Leadership and Career Exploration Summer Academy in Miami

Course Description: Leadership and Career Exploration Summer Academy in Miami

This two-week summer programme is designed for motivated high school students who want to explore future academic and career pathways while experiencing life in Miami — one of the most internationally connected cities in the United States.

Students take part in a combination of:

• Leadership training

• Admissions and college preparation workshops

• Academic seminars across multiple disciplines

• University visits

• Site visits to major global organisations

Throughout the programme, students explore fields such as law, STEM, business, and hospitality, while building practical skills for future academic and professional success.

🎯 Who This Programme Is For

Designed for students aged 14–18, this programme is ideal for those who:

• Are exploring potential university majors and career paths

• Want early exposure to U.S. university life

• Are interested in developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills

• Are seeking international experience and personal growth

Students aged 13 or 19 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

🧠 Programme Experience

Students live and study in Miami, combining:

• Leadership development

• Academic exploration

• Career exposure

• Cultural immersion

This integrated structure helps students:

• Gain clarity on their future

• Build confidence

• Develop real-world skills

• Experience independence in a university-style environment

🎓 Academic Structure & Timetable

The programme follows a structured weekly schedule combining academics, site visits, and social activities.

Sample Weekly Flow:

Mornings:

• Leadership workshops

• STEM seminars

• Business and hospitality sessions

• College preparation seminars

• Guest speaker sessions

Afternoons:

• University tours (FIU MMC, FIU BBC, University of Miami, Instituto Marangoni)

• Site visits

• Research and academic workshops

• Optional SAT preparation

Evenings:

• Group activities (karaoke, game night, arts & crafts, movie night)

• Social events (talent show rehearsal, graduation events)

Key Weekly Highlights:

• Port of Miami visit

• Law seminar

• Research skills workshops

• Student showcase and project presentation

• Graduation ceremony and talent show

🎓 Academic Experience & Faculty

Students learn from experienced university faculty and professionals, including:

• John Buschman – Assistant Professor and Co-Director at Florida International University

• Gregory Reis – Associate Teaching Professor specialising in computer science and STEM education

• Margaret Wu – Associate Director of International Admissions, University of Miami

Academic delivery includes:

• Lectures

• Seminars

• Workshops

• Case studies

• Group-based learning

🔍 Major & Career Exploration

Students explore key academic disciplines, including:

• STEM

• Business

• Hospitality

• Law

Through structured sessions, students learn:

• What each major involves

• Career pathways linked to each field

• How academic decisions impact long-term opportunities

Programme Modules & Learning Experience

Students will engage in a series of structured academic modules designed to introduce key disciplines, develop leadership skills, and build practical understanding of future career pathways.

🎯 Major & Career Exploration

Students begin with a foundational workshop introducing different academic majors and career paths. This session helps students understand how university subjects connect to real-world professions and supports them in identifying their interests and strengths.

💼 Business: Inside the Business School Experience

In this module, students explore what it means to study business at university. They gain insight into key areas such as:

• Management

• Marketing

• Finance

• Entrepreneurship

Students also learn how business education develops leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, and how these translate into real-world careers.

💻 STEM: Innovation in Action (Computer Science & Engineering)

Students are introduced to the fields of computer science and engineering, exploring how technology and creativity intersect.

They will:

• Learn how coding, design, and systems innovation are applied

• Understand how these skills lead to careers in software development, robotics, and data science

• Explore how technology drives modern industries

🏨 Hospitality: The World of Hospitality & Global Tourism

This module focuses on one of the world’s most dynamic industries — hospitality and tourism.

Students explore:

• Hotel management

• Event planning

• Travel and tourism

• Guest experience design

They gain an understanding of how business, culture, and service come together to create global experiences and career opportunities.

⚖️ Law: Inside Law School

Students gain an introduction to the academic and professional pathway to becoming a lawyer.

They will:

• Learn what law students study at university

• Understand the structure of legal education

• Explore the skills and preparation required for a legal career

🧠 Leadership Development

Leadership is developed throughout the programme using structured, research-based approaches.

Students will:

• Work with licensed case studies from Harvard Business Publishing Education

• Engage with selected readings and leadership modules

• Explore youth leadership frameworks informed by university research

The focus is on building:

• Decision-making skills

• Critical thinking

• Leadership awareness in real-world contexts

🧪 Research Skills

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of academic research, including:

• Research processes

• Literature review techniques

• Basic research methodologies

This module helps students develop analytical thinking and academic skills essential for future university study.

📈 SAT Preparation (Optional)

Students have the option to participate in SAT preparation sessions, designed to support standardized test readiness alongside the core academic programme.

🎤 Final Project & Presentation

As part of the programme, students complete a leadership-focused project.

In this project, students will:

• Explore a real-life example of leadership (a person, event, or situation)

• Analyse how leadership was demonstrated

• Reflect on key lessons learned

The project concludes with a presentation, helping students develop:

• Public speaking skills

• Confidence

• The ability to apply leadership concepts to their own lives

🏫 University Exploration

Students visit universities across Miami to understand:

• Academic programmes

• Admissions expectations

• Campus life and culture

These visits help students evaluate universities based on:

• Academic fit

• Environment

• Personal goals

🏭 Site Visits & Industry Exposure

Students gain real-world insight through visits to:

• Port of Miami

• Amazon Fulfilment Center

• FIU Food Circularity Lab

These experiences connect classroom learning to real industries and global systems.

🌆 Beyond the Classroom

Students experience Miami through structured cultural and social activities:

City & Exploration:

• Big Bus Miami City Tour

• City Cruise

• Everglades National Park

Social Activities:

• Talent Show

• Dance Party

• T-shirt Design Workshop

Daily Life Exposure:

• Visits to cafés, malls, supermarkets, and beaches

🌍 International Experience

Students study alongside peers from multiple countries, including:

• Colombia

• Brazil

• Ukraine

This environment encourages:

• Cross-cultural communication

• Global friendships

• International perspective

🛡️ Safety Assurance System

Student safety is fully integrated into the programme:

Campus Environment:

• Students live and study on a university campus with supervised housing

• Structured and secure environment

Staffing:

• 24/7 staff and instructor supervision

• 10:1 student-to-staff ratio

Additional Safety Measures:

• Comprehensive programme insurance

• Controlled and monitored activities

🏠 Accommodation, Meals & Campus Experience

Students live and study at Florida International University (FIU).

Campus Experience:

• Diverse environment (35% international student population)

• Full university immersion

Accommodation:

• On-campus residence halls

• Single occupancy rooms

• Private bathroom

• Air conditioning

• Internet

• Washer and dryer

• Linen provided

Meals:

• Three meals per day (buffet style)

• Dietary needs accommodated

• Access to nearby cafés and restaurants

Live-in staff ensure ongoing student support.

🧩 Leadership Development

Leadership training is integrated throughout the programme using:

• Case studies (Harvard Business Publishing Education)

• Academic frameworks

• Group-based problem solving

Students develop:

• Teamwork

• Decision-making

• Public speaking

• Critical thinking

🧪 Cultural & Personal Development

Students build:

• Independence

• Adaptability

• Confidence

• Communication skills

Through real-life experiences in a global city environment.

✈️ Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are included for students arriving and departing within the designated time windows at Miami International Airport (MIA).

🛬 Arrival

• Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Transfer Window: 08:00 – 17:00

🛫 Departure

• Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Transfer Window: 08:00 – 14:00

💼 Transfer Details

• One-way transfer: Included (no additional cost)

• Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service: Included

• Private transfer: Included

⚠️ Important Note

Students requiring airport transfers outside of the scheduled time windows will need to arrange this separately by contacting the programme team in advance.

📊 Programme Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will:

• Gain clarity on academic and career goals

• Develop leadership and communication skills

• Understand university expectations

• Build confidence and independence

🏅 What Students Receive

• Certificate of Achievement

• Leadership Project Portfolio

• Personalised academic feedback

• Opportunity for a faculty recommendation letter (for outstanding students)

📋 What’s Included

Tuition:

• Lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies

Student Services:

• Visa support

• Supervision

• Airport transfers

• Accommodation & Meals

• Programme transport

• Insurance

Activities:

• Site visits

• Tours

• Social events

• Cultural experiences

💰 Cost & Dates

Programme Dates: July 6 – July 18

• Residential: $4,500

• Commuter: $3,500

📑 Entry Requirements

• Age: 14–18

• High school student or recent graduate

English (Recommended):

• IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

• Interview assessment available if needed

Visa:

• B1/B2 Tourist Visa

Deadline:

• May 1

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What if my English is not strong enough?

Students can complete an English interview assessment if they do not meet recommended levels.

Can parents accompany students?

Yes:

• Residential option (on-campus housing)

• Day option (students attend classes only)

How is safety ensured?

24/7 supervision, on-campus living, and insurance coverage.

What are the accommodation conditions?

University residence halls with full amenities.

How are meals arranged?

Three meals per day with dietary accommodations.

Can students meet international peers?

Yes — students join a diverse global cohort.

⭐ Testimonials

“All the seminars were really useful… now I feel fully prepared to apply to colleges.”

— Isabella, October 2025

“It was a really fun experience. I learned a lot and it opened my mind.”

— Nelson, October 2025

🌟 Final Summary

This programme offers a complete university-style experience, combining:

• Academic learning

• Career exploration

• Leadership development

• Cultural immersion

It is ideal for students looking to gain a serious advantage in university preparation while experiencing life in a global city.