Program Reviews

My daughter attended Oxford Royale’s Medicine Summer Camp because she is genuinely interested in becoming a doctor. We chose this programme despite its very high price because we expected a serious, inspiring, and practical introduction to medicine.

Unfortunately, the academic experience did not meet those expectations.

Very limited medical learning

Each group was assigned one instructor for the programme. In my daughter’s group, the instructor was a physical therapist, rather than a doctor, medical student, or specialist medical educator.

The main issue was not her profession, but that she did not appear able to connect with, motivate, or inspire the students. Some scheduled class time was spent watching YouTube videos, and the students were also taken on walks to Starbucks twice a day, despite the already limited amount of teaching time.

My daughter attended to learn about medicine, not to spend valuable class hours on coffee outings and online videos.

Missing materials and poor organisation

The programme had promoted practical activities using medical mannequins, suturing kits, and other equipment. However, the instructor told my daughter directly that they did not have all the materials students had been told would be available.

For the first several days, the only practical equipment provided was a set of stethoscopes, some of which were old, dirty, and visibly rusty.

When I collected my daughter, one of the camp directors apologised and explained that approximately four days of classes had been affected by a communication problem: the instructor had not known that additional materials were available.

This explanation reflects a serious lack of planning, communication, and supervision. In a short two-week programme, losing four days is significant.

Basic facilities and poor food

The Yale accommodation used by the programme was also far below what we expected for the price.

My daughter’s room was old, had no air conditioning, no chair, and only old, noisy fans. The facilities were very basic, and the food ranged from poor to very poor.

I understand that student accommodation is not a luxury hotel. However, Oxford Royale charges a premium price and markets a premium experience. The facilities, food, and attention to detail did not reflect that positioning.

Even the diploma was not personalised. It simply said “Dear Student,” rather than including each student’s name. This may seem like a small detail, but it illustrates the overall lack of care.

The positive side

My daughter had a very good social experience. She made excellent friends from around the world, and there were students representing more than 27 countries. She genuinely enjoyed meeting them and had a great time socially.

However, the main reason for attending was to learn about medicine, feel inspired, and become even more enthusiastic about becoming a doctor. That did not happen.

My conclusion

Oxford Royale provided a strong international social environment, but the academic quality, practical learning, organisation, facilities, and food were not consistent with the price charged.

Based on our experience, I cannot recommend the Medicine Summer Camp. Families should carefully research other options before paying such a high fee.

Words cannot explain my experience at Oxford Royale Academy.
I am Louise Paludan Mogensen from Denmark. I was 14 years old when i attended the course.
I had a splendid time in Oxford! The teachers were excellent and I learned so much on the course. I attended the English course, where I got friends from all around the world. The whole experience gave me an understanding of how it is to study at an Oxford university.
I will definitely recommend Oxford Royale Academy! It is an unforgettable experience!

I had such an amazing time at ORA! It made me a more confident person and was an amazing opportunity to meet lots of people from all across the world!

The support from counsellors was great and i felt comfortable talking to them, they were so friendly and welcoming.

I would 100% recommend this experience to anyone who has the opportunity to do it, i will remember it forever and keep in contact with all of the friends i made there!

I would definitely do it again, it was the best part of my summer.

I went to Oxford not really sure what to expect from the program... It all felt too good to be true... All the promotional videos I had watched and all the reviews I had read weren't enough to paint a picture of what it was like to spend 2 weeks in Oxford studying what I liked with people from all over the world. But as soon as I arrived to my college I had people right outside the campus ready to help me!! It was unreal!! I couldn't have asked for better staff, teachers, program and even food!
I was once reading the reviews and asking myself whether or not it was worth it... And after the experience, I can say that the only thing I regret is that I didn't spend more time there! As soon as I left the college I realized how precious all of the moments I spent there were... So my advice to you is to take advantage of every moment and record them in your memory, don't be shy and make friends with everyone you possibly can! I still talk with people from Italy, Germany, Ireland and even Brazil.
Applying to ORA will be the best decision you'll ever make!!

The two weeks I spent at Oxford Royale Academy were undoubtedly two of the best weeks of my summer. The course was, expectedly, academically stimulating, but also included cultural experiences which I would not have been able to enjoy had I not attended. The classes were taught by exceptional teachers, and gave me the opportunity to explore areas of academia not traditionally covered by a secondary school syllabus, but in which I had an interest. Meeting new people allowed me to expand my worldview, as well as make some friends. We were given the freedom to explore the city as we desired, but still felt safe and looked after the entire time. Visiting colleges, tourist attractions, and even museums provided an abundance of things to do in our free time. Optional events also occurred daily, from subject specific discussions, to sports activities, social events, a debate, and even advice on university applications. Overall, the course was a holistic academic, and cultural experience and something I would highly recommend.

I went to Oxford expecting what a normal summer course would be like, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much the program exceeded my expectations. The academical side of the program was very stimulating, the classes were small and very interactive. The teachers listened to our ideas and opinions and replied with valuable advice. We had a lot of freedom to explore Oxford, as well as enough activities to keep us busy if we wanted to stay on campus. The staff were all very friendly and more than willing to help with anything that we needed. I received a lot of information about UK Universities, which is very helpful when the time comes to apply to universities. I would recommend this program for anyone seeking a stimulating environment to spend their summer.

The city of dreaming spires is amazing and so is Oxford Royale Academy’s summer school. I made life-long friends from all around the world, spoke in different languages and appreciated diverse cultures. I really enjoyed my time at the magnificent manor house in Yarnton, Oxford shire. Everyone was friendly and all the staff welcomed us very warmly. I would love to return just to try out new courses because there is a wide range to choose from. I studied law, and this exciting course paved the way for more opportunities. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realize that the world is my oyster. The teachers were passionate about their subjects too. I am grateful to ORA and I highly recommend this summer school program for a life-changing and great experience.

My experience with ORA this summer was an exceptional one. I was awarded a full scholarship by ORA to attend its two-weeks Broadening Horizons Program, where I took courses on Political Science, Medical Biology, and Public Speaking & Debate. This program's academic depth and outstanding flexibility provided me with invaluble skills on each subject; and, most importantly, it gave me the confidence to make the choice to pursue a liberal degree--in social sciences and the humanities--rather than a scientific degree. This was a turning point in my life, which would have never been possible without the amazing ORA professors. The professors were amazing and their guidance was invaluble. The memories made and the knowledge gained were life-changing and they will forever motivate me to pursue my academic dreams and fullfill my true potential.

My experience in ORA is unforgettable. I had an amazing time learning new things and making friends from all around the world. I enjoyed being at one of the best universities in the world.
I loved everyone there. The staff was really nice and helpful. My teacher was such a good teacher. I learned alot of things from her. My classmates were nice aswell.
It is definetely one of the best experience of my life. I had so much fun visiting new places, making new friends, shopping, eating different food, learning new things from other people who think differently, making memories.
This experience inspired me to always be the best I can and always try new things. If i was asked to do it again, I would do it again anytime.
It is definetely an experience to remember.

Oxford Royale Academy has been one of the most enriching, nurturing and unforgettable experiences I have ever had. It gave me the unique opportunity to study and live in my dream uni and in one of the top universities in the world. I had the chance to meet incredible people that will forever have a place in my heart, work with the friendliest team and teachers ever and broaden my horizons at all levels. I also got the chance to see the city of Oxford in a special way, alongside doing many activities and sightseeing. Those two weeks taught me more about myself and my capacities than anything else. It is surprising how much one experience can leave such an impact on you, modifying your plans, and your whole life. ORA you made summer 2019 the best one yet!