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OXFORD ACADEMIA AT

University of Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom

July 31–August 13

14 Days

$9,290 (£6,990)

Completing grades 9–12
(motivated rising 9th considered)

10-12 students

Four-Week Experiences

HONORS SESSION

Dive deeper with one major for four weeks, July 3–30. $15,790 (£11,870)

two sessions

A different major each session, at Oxford or add Paris. Save $1,000.

Highlights

Live and study at the University of Oxford, experiencing the traditions and academic rigor of Corpus Christi and University College
Engage in seminars led by distinguished faculty and pursue bold new ideas with scholars, experts, and guest speakers
Immerse yourself in Oxford’s iconic architecture, historic halls, and storied streets on field visits and cultural excursions
Join a diverse group of motivated peers in a collaborative learning environment, partaking in debates, discussions, and hands-on learning
Gain knowledge, experience, and inspiration to accelerate your future path, following in the footsteps of world leaders, scientists, artists, and scholars

Esteemed Faculty & Staff

Each program is run by on-site Directors, Deans, Residential Life staff, and faculty. Expert guests and engaging speakers join frequently throughout the program.
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Exploration & Excursions

The Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, Ashmolean museums, The Sheldonian Theatre, Blenheim Palace, Stonehenge, and more!
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Experience University of Oxford

Join us for two or four weeks this summer to live and learn at the University of Oxford, enjoying the full Oxford experience, from academics to history and culture. On this high school program, students reside and study at two of the University of Oxford’s oldest and most storied colleges: University College and Corpus Christi. Set in the historic city center, each college offers a distinctive window into collegiate life at Oxford. Founded in 1249, University College is known for its striking medieval architecture, enclosed quads, and connection to literary legends like Percy Bysshe Shelley and C.S. Lewis. Just a short walk away, Corpus Christi—established in 1517—offers a more intimate setting, with one of the university’s oldest libraries and views over Christ Church Meadow. This experience fosters a deeper connection to the university and the city itself, bringing the spirit of Oxford to life in a way that few summer school programs can match. Over the course of the program, students develop crucial skills to help them excel in future studies, gain insight into potential academic or career paths, and foster lifelong friendships along the way.

Academic Excellence

Students on our program join Oxford’s long tradition of intellectual exploration, inquiry, and innovation. World-class faculty teach rigorous seminars inspired by the Oxford-Cambridge tutorial system. Seminar groups are small and students benefit from discussion-based and individualized instruction. The depth of learning at Oxford Academia is unrivaled: outside of classroom learning, students explore subjects and ideas through our Guest Speaker Series, field visits, cultural experiences, and access to experts and industry professionals.

Vibrant & Supportive Community

Beyond the individualized support students receive from faculty in their seminars, Oxford Academia stands apart for the community we cultivate and the support every student receives during their experience. Our Residential Life team is much more robust than other summer programs because we recognize the importance of a supervised and structured learning and social environment. Deans, Student Deans, Junior Deans, and Health & Activity Coordinators live in the residences with students and focus solely on student life. They prioritize the well-being of each student from the moment they arrive, working proactively to ensure students are happy, comfortable, and safe while forming new friendships and making the most of their time throughout the program.

Growth & Outcomes

Oxford Academia serves as a springboard for students personally and academically, setting them on a course for success in university and beyond. Students pursue their interests, work with inspiring professionals, gain insight into future academic and career paths, and come away with the confidence and skillset to begin building their future. At the end of each session, each student receives a Certificate of Completion and a written evaluation from their major seminar faculty—as well as a new network of peers, professionals, and friends.

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Program Structure

After breakfast, students dive into their major seminar, which begins in classrooms, labs, or meeting spaces, then often ventures out to local historical sites or museums, or includes visits from guest experts. After lunch taken independently in small peer groups, students head to their minor seminars or afternoon activities. Afternoons and evenings offer opportunities to explore the city, pursue their interests through elective workshops, and take part in exciting extracurricular activities.

After dinner, students and faculty from all seminars convene for evening activities, which may include hearing a special guest speaker, taking in a play or concert, or attending a Q&A session on the college admissions process. Students spend a total of 30 hours in their major seminars and 10 hours in their minors, and receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program.

Seminars

Students choose a major seminar and a minor seminar, and dive deep into their academic subjects. Major seminars meet six days a week for three hours, typically at your own residential college. Minor seminars meet three days a week for two hours, often at another college, so that students are able to truly experience the life of a student at Oxford. Begin with classroom discussions that frame your seminar concepts and identify key issues. Then take the learning beyond the classroom with site visits, meetings with experts, and guest lectures from distinguished academics and renowned scholars.

Seminar Offerings

AI: Applications & Ethics

Architecture & Design

Business & Entrepreneurship

Creative Writing

Debate & Public Speaking

Engineering & Innovation

English Literary Studies

ESL (English as a Second Language)

History of Art & Architecture: Oxford

International Relations & Diplomacy

Jewish History in Europe: The Middle Ages to the Present

Math: Statistics & Probability

Medicine

Sports Business & Media

War & World History

Outstanding Faculty & Experts

We are proud of the truly outstanding faculty and staff members who join students each summer in Oxford. They are Rhodes, Marshall, Gates, and British Academy scholars, with teaching posts at Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Columbia, and other top institutions. In addition to seminar instruction, our faculty become mentors to students, pushing them to explore their interests, exposing them to new ideas, and often remaining in touch after the end of the summer.

In addition to the incredible faculty who teach seminars each summer, Oxford Academia programs feature guest speakers and experts who are leaders in their respective fields. Through evening lecture series and workshops with individual seminars, students enjoy unparalleled access to inspirational thought leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, political leaders, and historians.

Program Details

Accommodations & Meals

Oxford Academia programs are based at two of Oxford’s most renowned colleges (Corpus Christi and University College), immersing students in the true Oxford experience. Students and residential faculty stay in private singles or doubles, each with either bathrooms ensuite or on the hall. Student Deans and Residential Life staff members live in residences with students throughout the program. Students begin each day with breakfast at their college, and often enjoy dinners in the colleges’ historic dining halls. Lunches are a combination of restaurants in the city and picnics in nearby parks and greens. Please note that lunches are not included in the tuition.

Teaching Methodology

At Oxford Academia, learning is an immersive and transformative educational experience. We combine rigorous academics in the tradition of the Oxford-Cambridge tutorial system with hands-on exploration and cultural enrichment. Whether studying history, science, literature, or the arts, students have the opportunity to engage deeply with their passions while discovering new ones. Guided by expert faculty and surrounded by peers from around the world, students leave each program with a profound sense of achievement and inspiration. Click here to read more about Our Approach to Learning.

Final Projects, Certificates, & Evaluations

On the program’s final evening, all students present their Major seminar achievements and projects during a commencement event for all students, faculty, staff, and Directors. This celebratory evening includes presentations, a formal dinner, and culminating social events to celebrate with peers and new friends. During Commencement, each student is presented with an Oxford Academia Certificate of Completion in acknowledgment of their hard work and accomplishments, signed by the Oxford Academia Director and Professor James Basker. A digital copy of the certificate is also available upon request after the program. Additionally, each student and their family will receive a personalized written report from their Major instructor in which the instructor summarizes the curriculum and content learned, and provides an individualized assessment of each student’s achievements, progress, and growth. The commencement events and instructor feedback serve to inspire and motivate students to continue their academic pursuits and encourage them to achieve their highest potential.

Weekend Excursions

On weekends, either with your seminar groups or on staff-led excursions, students have the opportunity to travel outside of Oxford. Head to nearby Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, to explore the palace as well as its vast parks and gardens. Continue your study of War & World History on visits to some of London’s most impressive museums, or experience modern London while appreciating its role as an important muse to Charles Dickens. Or journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare and where he is buried, to catch a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Travel Logistics

The program dates reflect the days that students commence, and consequently complete, travel to and from their program. For Oxford, this assumes students will fly on an overnight flight to Europe.

Session 1:
July 3–overnight travel to program
July 4–program officially begins
July 16–program ends, onward travel home

Session 2:
July 17–overnight travel to program
July 18–program officially begins
July 30–program ends, onward travel home

Session 3:
July 31–overnight travel to program
August 1–program officially begins
August 13–program ends, onward travel home

Families are responsible for arranging travel to and from the program. Students may arrive directly to and depart from the college, and families visiting on travel days will be welcomed by Oxford Academia staff. For students wishing to travel accompanied by an Oxford Academia staff member, families may choose to book a ticket on an identified Escorted Flight from New York (JFK). Alternatively, families may book a different flight and arrive using our arrival and departure window guidelines. For students arriving at and departing from London Heathrow Airport during the designated arrival window, Oxford Academia will arrange group transportation to/from their University of Oxford residence. This fee is $65 each way.

Tour of Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace

Head to nearby Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, to explore the palace as well as its vast parks and gardens.

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Punting on the River Cherwell

Go for a punt on the River Cherwell and learn the history of this traditional activity.

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Ashmolean Museum

Marvel at the architecture and the collections of the Ashmolean Museum, the oldest public museum in Britain.

“I left the program having made amazing connections with teachers and peers, and having discovered the beauty and history of Oxford.”

“I learned what university life is like, and made so many new friends and strong connections I value deeply.”

“Lizzie gained independence traveling in another country, and gained confidence in her ability to make friends and navigate new situations. The academic level was very appropriately challenging and the seminars were fun!”

Next Steps

Start your application or connect with us to choose the right program. This program is directed by Josh Harkins.