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)

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📖 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.

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📝 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.

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🎓 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.”

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🏛 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.

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🎭 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.

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✈️ 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.

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💷 Fees & Pocket Money

• Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

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

• ATMs available; Visa & Mastercard widely accepted.

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✅ 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.

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✨ 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.