Exceptional Pre-College International Relations Program for Teenagers at Cambridge University
Cambridge
University of Cambridge Campus, UK

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

age icon 13-15 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 Teenagers at Cambridge University Campus

🌍 International Relations Summer Program (Ages 13–15)

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📌 Key Facts

  • Age Group: 13–15 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: Essay or presentation, presented at the end of the program

  • 1:1 Tutorials: Personalized feedback and academic evaluation

  • Academic Skills Workshops: Future skills & university preparation

  • Accommodation: Single or twin bedrooms with shared bathrooms (1 per 4). Some ensuite available.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily in historic college halls

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

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

  • Pocket Money Recommendation: £80 per week

  • Transfer Service: Heathrow Airport, £180 each way

  • English Requirement: Upper-intermediate (B2)

***

📖 Course Description

This award-winning academic summer school provides rigorous, university-style learning at prestigious institutions in Cambridge and Oxford.

The program aims to:

  • Deliver challenging academic content that expands knowledge and passion for international relations.

  • Introduce young learners to what it’s like to study at university, with 30 hours of academic sessions.

  • Combine lectures, tutorials, and group discussions with individual research.

🔑 A highlight is the Personal Project, an essay or presentation presented on the final day. Students receive tutor feedback, which contributes to their final evaluation.

International Relations is a multidisciplinary subject exploring past, current, and future global relationships, drawing on geography, politics, history, economics, psychology, and mathematics.

By the end of the program, students will:

  • Understand fundamental IR theories and how to apply them.

  • Develop strong research and critical thinking skills.

  • Explore degree pathways and career options linked to international relations.

***

📝 Sample Modules

Module 1: The United Nations and Its Challengers

  • Explore the historical context and institutional structure of the UN.

  • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the UN system.

  • Debate the role of globalization in strengthening or undermining the UN.

Module 2: Rising Powers and International Order – The Case of China

  • Study China’s rise through the WTO (2001) and policies like Made in China 2025.

  • Discuss China’s growing global influence and its effect on international order.

Module 3: Change and Continuity in US Foreign Policy

  • Analyze U.S. policies in trade, the Middle East, and Europe.

  • Compare current U.S. approaches with previous administrations.

Module 4: Exploring International Actors

  • Select a key international actor (e.g., EU, NATO, NGOs).

  • Research their role in IR theory.

  • Present findings in both a written essay and an oral class presentation.

***

🎓 Academic Skills Workshops

These workshops prepare participants for future academic success by focusing on:

  • Effective study skills & productivity tips 📚

  • Academic writing & research ✍️

  • Preparing for university life 🎓

  • 21st-century technology and critical thinking ⚙️

Workshops are designed to unlock potential and provide valuable skills beyond traditional school settings.

***

🏛 Accommodation & Meals

  • Stay in central Cambridge or Oxford colleges, some over 500 years old.

  • Rooms: Single or twin occupancy with shared bathrooms (1 per 4). Some ensuite available (priority for special needs).

  • Corridors: Gender-separated unless ensuite (which may be mixed).

  • Wi-Fi available throughout.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

  • Formal Hall Dinners: Two candlelit formal dinners at different colleges (👔 smart clothes required).

  • All dietary and medical needs can be accommodated (notify in advance).

  • Historic settings — designed for study, not luxury (no air conditioning).

***

🎭 Social Program & Excursions

Beyond academics, students enjoy a lively program of activities led by friendly mentors:

  • Punting on the River Cam 🚣

  • Zorb football ⚽

  • Movie nights 🎬

  • Talent shows 🎤

  • Games & quiz nights 🎲❓

  • Murder mystery night 🕵️

Excursions include:

  • Day trip to Oxford with guided tours.

  • Optional London day trip (landmarks & shopping).

  • Alternative: Afternoon tea in Cambridge 🍵.

  • Croquet and formal dinners at Cambridge/Oxford colleges.

***

✈️ Arrival & Transfers

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

  • Heathrow Transfers:

  • Meet pastoral team at Terminal 3 (escorts from any terminal).

  • Departures: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00.

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

  • Cost: £180 each way.

  • Alternative Arrivals: Covered in the Welcome Pack with full details.

***

💷 Fees & Pocket Money

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

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

  • ATMs available; Visa & Mastercard widely accepted.

***

✅ What’s Included

  • 13 nights in Cambridge/Oxford college accommodation

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily in college halls

  • 30 hours of academic sessions with Oxbridge tutors

  • Academic Skills Workshops

  • 1:1 tutor support + detailed evaluation

  • Mentor support & resources

  • Carefully designed study materials

  • 2 formal hall dinners (👔 smart clothes required)

  • All excursions (Oxford, London, punting, croquet, formal dinners)

  • Graduation ceremony & certificate

  • Comprehensive summer school insurance

  • Notebook & pen

  • Mentor family photograph

  • College allocation based on subject & dates

***

✨ The International Relations Summer Program (Ages 13–15) is a transformative experience that combines academic challenge, university immersion, and fun cultural activities, offering students an unforgettable taste of university life in the UK.

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 or twin 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 United Nations and Its Challengers

  • Explore the historical context and institutional structure of the UN
  • Evaluate the significance of other international actors in the context of globalization

Module 2: Rising Powers and International Order: The Case of China

  • Analyze China's integration into international organizations and 'Made in China 2025 Strategy'
  • Discuss China's rising power and its impact on international order

Module 3: Change and Continuity in US Foreign Policy

  • Examine current US Foreign Policy areas: military, trade, and relations with Europe
  • Assess these policies in the context of previous administrations

Module 4: Exploring International Actors

  • Select and analyze a key international actor within studied International Relations theory
  • Present research in a written essay and a class presentation, followed by discussion and questions

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 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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