Exceptional International Relations Program for High Schoolers at Oxford University
Residential Internationalrelations Oxford 16 18_mobile
University of Oxford Campus, UK

Exceptional Summer Pre-College International Relations Program for High Schoolers at Oxford 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.

July - Day

Start 7/5/2026
End 7/18/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/5/2026
End 7/18/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/19/2026
End 8/1/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/19/2026
End 8/1/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

August - Day

Start 8/2/2026
End 8/15/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

August - Boarding

Start 8/2/2026
End 8/15/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

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

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

📖 Course Overview

Step into the fascinating world of international relations, a discipline that explores the interactions of countries and non-state actors on the global stage. Over two exciting weeks, you’ll tackle thought-provoking questions:

  • What powers does the United Nations truly have?

  • How much influence does the UN Security Council wield worldwide?

  • How have treaties and economic agreements reshaped relations between former enemies?

Through interactive lessons, group debates, and real-world case studies, you’ll investigate pressing global concerns while sharpening your academic and communication skills.

***

🏛️ Campus Experience

You’ll study in small groups (average class size of 7) with ambitious peers from around the world, guided by tutors from world-renowned universities including Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard.

Our rigorous tutor selection ensures you’re taught by engaging and supportive educators, creating a once-in-a-lifetime Oxbridge summer school experience.

***

📚 Sample Modules

  • The Middle East in International Relations 🌍

    Explore the geopolitical importance of the Middle East, home to major religions and vast energy reserves. Study how political and economic factors intertwine to shape conflict.

  • The Role of Ideas in IR 💡

    Examine how issues like climate change, human rights, and international aid shape global politics. Learn about Constructivism and the growing influence of “social” priorities in international affairs.

  • The Project of a European Union 🇪🇺

    Analyze the EU’s strengths and weaknesses in today’s interconnected world. Understand its structure and evaluate its power as a political actor.

  • United Nations Simulation 🏳️

    Represent a country in a UN Security Council debate. Draft and present position papers, form alliances, and defend your nation’s interests.

***

🎓 Academic Skills Workshops

Enhance your future success with workshops designed to build confidence and key skills:

  • University-level study skills

  • Interview preparation & public speaking

  • Academic writing techniques

  • Technology & productivity skills for the 21st century

***

🎉 Activities & Excursions

Outside the classroom, enjoy a rich social and cultural program:

  • Punting on the River Cam

  • Zorb football, games night & quiz night

  • Talent show & murder mystery evening

  • Movie nights with new friends

Excursions:

  • Day trip to Oxford & its historic colleges

  • Optional trip to London: iconic landmarks & shopping

  • Afternoon tea in Oxford (for those not going to London)

***

🍽️ Food & Formal Hall

  • Daily breakfast and dinner in historic college dining halls

  • Two unforgettable Formal Hall dinners: dress up and experience an Oxbridge candlelit tradition

***

🛏️ Accommodation

  • 13 nights in a central Oxford or Cambridge college

  • Single bedrooms (shared bathrooms, 1 per 4 students; limited ensuite available)

  • Historic accommodation (some over 500 years old — designed for study, not luxury)

  • Separate male & female corridors; Wi-Fi throughout

  • Requests to share with friends/siblings considered

***

✈️ Arrival & Transfers

  • Arrival: Sunday between 2 pm – 5 pm (check-in from 3 pm)

  • Shared airport transfer service from London Heathrow Terminal 3 to Oxford/Cambridge colleges

  • Departures: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 on arrival Sunday

  • Returns: 07:00, 12:00 on final Saturday

  • Transfer Fee: £150 each way (bookable post-enrollment)

  • Alternative arrival info included in Welcome Pack

***

💼 What’s Included

✔️ 13 nights’ accommodation

✔️ Breakfast & dinner daily

✔️ 30 hours of academic sessions from Oxford & Cambridge tutors

✔️ Carefully designed study & lecture materials

✔️ Mentor program & support access

✔️ 2 coach excursions (including London)

✔️ Formal Dinners & cultural activities

✔️ Graduation ceremony & certificate

✔️ Detailed tutor evaluation report

✔️ Notebook & pen

✔️ Mentor family photograph

✔️ Comprehensive summer school insurance

***

💷 Pocket Money Advice

We recommend bringing £80 per week for lunches, souvenirs, and personal spending. ATMs and card payments (Visa/Mastercard) are widely available.

***

✅ Class Size: Average 7, max 12

✅ 1:1 tutorials & individual reports

✅ Personal Project or Portfolio presented at course end

***

👉 This program offers an unparalleled Oxbridge experience, blending rigorous academics with unforgettable cultural adventures.

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 Oxford and at an Cambridge 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 Oxford.

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 £150 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
  • Average class size of 7, maximum class size of 10 students
  • 1:1 tutorials: Supportive, challenging and engaging
  • All participants receive an individual report from their tutor
  • Develop a personal project or a creative portfolio to present at the end of the course
  • Interview skills, academic writing and presentation

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: £150 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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