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Cambridge
13-15
years old

International Relations

academic insights
2 weeks • July & August 2024
Gain advanced pre-university insights into International Relations at Cambridge University colleges
Prepare for your future on the Immerseâ„¢ International Relations programme.
Enrol now
Cambridge International Relations Summer Program for Ages 13-15
International Relations Summer School

Exceptional introductory course in International Relations in Cambridge colleges

Do you want to influence the socio-political agenda of your country or the rest of the world? Do you often wonder just how governments run, and how their decisions affect not only their own country but also on a global level? The Immerse International Relations summer programme provides you with a solid foundation of knowledge about international relations. Academic sessions explore the theoretical frameworks with which to approach global political, economic, and social issues past, present, and future.

Overview
Academic

Learn directly from expert academics from world-class universities

You will explore novel concepts and share ideas in small groups of like-minded and ambitious peers from around the world. In small class sizes averaging 7 students, you will be guided by expert tutors who have honed their expertise through teaching undergraduate students at world-class universities, including the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard.

Our rigorous vetting process guarantees that all participants are taught by engaging and supportive educators who are, most of all, enthusiastic about sharing their expertise to ensure our summer school teaching is of the highest quality. Immerseâ„¢ is an unrivalled academic experience.

  • Average class size of 7

    Maximum class size of 10 students
  • 1:1 tutorials

    Supportive, challenging and engaging
  • Academic workshops

    Develop a practical understanding of your subject
  • World-class tutors

    Academics from Oxford and Cambridge

Boost your confidence and develop key attributes in academic skills workshops

Our workshops are geared towards unlocking participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals. Build upon existing study skills to support future university-level learning.

These workshops explore a diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’. We’re sure that you’ll learn something completely new. Unlike traditional schools, Immerse allows you to learn beyond the traditional curriculum.

This programme is designed for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English (B2). If you are unsure if you meet this requirement, please contact advisor@immerse.education.

  • Certificate & detailed participant evaluation

    All participants receive an individual report from their tutor
  • Personal project or Creative portfolio

    Develop a personal project or a creative portfolio to present at the end of the course
  • Experience Oxbridge life

    Live and learn like an Oxbridge undergraduate
  • Enhance key academic skills

    Interview skills, academic writing and presentation

Guest speakers from previous summers

Each week, Academic Insights participants will hear from an influential guest speaker from a variety of inspiring backgrounds. Meet some of our previous guests:
Neuroscientist & entrepreneur

Dr Lynda Shaw

A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success
Former Olympian

Abi Oyepitan

A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.
Philosopher, author & journalist

Dr Nigel Warburton

How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?
Tutors & Speakers
Reviews
Our Alumni says

The most inspirational thing about studying with Immerse was being taken seriously by our tutors and having interesting discussions with them, being seen as a student instead of as a high school kid. Overall, studying with Immerse was a really fun experience, in which I met a lot of new people, learned many interesting things and participated in a lot of cool activities. I would love to go back to Cambridge again, as it is a really beautiful and fun city. Furthermore, I am now probably more likely to start a conversation with new people, I have definitely become less shy.

Greetje H
Attended Immerse in 2016
Residential Summer Programme Student
5/5

Work hard, play hard.

Action-packed social programme

Outside of lessons, we are proud to offer a busy and diverse social programme to help you get the most out of your time in Cambridge. This includes activities such as punting on the River Cam, zorb football and a murder mystery night in the college.

There are also two excursions during the programme, one day trip to visit Oxford and its constituent colleges, as well as an optional day out in London, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks as well as some free time for shopping. Those who choose not to travel to London are invited to afternoon tea in Cambridge.

Activities and excursions are run by our team of friendly mentors – whose main job is to maximise your enjoyment.

Work hard, play hard.

A unique social programme.

Experience traditional 'Formal Hall'

Formal Hall is a traditional weekly meal that takes place in every college. This is an opportunity for students to dress up, dine by candlelight in the magical surroundings of a Cambridge college’s dining hall.

As an Immerse student, you will experience formal dinner three times during your stay – once per week in Cambridge, as well as in an Oxford University college on the excursion day.

Formal hall is truly a memorable occasion, so remember to bring some smart clothes!

A unique social programme.

Activities

Live and study in a
Cambridge University College

Experience life as a Cambridge University undergraduate

All participants will be allocated to a college a few weeks before arriving, based on their dates and subject choice.

If you would like to stay in the same location as a friend/sibling – please let us know and we will do our best to arrange this, where possible.

Males and females have separate accommodation in every college, and there is wi-fi available throughout.

For more information, please visit this page.

Accommodation

Student Welfare & Safety

An accredited provider of academic short courses

Immerse Education is accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), the leading mark of educational quality for the academic sector. Our accreditation with the BAC sends a positive and clear message to students and partners that they are studying with a trusted and reliable provider who has met a series of globally recognised quality assurance standards, both in terms of academic provision and student welfare.

The safety and well-being of our participants is our number one priority, and all staff undergo enhanced background checks and receive thorough safeguarding training before interacting with any students.

For more information, please visit our Pastoral Information page.

Pastoral Care

Meet some of our mentors and
college managers

All mentors on the Academic Insights programme are past/current students at Oxford or Cambridge University, whilst College Managers have experience running academic short courses. All of our support staff are background-checked and receive training in providing an unforgettable experience for every Immerse student. Meet some of our previous team:
  • Freya
    Freya is a third year Medical student at St John's College, Oxford University. She is a keen runner and cyclist and has recently enjoyed taking up college rowing.
  • Jem
    Mentor
  • Lily-Mae
    Mentor
  • Poppy
    Mentor
  • Photo of a female student on university grounds
    Sophie
    Mentor
Pastoral Care

Immerseâ„¢ International Relations Sample Modules

To see how the programme is structured, download the Academic Insights timetable here.
  • Module 1 - The United Nations And Its Challengers

    The United Nations And Its Challengers
    This module explores the historical context of the United Nations and the failings of past models. Having analysed the institutional structure of this organisation, you will evaluate the relative significance of other international actors, debating whether globalisation reinforces or undermines the UN system.
  • Module 2 - Rising Powers And International Order: The Case Of China

    Rising Powers And International Order: The Case Of China
    By exploring policies such as the 'Made in China 2025 Strategy' and the gradual process by which China is integrating international organisations (such as the World Trade Organisation in 2001), you will explore the rising power of China and its consequences for the international order.
  • Module 3 - Change And Continuity In US Foreign Policy

    Change And Continuity In US Foreign Policy
    Current US Foreign Policy focuses on three areas: military disengagement from the Middle East, the defence of US foreign trade interests and a challenging attitude towards Europe. You will assess these policies in the historical context of Trump's predecessors to evaluate the possible consequences of his actions.
  • Module 4 - Exploring International Actors

    Exploring International Actors
    You will choose one key international actor and analyse their structure and function within the context of the International Relations theory that you have studied over the course of the programme. Then present your research as a written essay and also deliver a presentation to your peers ahead of a class discussion and questions.
Want to learn more?
Request syllabus overview
Want to learn more?
Request syllabus overview
Modules
  • 7th – 20th July 2024

  • 21st July – 3rd August 2024

  • 4th August – 17th August 2024

13 nights accommodation in a central college of the University of Cambridge or Oxford
Breakfast and dinner included on campus (lunch included for students aged 13-15)
Accommodation in an individual bedroom
40 hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors
Carefully designed study and lecture materials
Mentor programme and access to support material
All excursions- including formal dinner at Cambridge/Oxford colleges, punting, croquet
Comprehensive summer school insurance
2 coach excursions including a trip to London
Graduation ceremony and certificate
Detailed evaluation written by tutor
Immerse notebook and pen
Mentor family photograph
Free premium membership to UniPrepare's 'Nurture' plan

International Relations

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