these are graduates.

The international character of the University offers unique academic and non-academic opportunities to its students. Furthermore, the University strongly encourages and generously sponsors international research trips.

Travel grants and funding for overseas students

Although Caius - in comparison with other Cambridge Colleges - does not offer many regular scholarship-programs, it usually does sponsor the research travels of its graduate students. Application forms are available from your Tutor and need to be supported by your academic supervisor. At the University level, there are various funding bodies and trusts specifically designed for students from, and research in, particular countries. Details can be found in the special grants, scholarships, and awards issue of the Cambridge University Reporter, the official journal of the University.

Leave to work away (PhD only)

Cambridge is unique in allowing a maximum one-year (three terms) remission of fees if a student needs to work away from Cambridge, while the year still counts toward the nine-term minimum fee and residence requirement. Permission may be granted to work away from Cambridge in order to undertake fieldwork, to consult archives, or for similar academic reasons. Such permission is not usually granted until after the Registration for the Ph.D. has been secured (i.e. after the first year). All applications are considered on their merits, and are not granted automatically. For details see the homepage of the Board of Graduate Studies.

The University Language Centre

Do you want to learn a new language or brush up your school-level knowledge of a particular foreign language? Then you should visit the University's Language Centre, situated on Downing Place. In the Language Centre, you can:

• study over 140 languages from beginners' to advanced level using multi media resources (based on self-learn material)
• watch direct broadcasts by satellite and films in foreign languages
• take part in one of the taught CULP language-courses that run during Michealmas and Lent Term
• enter into a conversation exchange with a speaker of the language you are learning

International Student Societies

There are numerous student societies that focus on a particular country, and which organise regular events during term time. They are open to all, and offer a great opportunity to meet students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Take a look at the University's societies list to find out more.

Travelling Abroad

Notwithstanding Cambridge's international flair, you might feel like broadening your own international horizons. With Stansted Airport just 40 minutes away, you might want to check out some of the following pages:

• Travel agents: STA Travel | Expedia | Spear Travels
• Cheap flights: Ryanair | EasyJet | Buzz | Cheapflights.com
• Rail & coach: Eurostar | National Express | UK Railways | Cambridge departures