English Language Summer Experience for High Schoolers in Cambridge

Course Description: English Language Summer Experience for High Schoolers in Cambridge

This fully immersive 3-week residential summer programme is designed for students aged 13–18 with English as a second language, who want to improve their language skills while experiencing life in a world-class academic environment.

Set in one of the world’s leading academic cities, the programme combines:

• Structured English language learning

• Personal development

• Cultural exploration

• A highly international student community

Students develop fluency, confidence, and real-world communication skills through both classroom learning and daily interaction.

📍 Location & Campus Experience

Students live and study at St Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge, within a secure and self-contained residential environment.

• Located just 10 minutes from Cambridge city centre

• Easy access to cafés, shops, and cultural attractions

• Surrounded by extensive private gardens, offering a peaceful setting

The programme hosts students from over 100 nationalities, with no more than 10% from any one country.

Native and non-native English speakers are mixed throughout the programme, creating a fully immersive English-speaking environment.

🌐 English Language Requirement

This programme is designed for students with English as a second language, with classes structured to support a range of ability levels.

Students will:

• Be placed into classes based on their current level

• Learn alongside peers of similar ability

• Develop language skills progressively in a supportive environment

All students complete a British Council English Language Test before arrival to ensure accurate class placement.

📚 Academic Structure & Learning

Students follow a balanced academic structure by selecting:

• English Language (core subject)

• One elective course

Academic Delivery:

• 3 hours of English language classes each weekday morning

• Interactive, topic-based lessons

• Real-world communication activities

Classes are led by experienced teachers specialising in English as a second language (ESL).

🧠 What Students Will Learn

Over the three weeks, students are fully immersed in English, developing all core language skills through structured learning and daily use.

Language Development:

• Speaking and listening

• Reading and writing

• Grammar and vocabulary

Communication Skills:

• Group discussions and debates

• Presentation skills

• Expressing ideas clearly and confidently

Practical Application:

• Using English in real-life situations

• Exploring global topics through language

• Building fluency through constant interaction

Students practise English continuously — both in class and socially — allowing for faster progress and greater confidence.

By the end of the programme, students will:

• Improve fluency and accuracy

• Communicate confidently in academic and social contexts

• Be prepared to continue using English in future studies

🗓️ Daily Routine

Each day is structured to balance academic learning with activities and social engagement.

Typical Weekday Schedule:

• 07:30 – Wake-up

• 08:00 – Breakfast

• 09:00 – 12:00 – English Language Classes

• 12:00 – Lunch

• 13:00 – 16:00 – Electives or Cultural Trips

• 16:00 – Free Time / Optional Activities

• 18:00 – Evening Meal

• 19:30 – 21:30 – Evening Programme

• 22:30 – Check-in

• 23:00 – Lights Out

Weekends:

• Saturday: Full-day cultural excursions

• Sunday: Workshops and relaxed activities

🏠 Accommodation & Campus Living

Students are housed in university residence halls at St Edmund’s College, with full supervision from experienced residential staff.

• Safe and secure residential environment

• On-site staff providing 24/7 supervision

• Designed to support independence and community living

🛏️ Bedrooms

Rooms are either:

• Single occupancy, or

• Shared with one other student

Shared rooms are arranged with:

• Same gender

• Similar age group

• Different nationality (to encourage English use and cultural exchange)

🏫 Classrooms & Facilities

• Classes take place within walking distance on campus

• Electives use specialised facilities where appropriate

• Students are required to bring a laptop

• Full Wi-Fi access is provided

🍽️ Meals

All meals are included:

• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Variety of options available

• Dietary requirements accommodated

🎭 Activities & Evening Programme

Students take part in a wide range of organised activities designed to build friendships and enhance the experience.

Activities include:

• Sports and recreational activities

• Creative workshops

• Team competitions

• Social events and themed evenings

• Quizzes and entertainment

Students also participate in larger cultural events, including Highland-style games and group activities.

🧩 Weekend Workshops

On Sundays, students can choose from a variety of workshops, such as:

• Sports activities

• Creative sessions

• Skill-based workshops

These sessions provide a relaxed and engaging addition to the weekly programme.

🌍 Cultural Trips & Excursions

Students take part in a varied programme of excursions throughout the three weeks.

Full-Day Trips:

• Oxford – Guided walking tour and free time to explore

• Windsor – Visit to Windsor Castle, including the Changing of the Guard, followed by town exploration

Half-Day Trips (choice-based):

• Aqua Park (strong swimmers required)

• Ely Cathedral and historic town

• Indoor climbing experience

• Cambridge city tour and punting on the River Cam

All trips are fully organised and supervised.

🎯 Elective Programme

Afternoons are designed to broaden each student’s experience beyond the core academic subject. Students combine their Study Skills course with one elective, which takes place four afternoons per week.

These electives are interactive, skill-based, and highly engaging, allowing students to explore new interests, develop practical abilities, and gain confidence in a supportive environment.

Students choose from the following options:

🎾 Tennis

This elective is designed for students of all ability levels, from complete beginners to advanced players.

Students will:

• Work with professional tennis coaches

• Develop technical skills, including strokes, footwork, and positioning

• Participate in match play and tournament-style games

• Learn the rules of tennis and the importance of sportsmanship

Skill Development:

• Beginners build core techniques and confidence

• Intermediate players refine their strengths and improve consistency

• Advanced players develop spin techniques, tactical awareness, and competitive strategy

The course combines fitness, discipline, and enjoyment, culminating in a final tennis tournament where all students are invited to participate.

🌿 Outdoor Leadership

This elective focuses on developing confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills through structured outdoor activities.

Students take part in:

• Kayaking and outdoor challenges

• Team-building exercises

• Leadership-focused workshops

Key Outcomes:

• Improved communication and decision-making

• Increased personal motivation and confidence

• Ability to work effectively in teams

Activities are designed for all experience levels and are led by qualified instructors, ensuring both safety and engagement. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, set personal goals, and develop skills that extend beyond the programme.

🎭 Theatre

This creative elective allows students to explore performance and develop a unique theatrical production over the three-week programme.

Students will:

• Participate in masterclasses and ensemble workshops

• Develop skills in voice, movement, and performance

• Explore techniques such as improvisation, storytelling, and mime

Additional Opportunities:

• Assist in directing, production, and lighting

• Collaborate as a team to create an original performance

• Perform their work during the final week

This course is designed for students of all experience levels and focuses on building confidence, creativity, and stage presence.

📸 Photography

This elective introduces students to the fundamentals of digital photography, combining technical learning with creative exploration.

Students will:

• Learn how to use a camera effectively

• Capture images of landscapes, people, and daily life

• Develop an eye for composition and storytelling

Key Skills:

• Understanding camera settings and techniques

• Editing and enhancing photographs

• Using photography to communicate ideas visually

Students work with a professional tutor to produce a portfolio of work, which is showcased at the end of the programme in a creative exhibition.

They may also contribute to a student publication by collaborating on visual content.

🌟 Elective Experience

All electives are designed to:

• Encourage creativity and exploration

• Build confidence and independence

• Develop practical skills

• Complement language learning

🚌 Transportation

All programme transport is included and managed.

Airport Transfers:

• Airport: London Stansted (STN)

2026 Dates:

• Arrival: 8 July

• Departure: 29 July

Recommended Times:

• Arrivals: 08:00 – 15:30

• Departures: 06:00 – 17:00

Transfers within these windows are included.

🛡️ Safety & Supervision

• Full residential supervision

• Staff available at all times

• Structured daily schedule

• Fully supervised activities and excursions

📦 What’s Included

The programme is fully inclusive and covers:

• Academic tuition (English Language + elective)

• Accommodation with full board (all meals)

• Course materials and equipment

• All excursions and trips

• Evening activity programme

• Sunday workshops

• Comprehensive insurance

• Academic report and certificate

• Programme materials

• Airport transfers (within scheduled times)

🌟 Overall Experience

This programme offers a complete English language immersion experience in one of the world’s most academically renowned environments.

Students leave with:

• Improved English fluency and confidence

• Stronger communication skills

• Greater independence

• The ability to use English effectively in academic and everyday situations