Summer School for University Students in Oxford

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.