Summer School in Cambridge, England

Name: Summer School in Cambridge, England
Brand: Oxford Royale Academy
SKU: 159724
Rating: 9.43 (14 reviews)

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COVID-19 Program Updates

Due to global health & safety concerns and travel restrictions related to the coronavirus, Oxford Royale Academy has decided to offer flexible booking options for some of their upcoming programs. Learn more about COVID-19 updates to stay tuned regarding program information.

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About

Our Cambridge summer school enables students aged 13-15 and 16-18 to explore Oxford's picturesque location, equally well-known for its breathtaking architecture and academically-renowned university. Our students live and study in the accommodation of either Clare College or St Catharine's College, both enviably located near the River Cam.

Aside from the perfectly-manicured gardens and historic buildings of its 31 constituent colleges, the city offer students a rich cultural experience that belies its size: the Fitzwilliam is the largest of Cambridge's museums and holds an impressive variety of artefacts from all over the world. This scholarly environment is the perfect place to study one of our dynamic Summer School courses, from New Perspectives to our Global Leadership Programme.

Unable to choose between our Oxford or Cambridge summer programs? Intellectually curious students are more than welcome to book four weeks and attend both!

Highlights

Live and study in a college of Cambridge University
Be taught by inspirational academics
Discover all that the UK has to offer
Cambridge summer courses are designed to suit all academic interests and goals

Questions & Answers

Reviews

9.43 Rating

based on 14 reviews

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Study

Academics 8.9
Support 8.9
Fun 9.6
Housing 8.4
Safety 9.4

Showing 1 - 8 of 14

My name is Serly. I am from Armenia. Armenia is a small country, but it is home to a global nation. As for my ORA experience, I am afraid I cannot find appropriate words to describe my incredible experience in Cambridge Clare College, which was my dream to be accommodated in one of the world known university college. I had the opportunity to take the New Perspective course, which included three academic up-to-date subjects of my interest. They definitely helped me to discover my unknown power, gifts and arose curiosity in different fields. We had amazing teachers who did not only teach us but guide us through the way. Besides the academic excellence that I was prone to there, I had the privilege to enjoy super diverse environment, which was unbelievable. We learnt how to respect others ideas and experience that nice feeling to be sitting next to a person with different background, different nationality and different skin color.
Literally, it is the best experience I have ever had so far. ORA made me feel fulfilled, accomplished, safe, motivated. All in all, if you want to have lots of WOW and eye opening moments, give a try and join ORA!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

I still remember that moment when I saw Cambridge university for the first time. I cannot explain what it felt. i had seen lots of pictures of Cambridge, but it is totally different when you see it with your own eyes!

I really loved and enjoyed the two weeks with ORA. I met interesting and wonderful people and made new experiences, which will be helpful in my whole life. The only thing that I could criticize is, that i could not stay at St. Catharines because of me not being 16 but i could do the courses at St.Catharines and had to walk between Claire’s and St.Catharines everyday and I‘ve been told that two days before my departure to the UK. Besides that everything was wonderful !!I loved Cambridge, the city, the people, (also the fudge) and i loved being with all that new people from other countries and cultures all over the world. Furthermore i loved the Counselors. They were always nice and helped whenever you needed help (especially Nathalie and Maddy) Thank You so much ORA and see you next year.

The Oxford Royale Program has been one of the best summer programs I have enrolled in so far. I truly enjoyed the international environment that made remarkable cultural exchanges possible. I also found the program very academically challenging, as the whole group got to study different subjects that are not always present in schools back home. Additionally, we were very motivated to contribute with our opinions and our background in debates, which were started almost daily. The friendships I got to build during the weeks are lifelong ones for sure, and now I know I have got a home in parts of the world I have always wanted to visit. In conclusion, I am thankful for this experience, and I would most likely enjoy a second time with Oxford Royale, too.

Best camp ever! To be honest, the main reason I wanted to come was not for the education but, to come have fun In Cambridge. But, as the program went on, I realized how important and useful the content was and I really wanted to focus on my studies. As I got to Cambridge, it was absolutely beatiful, I was so anxious to explore! We got a lot of free time to go arround the city and I cherished every second of it. Another thing I loved is that the coucelors and staff were so nice and friendly. The rooms are cleaned everyday which is amazing, the food for dinner is good, life there is great. I highly recommend everyone to go to the ORA Programme and spend as much time as they can over there. ORA, thank you for a great experience!

Overall, the most enriching and fulfilling experience a student could ask for. In all levels, academically and culturally, ORA excels in providing the best for their attendees, having a wide range of engaging activities and the best opportunities to get to know other cultures and lifestyles. I would, without a doubt, recommend the program to anyone who has the opportunity to attend and, if I ever have the opportunity to return to England with ORA, I know I would take it without the slightest hesitation!

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The Oxford Royale Academy summer program I took part in this year was by far one of the most delightful experiences I've ever had. Not only does it teach you a lot about the course you're interested in, and not only do you have a lot of fun in class... but outside of class as well. There are a large variety of activities available for you to choose from and enjoy, and every single one of the staff members are without a doubt very friendly and charismatic. Plus, it's a great and easy way to make new friends from all over the world of which I still keep in contact with today.

Went on Business and Enterprise program at Clare college, and it was absolutely brilliant. The teacher were top notch, the living and staying was fantastic. But overall the friends ties it all together. Really recommend ORA, beautifuly highstandards.

I was the first Caymanian student to be accepted into Oxford Royale Academy with a scholarship. Naturally, I was nervous as it was a new environment with different cultures that I had never experienced before but as soon as I arrived on campus I felt safe, loved and made friends to last me a lifetime. I participated in the Global Leadership Programme which was one of the most challenging courses especially for me who had minimal knowledge on certain topics. But luckily I had willing classmates who were always there to help me out and the most amazing teacher who herself works out in some of the worlds dangerous places trying to bring peace. This summer I was challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone and because of that I graduated with flying colors, receiving an A in my course. I had an amazing adventure and I would recommend this program to anyone.

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

This year, I chose to go abroad with ORA because I'd done so before, and had absolutely no complaints. All the staff members were excellently prepared to give the traveler the best experience possible, which was quite important for my parents as to be sure I'd be safe while venturing alone.

What did your program provide assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Because I fit into the 16-18 age group, lunches were no longer provided to us throughout the program, contrary to what happened when I went in the 13-15 age group. Except for a portable computer, all materials needed for the academic part of the course are provided – workbook, notebook, writing utensils, etc. Within the given time frames to complete certain tasks, such as leaving your dorm for breakfast, being in college for curfew, etc., you had to manage your time to what fits you best.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

The best piece of advice I could give is for students to be properly informed of all of that will happen during your stay and all conditions of it such as curfew, attendance, etc. Another good thing that is good to be aware of is that, no matter how nervous or shy you are on the first day, don't hold back in meeting as many people as possible. Because of their different cultures and backgrounds, they are very likely to teach you things about their origins that you won't be able to find online or in a book!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

After waking up, you should be quick to get ready to go to breakfast, as to keep to schedule. After that, there tends to be a bit of time off before heading to class, where you'll sit for about an hour and a half, two or three times each morning, with a 30-minute break between each. At lunch, students get in groups and head to town, either to explore new restaurants or to eat from street stands, after which there is either free time or another class, depending on the day. Usually, after dinner at 6 PM, there are three activities you can choose from, and attending one is mandatory. Curfew is at 11 PM.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Being from a rather small town, I'd never been 'forced' to meet many new people at once, and the thought of that terrified me for a while before going. By the time I got there, all my fears were taken away when the counsellors welcomed me and showed me to the room where all of the students were meeting, all of them noticeably tackling the same fear I had.

What unexpected thing happened during your stay?

Apart from all the amazing people I got to meet from all over the world, I'm very thankful for all the experiences we went through as a group. These ranged all the way from scavenger hunts (provided by ORA) to going to an escape room (that we found ourselves) and that I would never have done in Portugal!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Alex has been involved with Oxford Royale Academy for 8 summers, working with ages 8-18. He has been the Assistant Programme Director at St. Mary's School for the last 2 summers, who is responsible for the day to day running of the campus, and making sure all students have the best time.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I was lucky enough to live in Australia from the ages 9-10. We spent every holiday travelling around, either in Australia and New Zealand. One particular road trip we managed so see Kangaroos crossing the road, Koalas in the trees and the highlight: a wild Platypus in a creek. It felt like a real Australian adventure.

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How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have loved working for ORA and have always said that I have learnt just as much from the students as they have learnt from me. Working with students from all the world has helped me increase my understanding different cultures. I have also been lucky to work up the supervision ladder, improving my communication, delegating and man management skills.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

The most satisfying aspect of this job is listening to the student's stories and opinions after they have spent a summer with us. There is one student who came back for two summers at my campus and he was a joy to work with. 3 years later he came back as a member of staff. I asked him what made him want to come back, his answer "I had such a great time when you looked after us, I wanted to give others the same opportunity.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would pick a Film Academy course, and really get stuck into the opportunities in front of and behind the camera. The course really allows students to gain an understanding of what goes on in the movie industry, from scripts to post production, and teaches them to use equipment the professionals use.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The environment the students arrive can be quite intimidating, being in a foreign country with people from all the the world without friends of family. But two weeks later it's amazing to see the friendships we have helped create, the smiles on faces when they tell their parents the experiences they had and sadness they have in leaving their Campus, makes me so proud of what we created and opportunities we have given the students.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Getting stuck in. It's a cliché when you hear people say "you get out what you put in", but with Oxford Royale that is really true. We have built a successful company because the staff have got stuck in and made the experience for the students the best it could be. From inspiring the next generation of scientists, to being schooled by a 15 year old on the sports field, the staff have made the program what it is today.

Stephen Flavin

Program Director

About Oxford Royale Academy

Founded in 2004, Oxford Royale Academy is an award- winning provider of residential summer courses, headquartered in the ancient university city of Oxford. We are committed to providing academic excellence and superlative teaching standards to students from all over the world, enabling them to develop their academic abilities and go on to