Exceptional Pre-College International Relations Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University
Lucas George Wendt Iym2pcy0f8c Unsplash
University of Cambridge Campus, UK

Exceptional Summer Pre-College International Relations Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University Campus

age icon 16-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

Session Dates

Choose your preferred session from the options below and submit your details in order to complete your booking.

June - Day

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

June - Boarding

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College International Relations Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University Campus

🌍 Cambridge/Oxford International Relations Summer Program (Ages 16–18)

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📌 Key Facts

  • Age Group: 16–18 years

  • Duration: 2 weeks (13 nights)

  • Academic Hours: 30 hours of tutorials & workshops

  • Average Class Size: Small group learning with expert tutors

  • Tutors: Oxford & Cambridge academics

  • Personal Project: Individual essay or presentation, presented at the end of the program

  • 1:1 Tutorials: Personalized feedback and academic guidance

  • Academic Skills Workshops: Future skills & university preparation

  • Accommodation: Single bedrooms with shared bathrooms (1 per 4). Limited ensuite.

  • Meals: Breakfast & dinner daily in college halls

  • Formal Hall Dinners: 2 per stay (👔 remember to bring some smart clothes!)

  • Excursions: Oxford trip + optional London visit (or Cambridge afternoon tea)

  • Pocket Money Recommendation: £80 per week (for lunch + souvenirs)

  • Transfer Service: Heathrow Airport, £180 each way

  • English Requirement: Upper-intermediate (B2)

***

📖 Course Description

This award-winning academic summer school offers university-style learning for students aged 16–18 at prestigious institutions in Cambridge and Oxford.

The program is designed to:

  • Deliver academically rigorous content to deepen knowledge of international relations.

  • Provide a realistic view of what it’s like to study at university.

  • Combine lectures, tutorials, and group discussions with practical simulations.

🔑 A major highlight is the Personal Project, where students complete an essay or presentation on an international relations topic of their choice. This is presented on the final day, with feedback included in the participant’s final evaluation.

By the end of the program, participants will:

  • Understand international relations at a university level.

  • Gain exposure to related degree pathways.

  • Develop well-formed ideas supported by research and practical experience.

***

📝 Sample Modules

Module 1: The Middle East in International Relations

  • Explore the region’s geopolitical importance as the birthplace of three major religions.

  • Examine how oil, gas, and political underdevelopment fuel conflicts.

  • Study key international actors and their involvement in the region.

Module 2: The Role of Ideas in International Relations

  • Explore the “social” side of international affairs: climate change, human rights, international aid.

  • Understand the Constructivist approach and how ideas shape global politics.

Module 3: The Project of a European Union

  • Study the EU’s structure and role as a political actor.

  • Analyze strengths and weaknesses in today’s globalized world.

  • Discuss its capacity in both internal and external affairs.

Module 4: United Nations Simulation

  • Act as a delegate representing a country at the UN Security Council.

  • Write a position paper on your country’s foreign policy.

  • Present, defend, and negotiate alliances based on national goals.

***

🎓 Academic Skills Workshops

These workshops unlock participants’ potential by equipping them with key university-level and future skills, including:

  • Enhancing study skills 📚

  • Academic writing & research techniques ✍️

  • University preparation strategies 🎓

  • 21st-century productivity and technology skills ⚙️

Past examples include: “Productivity Tips for Students” and “21st Century Technology Skills.”

***

🏛 Accommodation & Meals

  • Stay in historic Cambridge or Oxford colleges, many over 500 years old.

  • Rooms: Single occupancy bedrooms, shared bathrooms (1 per 4). Limited ensuite for additional needs.

  • Male and female corridors are separated unless ensuite facilities are provided (then corridors may be mixed).

  • Wi-Fi available throughout.

  • Meals: Breakfast & dinner daily in college dining halls.

  • Formal Hall Dinners: Two candlelit formal meals in historic halls. (👔 Remember to bring smart clothes!)

  • Dietary, medical, and religious requirements are all accommodated.

***

🎭 Social Activities & Excursions

Outside lessons, students enjoy a vibrant social program including:

  • Punting on the River Cam 🚣

  • Zorb football ⚽

  • Games night 🎲

  • Movie night 🎬

  • Quiz night ❓

  • Talent show 🎤

  • Murder mystery night 🕵️

Excursions include:

  • Day trip to Oxford with college tours.

  • Optional London day trip (landmarks & shopping).

  • Alternative: Afternoon tea in Cambridge 🍵.

  • Croquet & formal dinners at Cambridge/Oxford colleges.

***

✈️ Arrival & Transfers

  • Arrival Day: Sunday, 2–5 pm (rooms ready from 3 pm).

  • Heathrow Transfers:

  • Chaperoned service from Terminal 3.

  • Departures: 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00.

  • Return transfers: 07:00 & 12:00 on final Saturday.

  • Cost: £180 each way.

  • Alternative Arrivals: Covered in Welcome Pack with detailed instructions.

***

💷 Fees & Pocket Money

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

  • Pocket Money: £80 per week (for lunch & souvenirs).

  • ATMs available; Visa & Mastercard widely accepted.

***

✅ What’s Included

  • 13 nights in Cambridge/Oxford college accommodation.

  • Breakfast & dinner daily in college halls.

  • 30 hours of academic sessions with Oxford & Cambridge tutors.

  • Carefully designed study materials.

  • Mentor support & access to resources.

  • 1:1 academic tutorials + detailed evaluation.

  • Academic Skills Workshops.

  • 2 Formal Hall dinners (👔 smart clothes required).

  • Full mentor-led social program.

  • Excursions: Oxford trip + London (or Cambridge afternoon tea).

  • Graduation ceremony & certificate.

  • Comprehensive summer school insurance.

  • Notebook & pen.

  • Mentor family photograph.

***

✨ The International Relations Summer Program (Ages 16–18) offers an unforgettable opportunity to study global affairs at world-class universities, experience international diplomacy through simulations, and make lifelong connections while living like a Cambridge or Oxford student.

Activities

  • Outside of lessons, enjoy a busy and diverse social program including punting on the River Cam, zorb football, games night, movie night, quiz night, talent show and a murder mystery night at the college.
  • All activities and excursions are led by our team of friendly mentors, dedicated to maximizing your enjoyment.

Accommodations

  • College allocation based on dates and subject choice, assigned a few weeks before arrival.

  • All colleges are central, historical, with unique culture and character.

  • Accommodations designed for study, not luxury; many buildings over 500 years old, no air conditioning.

  • Accommodation requests for friends/siblings considered where possible.

  • Separate male and female accommodations in each college; wi-fi available throughout.

  • Single occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms (one per four participants); some ensuite facilities available, prioritized for additional needs.

  • Mixed-gender corridors for ensuite facilities; gender-separated corridors for shared bathrooms.

  • Welcome Pack includes possible college details for program dates.

  • Rooms secured with locks, housekeeping access for maintenance.

  • Breakfast and dinner included on campus

  • Host venues accommodate all dietary requirements, special attention to religious observances and medical needs (Please let us know if you need to follow any particular religious observances or have any medical requirements that we need to know about.)

  • As a student, you will experience formal dinner three times during your stay: once per week in Cambridge and at an Oxford University college on the excursion day, making formal hall a memorable occasion, so remember to bring some smart clothes!

Excursions

  • Two excursions offered: a day trip to visit Oxford and its colleges, and an optional day out in London to see famous landmarks and enjoy shopping.
  • If you opt out of the London trip, you're invited to afternoon tea in Cambridge.

Transportation

  • Arrival Time: Participants should arrive between 2 pm and 5 pm on the first Sunday of the program, with registration and accommodation showings upon arrival (accommodation ready by 3 pm).

  • London Heathrow Airport Transfers: Shared airport transfer service available from Heathrow Terminal 3 directly to Cambridge/Oxford colleges. Pastoral team to meet participants at any Heathrow terminal and escort to Terminal 3.

  • Transfer departures at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00 on arrival Sunday; return transfers to London Heathrow Airport depart at 07:00 and 12:00 on the final Saturday.

  • Transfer Fee: Available for booking post-enrollment at £180 each way.

  • Detailed information is provided closer to the program date, including contact numbers.

  • Alternative Arrivals: For those arriving at different airports or by other means, details are in the Welcome Pack sent after enrolment confirmation.

Lesson Plan

  • 40 hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors
  • Carefully designed study and lecture materials
  • Mentor program and access to support material

Academic Skills Workshops:

  • Unlock participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals.
  • Focus on enhancing study skills
  • Support for university-level learning
  • Diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’.
  • Unique learning experience outside traditional schools

Sample Modules:

Module 1: The Middle East in International Relations

  • Explore geopolitical significance of the Middle East, home to major religions and oil reserves
  • Study key international actors and conflicts influenced by economic and political development

Module 2: The Role of Ideas in International Relations

  • Examine the growing importance of 'social' aspects in global priorities like climate change and human rights
  • Explore Constructivism, focusing on the role of ideas in IR

Module 3: The Project of a European Union

  • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the European Union in a globalized world
  • Understand the EU's internal structure and its role in internal and external affairs

Module 4: United Nations Simulation

  • Represent a country in a UN Security Council simulation
  • Write and present a position paper on a political scenario
  • Form alliances and defend your country's foreign policy goals

Sample timetable Academic insights 2024

Sample Tutors

Ann Kristin Glenster:

  • Ann Kristin Glenster is a Senior Policy Advisor for Technology Governance and Law at the University of Cambridge Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

  • Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

  • Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

  • Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

Extras

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

  • Pocket Money Advice: Money we recommend that participants bring £80 per week to cover lunch each day, plus any souvenirs that they may wish to purchase. Various banks and ATMs are available throughout Cambridge, and Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Security

  • This program is accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC)

  • Meets global standards for academic provision and student welfare

  • Top priority for participant safety

  • Staff undergo enhanced background checks and safeguarding training

  • Participants assigned to a “Mentor Family” of 10 students

  • Mentors offer support, advice, and share their experiences

  • School management and supervision is managed by senior, experienced College Managers in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Sydney

  • College Managers trained to Level 3 Safeguarding standards

  • Resident summer team and college personnel supervise sites 24/7

  • Encourage student independence within safe boundaries

  • Team supervision ensures safe and rewarding experience

Requirements

  • This program is designed for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English (B2). If you are unsure if you meet this requirement, please contact with our advisor.

Video

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