Ivy League Experience - Global Leadership

Course Description: Ivy League Experience - Global Leadership

Three Iconic Universities. One Unparalleled Academic Experience 🇺🇸

The Ivy League Scholars’ Programme offers ambitious students aged 16–18 a rare opportunity to study, live, and learn across three of the world’s most prestigious universities. Over two intensive weeks, students immerse themselves in elite academic environments, exploring leadership, innovation, ethics, and global impact while experiencing authentic campus life at leading Ivy League institutions.

Participants study and stay at Yale University and Columbia University, with a guided academic visit to Harvard University, gaining first-hand insight into what it means to thrive at the highest level of global education.

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Academic Focus: Global Leadership & the Future 🌍

At the heart of the programme is a carefully designed academic curriculum centred on Global Leadership, combining intellectual challenge with real-world relevance.

Students engage in:

• Faculty-led lectures and seminars

• Interactive workshops and case studies

• Debate and journalism skills development

• Admissions insight and career guidance sessions

Themes explored include ethics, diplomacy, sustainability, entrepreneurship, communication in the age of AI, and innovation. The academic approach encourages critical thinking, confident communication, and global awareness, equipping students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

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Week One: Study at Yale & Visit Harvard 🎓

The programme begins at Yale University, where students are immersed in an Ivy League academic environment defined by tradition, excellence, and leadership.

Highlights include:

• Masterclasses and seminars led by Yale faculty and expert speakers

• Academic sessions exploring leadership, ethics, sustainability, and global challenges

• Debate and Journalism Clubs to strengthen persuasive communication

• Admissions panels and student insight discussions

Students also enjoy guided access to Yale’s renowned academic facilities, including leadership, environment, engineering, arts, and rare-book institutions, offering behind-the-scenes exposure to elite research culture.

Mid-week, students travel to Cambridge, Massachusetts for a privately guided visit to Harvard University, where they:

• Tour Harvard Yard and key academic landmarks

• Explore interdisciplinary programmes and innovation spaces

• Learn about Harvard traditions, academic rigour, and student life

• Gain inspiration from one of the most influential universities in the world

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Week Two: Columbia University & New York City 🗽

In the second week, students relocate to New York City, studying at Columbia University and staying on campus at Barnard College, combining Ivy League academics with the energy of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Academic & leadership highlights:

• Thematic workshops on digital psychology, smart cities, innovation, and entrepreneurship

• Guest lectures from Columbia faculty

• Guided campus tours and library visits

• Sports and wellness activities to support balance and teamwork

Industry & global exposure:

Students connect classroom learning with real-world leadership through visits to:

• The United Nations (diplomacy and global governance)

• Leading global companies such as L’Oréal or major technology firms

• Business, innovation, and branding environments shaping the modern world

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Cultural Immersion: New York City Experiences ✨

Beyond academics, students take part in a rich cultural programme across New York City, including:

• Landmark tours (Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Wall Street, Brooklyn Bridge)

• Museums such as The Met and the American Museum of Natural History

• Historical reflection at the Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial

• Panoramic city views from iconic observation decks

• A Broadway show or equivalent cultural experience

The programme concludes with a graduation celebration at an iconic New York venue, recognising student achievement, growth, and contribution.

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Accommodation & Meals 🏫🍽️

• Students live on Ivy League campuses throughout the programme

• At Yale, full board meals are included daily

• In New York City, breakfast and dinner are provided, with lunchtime free for students to explore the city’s diverse food scene under guidance

• Accommodation is supervised, safe, and designed to reflect authentic university living

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Who This Programme Is For 🎯

This experience is ideal for students who:

• Aspire to study at top global universities

• Enjoy academic challenge and discussion-based learning

• Are curious about leadership, global issues, and innovation

• Want exposure to Ivy League teaching styles and expectations

• Thrive in international, intellectually driven environments

*� Graduation & Achievement

At the end of the programme, students take part in a formal graduation ceremony, celebrating both academic progress and personal development. Each student receives:

• A certificate of completion

• Academic feedback highlighting strengths, growth, and engagement

Graduation is a meaningful milestone and often one of the most memorable moments of the entire experience.

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✈️ Airport Transfers (Supervised – Optional Add-On)

To ensure safe and stress-free travel, fully supervised airport transfers are available at an additional cost. This service is particularly reassuring for students travelling independently.

Transfer Prices

• John F. Kennedy (JFK): Included in your programme cost

• (Transfers are one-way and must be booked in advance)

What the Transfer Service Includes

• Meet & greet by trained staff at the airport

• Flight tracking and arrival monitoring

• Assistance through arrivals and baggage collection

• Direct transport to campus by coach, minibus, or taxi

• Full supervision throughout the journey

• Support with unaccompanied minor procedures (if required)

Flight Time Windows

• Arrivals: 07:00 – 15:30 EDT

• Departures: 08:00 – 18:00 EDT

The mode of transport is determined based on the number of students arriving at similar times and travelling to the same campus. Specific transport types cannot be requested.

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*�️ Supervision & Student Welfare

Student safety and wellbeing are prioritised at all times. Dedicated residential staff live on campus and are available day and night to supervise, support, and assist students.

Clear routines, structured schedules, and visible staff presence ensure a secure and supportive environment, while allowing students to build independence responsibly.

*� What to Pack (Key Essentials)

Students should bring:

• Laptop and charger (essential for academic work)

• Passport, visa (if required), travel tickets, and insurance details

• Everyday clothing for variable UK weather

• Comfortable shoes and sportswear

• Formal outfit for graduation

• Toiletries and any personal medication

Laundry facilities, bedding, and towels are provided on campus.

A Day in the Life 🌟

(Ivy League Scholars Programme – Yale & New York)

Each day is carefully structured to balance academic challenge, cultural discovery, social connection, and personal reflection, mirroring life at a top US university.

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🌅 Morning: Academic Foundations (08:00–12:30)

The day begins with breakfast on campus, where students dine together and prepare for the academic programme ahead.

Morning sessions focus on committee-based learning, designed to build leadership, confidence, and critical thinking. Students rotate through themed committees such as:

• Leadership & Entrepreneurship

• Global Affairs & Diplomacy

• Innovation, Sustainability & Social Impact

• Strategic Negotiation & Crisis Response

These sessions include debates, problem-solving challenges, and collaborative discussions, helping students learn to articulate ideas clearly and work effectively in teams.

Mid-morning breaks allow time to reset, socialise, and reflect before continuing with academic workshops or admissions insight sessions.

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🍽️ Midday: Lunch & Insight Sessions (12:30–14:00)

Lunch is served on campus and often paired with lunchtime talks or informal discussions, where students:

• Hear from academic mentors

• Share ideas with peers

• Reflect on leadership themes explored that morning

This relaxed setting encourages thoughtful conversation and confidence-building.

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🌍 Afternoon: Campus Life, Culture & Exploration (14:00–17:30)

Afternoons blend academic enrichment with cultural immersion.

Depending on the day, students may:

• Attend Ivy League insight sessions

• Join networking and communication workshops

• Take guided campus tours

• Explore libraries, museums, or historic academic spaces

• Participate in city immersion experiences or athletic societies

Special highlight days include off-campus excursions, such as the guided visit to Harvard University or industry and cultural visits in New York City.

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🍽️ Evening: Community & Connection (18:00–22:30)

Dinner is served on campus, followed by a varied evening programme designed to strengthen friendships and encourage self-expression.

Evening activities include:

• Journalism or debate clubs (“The Exchange / The Newsroom”)

• Guest lectures from inspiring speakers

• Social networking events

• Cultural outings or themed celebrations

• Movie nights, parties, or relaxed group activities

Each evening closes with Leaders’ Circle, a calm reflection session where students:

• Review the day’s learning

• Set personal goals

• Practise mindfulness and leadership reflection

A supervised curfew ensures students get adequate rest.

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Weekends: Exploration, Excursions & Celebration 🎉

Weekends are where learning comes to life beyond the classroom.

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🗓️ Weekend Highlights

At Yale (Week One):

• Student arrival, welcome talks, and induction activities

• Campus tours and city immersion

• Art galleries or museum visits

• Social bonding events and relaxed cultural evenings

Harvard Excursion Day:

• Full-day guided visit to Harvard University

• Exploration of Harvard Yard and academic landmarks

• Insight into Ivy League admissions and student life

• A memorable academic milestone for many students 🎓

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In New York City (Week Two):

• Travel day from Yale to NYC with staff supervision

• Guided exploration of Manhattan landmarks

• Visits to museums, Central Park, and cultural districts

• Industry and academic study trips

• United Nations visit and leadership showcase

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🎓 Graduation Weekend

The programme concludes with:

• Academic Showcase (The Summit)

• Graduation preparation sessions

• Formal Graduation Ceremony, Dinner & Celebration 🎓✨

This final weekend celebrates not only academic achievement, but also personal growth, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

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What Parents Love ❤️This Program

✔️ A structured, supervised daily routine

✔️ Strong balance of academics, culture, and wellbeing

✔️ Ivy League immersion without overwhelming pressure

✔️ Meaningful weekend excursions and celebrations

✔️ Reflection built into every day

*� Inspirational Guest Speakers

Inspiring the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators

Throughout the programme, students have the unique opportunity to hear directly from world-leading academics, pioneers, entrepreneurs, and public figures. These guest speaker sessions go beyond lectures — they are interactive, thought-provoking experiences designed to spark curiosity, ambition, and confidence.

Through talks, debates, and Q&A sessions, students gain insight into real-world careers, global challenges, and the journeys behind extraordinary achievements.

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*� Previous Headline Guest Speakers

Here are just a few of the inspiring figures who have previously shared their experiences with students:

*� Professor Brian Cox

Physicist & Media Personality A Fellow of the Royal Society and Professor of Particle Physics, Professor Brian Cox is widely known for making complex science accessible and exciting. Through his work in research and broadcasting, he inspires young people to think boldly about the universe, innovation, and discovery.

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*� Helen Sharman CMG OBE

First British Astronaut Selected from over 13,000 applicants, Helen Sharman became the first Briton in space at just 27 years old. In her talks, she shares her journey from selection and training to life in orbit, helping students understand resilience, preparation, and what it takes to achieve the extraordinary.

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*� Rory Sutherland

Vice-Chairman, Ogilvy UK A leading voice in behavioural science and creative thinking, Rory challenges conventional logic and highlights the power of creativity in business and decision-making. His sessions encourage students to rethink how ideas, psychology, and innovation shape the modern world.

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*� Simon Morris

Co-Founder of LOVEFiLM & Chief Creative Officer at Amazon Simon played a key role in building LOVEFiLM into what became Amazon Prime. As Amazon’s first Chief Creative Officer, his work spans global campaigns and innovation at scale, offering students rare insight into branding, creativity, and leadership in global companies.

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*� David Olusoga

Historian & Broadcaster An award-winning historian, filmmaker, and author, David Olusoga brings history to life through powerful storytelling. His work explores identity, heritage, and overlooked narratives, encouraging students to think critically about history and its relevance today.

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⚖️ Baroness Shami Chakrabarti

Lawyer & Member of the House of Lords A leading human rights advocate and public speaker, Baroness Chakrabarti has spent decades campaigning for civil liberties and justice. Her sessions challenge students to consider ethics, law, and leadership in a complex modern society.

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*� Featured Academic Guest Lecturers

Insights from leading researchers and educators

Alongside headline speakers, students also learn from academic experts and professionals who are shaping the future through research, innovation, and teaching.

*� João Matos

A DPhil researcher whose work focuses on ethical and trustworthy artificial intelligence in healthcare. With academic experience spanning Oxford, MIT, Harvard, and Duke, João shares how research, ethics, and technology intersect in real-world applications.

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*� Angela Hobbs

Innovation Strategist & Professional Coach Angela supports entrepreneurs and organisations in building inclusive, high-performing teams. Her sessions focus on leadership, decision-making, and navigating complexity — skills essential for future founders and leaders.

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*� Dr. Carolina Redolfi

Senior Lecturer & Researcher With over 15 years of international teaching experience, Dr. Redolfi specialises in marketing, leadership, and student-centred learning. Her work empowers students to thrive academically and professionally in an ever-changing global environment.

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✨ Why this matters: These sessions expose students to real voices from academia, science, business, law, and culture,  helping them connect classroom learning to real-world impact, explore future pathways, and gain the confidence to ask big questions.

Guest speakers vary by year and availability, but every programme is designed to deliver the same high standard of inspiration and insight.

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Programme Snapshot

• Age range: 16–18

• Duration: 2 weeks

• Locations: Yale University, Columbia University, Harvard University (visit)

• Academic focus: Global Leadership

• Includes: Tuition, accommodation, meals (as outlined), academic programme, cultural visits, graduation ceremony

• Indicative price: £9,995

• Start dates: Late June & mid-July