Frequently Asked Questions

There are many distinguishing factors distinguishing Oxbridge from other programs, but the principal ones are the strength of our faculty, the students we attract, and the nature of the educational experience we provide. For 38 years, we have recruited teachers from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, as well as educators from the best universities in France, Spain, and America. Our roster of faculty often includes Rhodes, Gates, Marshall, and Fulbright scholars. Our students, meanwhile, stand out both in terms of caliber and ability. What really sets Oxbridge apart, however, is the fact that we are not a boot-camp or an extension to school. On our programs, our students are able to engage with subjects that they are passionate about in small groups, through discussions, debates, project work, and research, in much the same way as they would engage with them in a good university, without the pressure of tests or exams. Alongside, we encourage our faculty to use the stimulating and inspiring settings of our programs to fire their imaginations.

This carefully supervised and structured learning environment extends into the students' free time. We ensure that our activities are not only educational, but cultural and social as well. Day trips, field trips, and guest speakers are planned to complement each student's educational experience for a truly experiential learning opportunity.

Yes! In addition to our two- and four-week programs, students in grades 10-12 may opt to attend the Oxford Summer Seminar. Depending on the program you attend, you may also participate in the Barcelona Connection immediately after the conclusion of your program.

And you are, of course, welcome to come back for multiple summers. Some of our students have attended as many as four of our programs!

Yes, parents may visit if they wish. Keep in mind, however, that between classes, extracurricular activities, and exploring their new surroundings, students will be very busy during their time with us! We suggest that any family holidays be scheduled either before the start or after the conclusion of the program so that students can spend as much time with us with possible.

Our programs take place on secure, supervised premises. Oxford and Cambridge colleges were originally designed to keep the townsfolk out. Today, their "castle-like" walls keep our students completely safe. All of our program residences are also extremely secure, as they are designed to house students year-round. Entrances to residences are supervised round-the-clock by College Porters, Campus Security, and our own staff. The venues also have CCTV cameras.

Student safety, welfare, and discipline, are overseen by teams of professional educators drawn from reputable schools around the world. Students on our programs in continental Europe and New York, as well as our Tradition programs in the UK, must check-in with the Deans on duty between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm every night. Lights out is at midnight. On our Prep programs in the UK, students must check-in once at dinner and again in the evening between 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Lights out is at 11:00 pm.

Once students check in with their Deans, they are not permitted to leave the campus. All students are expected to adhere to curfew and check-in expectations.

After curfew, the gates are locked but our office remains open for a short while while staff and security patrol the grounds. Some of our staff live inside the residences alongside the students, so our presence remains throughout the night.

Students are housed in gender-separated hallways or floors. Some of our faculty and staff live in the dorms with the students, so there are adults available to monitor and counsel 24 hours a day. All students must be quiet and in their own rooms by curfew.

Please consult your family's medical insurance policy well in advance of the start of the programs to learn more about your coverage.

If students are traveling outside their home country to attend one of our programs, we strongly urge having full medical insurance. England, France, and Spain all provide excellent emergency medical care, irrespective of citizenship. Be prepared, however, to pay up front for their services - and keep your receipts, as many insurers will only reimburse you after the fact. American hospitals also offer excellent emergency care, but the costs can be extremely high, so it is particularly crucial that students coming from outside the United States are covered by an insurance policy.

Every venue has a qualified Medical Officer. For minor illnesses, such as a common cold, you will be given permission to miss class and spend the day quietly recuperating in your room. The Medical Officer and Deans will oversee your recovery and cater to your particular needs. In the event of a serious medical emergency, you would immediately be escorted to a surgery or hospital for professional treatment.

You'll receive a detailed suggested packing list in the weeks leading up to the summer. Clothing in class should be appropriate for an academic environment. You should bring at least one outfit to wear to dances and to the formal Final Banquet.

In addition to your hand luggage, please do not bring more than one other bag/suitcase. Most airlines have a limit of 50 lbs (23 kgs). Please check your airline's limit well in advance of flying. Overweight baggage is often subject to significant additional fees and, in some instances, may be refused altogether.

Also bear in mind that your luggage may be heavier at the end of the summer with souvenirs and classwork you want to bring home.

While students are permitted to bring a laptop and/or tablet, only a few of our courses may require them. If your course instructor has requested you to bring a laptop, you will be notified well before the start of the summer.

Unless otherwise specified, laptops and computers are not required. They can, however, be useful, so we would encourage students to bring one or the other.

Students may bring cell phones with them but using them abroad can be extremely expensive. We recommend you sign up for a roaming agreement with your provider in advance of the program. Cell phone use in class is at the instructor's discretion. Instructors may ask students to hand their phones over during the class, to avoid unnecessary distractions.

Musical instruments can be brought, within reason. Keep in mind that many instruments will be extremely cumbersome. In the past, student bands have formed by renting instruments from local stores for a reasonable price, and our residences typically have music practice rooms, some of which have pianos.

We do not allow pets on any of our programs for a myriad of reasons.

Yes, all our programs have laundry facilities either in or very close to the residences. Laundry is often coin- or card-operated, and program Deans are available to assist students in learning where and how to use the machines to launder their clothes.

We welcome students of all faiths and orientations, and we pride ourselves on accommodating all dietary needs. We are happy to provide Kosher and Halal meals in dining halls, and we cater to all manner of dietary requirements. We warmly encourage you to be in touch with our Admissions Team to let them know about your needs.

Each of our programs has a designated program office which is staffed by our Deans from 8 am to 12:00 am each day. They can be contacted by email or telephone and are happy to assist with any questions you may have.