Academic Summer Programs at the World’s Most Prestigious Universities
“I gained knowledge as well as a sense of independence. It was up to me to get to my classes on time, plan my days, and take care of myself, which is so important for people our age to learn.”
—Saniya B., The Pennington School, Princeton, NJ
View seminars descriptions, meet faculty, and learn more at oxfordacademia.com
We are delighted to welcome you to this year’s Oxford Academia programs, held at the University of Oxford, the American University of Paris, Yale University, Temple University Japan, University of Siena, and Esade Business School in Barcelona. Oxford Academia is a program of Putney Student Travel—the leader in educational summer programs for 75 years—in collaboration with Professor James Basker, a Barnard College and Columbia University professor, Oxford Rhodes Scholar, Board Member of the Association of American Rhodes Scholars, and President of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Drawing on four decades of experience introducing high school students to the power of learning at Oxford and other world-class universities, Professor Basker and Putney have together welcomed thousands of bright, motivated students from around the globe to learn alongside like-minded peers.
What sets Oxford Academia apart is its truly exceptional faculty and guest lecturers. They include Rhodes, Marshall, Gates, and British Academy scholars, who hold teaching posts at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, the Sorbonne, the American University of Paris, Temple University, and other top institutions. Recognized for excellence in both scholarship and teaching, these accomplished educators bring unmatched expertise, insight, and enthusiasm for their subjects to the classroom.
Yet the real magic of Oxford Academia lies with the students, and in their diverse interests, perspectives, and energy. Some come to pursue a subject they already love; others to explore new ones. Some seek a taste of university life or study abroad, while others embrace the chance to learn free from their bubbles at home, and the pressures of grades and rankings. Many are drawn by a shared curiosity for culture and the experience of living and learning within the traditions of the world’s most storied universities.
Whether in Oxford or Yale, in Paris, Siena, Tokyo, or Barcelona, students thrive in a community of academically ambitious and intellectually curious peers. We look forward to welcoming you to Oxford Academia this summer!
Apply now at oxfordacademia.com or call 802.387.5526
Oxford Academia stands apart with its academic resources, unparalleled access, and decades of experience in providing transformative summer programs for students. The full breadth of the experience—from seminars and workshops to community activities and extracurriculars—offers students the opportunity to grow academically, connect with peers, and set themselves on a path for future success and discovery.
Our programs are designed in collaboration between Professor James Basker, an Oxford Rhodes Scholar with four decades of experience leading summer programs at Oxford and other institutions, and Putney Student Travel, a third-generation, family-run organization with 75 years of experience developing innovative and educational summer programs.
A wide range of seminar offerings allows students to pursue their academic interests—from business and medicine to the arts, and everything in between. Seminars are designed to encompass both foundational and emerging fields and are carefully curated to take advantage of the unique academic and cultural opportunities each university and destination provides.
Students draw inspiration from distinguished educators and academics, featured scholars, keynote lecturers, industry experts, and thought leaders who share their diverse backgrounds, highlevel insights, and real-world experiences. Their enthusiasm helps foster curiosity, confidence, and creativity in every student.
Students in Oxford Academia programs enroll in seminars and pursue their subjects in the company of motivated peers, engaging with seminar material under the guidance of distinguished faculty. Over the course of two-to-four immersive weeks, students develop essential skills to help them excel in future studies, gain valuable insight into potential academic or career paths, and build lasting friendships along the way.
Life on Oxford Academia programs balances intellectual challenge and inquiry with cultural discovery. After breakfast, mornings are devoted to in-depth study within each student’s major seminar, held in classrooms, labs, or meeting spaces, and often extending into local historical sites or museums, or featuring visits from guest experts that connect ideas to the wider world. Lunch is typically taken in small groups with peers and staff. Afternoons bring new perspectives through minor seminars, workshops, or explorations across campus and around the city. Students might pursue a creative project, practice language skills in real-world settings, or join a peer-led activity. Evenings draw the community together over shared meals, expert workshops, guest lectures, and interactive sessions on topics such as college admissions, global issues, or creative leadership.
In addition to major and minor seminars, students expand their horizons through elective workshops and guest lectures led by faculty and visiting experts. Evening workshops and keynote sessions offer opportunities to engage with renowned educators, entrepreneurs, artists, and historians, and to participate in lively Q&A and discussion.
We are proud to introduce just a few of the exceptional faculty who join our students each summer. They include Rhodes, Marshall, Gates, and British Academy scholars, with teaching appointments at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, the Sorbonne, American University of Paris, and other world-renowned institutions. Recognized for excellence across the arts and sciences, and celebrated for their scholarship and teaching, our faculty bring unmatched expertise, energy, and passion for their subjects to every classroom and seminar.
University of Oxford, M.Sc., Comparative Social Policy (candidate)
University of the West Indies, University of Oxford, B.Sc., Sociology, PGDip Gender and Development
University of Oxford, DPhil, Clinical Neuroscience (in progress)
Wesleyan University, B.A., Neuroscience and Theater
Sciences Po Paris, Ph.D., Political Science
American University of Beirut, M.A., Arabic Literature
American University of Beirut, B.A., Economics
Alexander Yen
University of Oxford, MPhil, DPhil, International Relations (candidate)
University of Oxford, B.A., (Hons.)
History and Politics
A. Masback
Yale Law School, J.D.
Princeton University, B.A., Public & International Affairs
Vanessa Lincoln
University of California, Berkeley, M.A., Ph.D., Modern European History
University of Chicago, B.A., Modern European History, minor in French
Hector Peralta
Yale University, Ph.D., American Studies (in progress)
Brown University, B.A., Ethnic Studies; B.A., Education Studies
Mihaela Mitrovic
University of Cambridge, Ph.D., Architecture and Neuroscience
University of Oxford, M.St., Film Aesthetics
University of Vienna, M.Sc., Cognitive Science
King’s College London, M.Sc., Neuroscience
University of Novi Sad, B.Arch., M.Arch., Architecture
Immerse yourself in the full Oxford experience this summer. Live and learn at a college of the University of Oxford, one of the world’s oldest and most esteemed institutions. Select a major and minor seminar and pursue your subjects amid Oxford’s iconic architecture, historic halls, and storied streets. With the guidance and insights of distinguished faculty, scholars, and guest speakers, find your place in Oxford’s renowned academic tradition.
As one of the oldest universities in the world, Oxford remains the epicenter of scholarship, inquiry, and learning. Immerse yourself in British academic life with full access to the college’s beautiful facilities. Find intellectual inspiration in Oxford’s museums and lecture halls, on its cobbled streets, and in the surrounding countryside—an environment that has inspired some of the greatest minds in history.
July 3–July 16
July 17–July 30
July 31–August 13
DURATION
2026 SESSIONS 14 days
Haitong Du
University of Oxford, DPhil., International Relations (Candidate); MPhil., International Relations Tufts University, B.A., International Relations
For centuries Oxford has drawn scholars and leaders from around the world, making it an ideal setting for today’s curious, globally minded students, eager to expand their intellectual horizons and explore university life. This summer, marvel at the architecture of the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library, the Pitt Rivers and Ashmolean museums (Great Britain’s oldest), and the Sheldonian Theatre, and follow in the footsteps of world leaders, scientists, medical researchers, innovators, and artists.
SEMINARS
• AI: Applications & Ethics
• Architecture & Design
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Creative Writing
• Debate & Public Speaking
• Engineering & Innovation
• English Literary Studies
• History of Art & Architecture
• International Relations & Diplomacy
• Jewish History in Europe
• Law & Society
• Math: Statistics & Probability
• Medicine
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Sports Business & Media
• War & World History
Discover the full scope of one of the world’s most intellectually stimulating cities. Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, Oxford Academia at the American University of Paris offers students an unparalleled Parisian university experience. Choose a major and minor seminar and delve into your subjects with the city as your classroom. Alongside motivated peers and esteemed faculty, take advantage of all on offer in this global hub of arts, fashion, finance, cuisine, and diplomacy.
The American University of Paris is a vibrant urban campus, nestled in the heart of the city. Some buildings overlook the Seine on the Quai d’Orsay, while others are tucked into the quiet St. Dominique neighborhood a few blocks away, between Les Invalides, the Champ de Mars, and the Eiffel Tower.
2026 SESSIONS
July 3–July 16
July 17–July 30
DURATION
14 days
SEMINARS
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Fashion Design & Culture
• French Cuisine
• French Language: Conversation (Beginner)
• French Language: Streets of Paris (Advanced/ Intermediate)
• History of Art & Architecture: Paris
• History of Paris
• Law & Society
• Paris & the Creative Imagination
• Photography & Digital Storytelling
San Francisco Art Institute, M.F.A., Photography (Graduate Fellowship); Missouri State University, B.F.A., Photography; B.A., French, minor in Art History
Journey into the heart of intellectual excellence and experience the Ivy League on the campus of Yale University, immersed in an atmosphere of curiosity, innovation, and tradition. Choose a major and minor seminar and explore subjects at the forefront of discovery, fostering the critical thinking skills needed to thrive in the modern world. Beyond the classroom, Yale’s vibrant campus buzzes with cultural events, art exhibitions, and opportunities for exploration and connection.
Founded in 1701, Yale boasts a legacy that spans more than three centuries. Its sprawling and iconic campus, nestled in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, blends historic charm with cuttingedge resources and innovative research facilities. Students on Oxford Academia at Yale gain access to this unparalleled academic environment while becoming part of the university’s storied legacy.
July 3–July 15
DURATION
2026 SESSIONS 13 days
SEMINARS
• AI: Applications & Ethics
• Architecture & Design
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• College Composition: Writing & Research
• Creative Writing
• Law & Society
• Math: Statistics & Probability
• Media Literacy & Communications
• Medicine
• Politics & Human Rights
• Psychology
Yale University, Ph.D., Computer Science (in progress); Wuhan University, M.S., Computer Science and Technology; Wuhan University, B.E., Information Security
Immerse yourself in the beauty and traditions of Tuscany this summer. Based in a stunning, walled medieval city in the heart of the Italian countryside, students experience an authentic view of Italian life while engaging in immersive, field-based learning. Choose one seminar and, with Siena as your classroom, explore cobblestone streets, historic piazzas, and rolling golden hills. Each day offers opportunities to connect ideas with experience through discussions, workshops, and excursions that bring the rich culture and history of the region to life.
Founded in 1240, the University of Siena is one of Italy’s oldest and most respected centers of learning, woven into the civic and cultural fabric of the city. Explore Siena’s Gothic architecture, vibrant markets, and centuries-old traditions while connecting with artisans, professionals, and peers from around the world.
July 5–July 18
DURATION
2026 SESSIONS 14 days
SEMINARS
• Archaeology & Ancient Tuscany
• Business, Banking, & Markets
• Fashion & Design
• History of Art & Architecture
• Photography & Digital Storytelling
• Politics & Human Rights
Middlebury College/ University of Florence, M.A., Italian Studies
Dartmouth College, B.A., Italian Studies
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative cities. Based in Tokyo, experience daily life as a student abroad in the heart of Japan. During the first days of the program, all students participate in a cultural foundations program that prepares them for daily life in Japan with language lessons and group activities. Students then delve into their chosen seminar for the next two weeks, using field-based learning and excursions to bring each subject to life.
As the only fully accredited American university in Japan, Temple University Japan provides an ideal environment for globally minded students eager to explore an international education. Experience the city’s contrasts, from centuries-old temples and tranquil gardens to neon-lit districts and cutting-edge design studios, and leave with greater confidence, a deeper appreciation for Japan’s spirit, and lasting global connections.
2026 SESSIONS
July 12–July 31
DURATION
20 days
SEMINARS
• Anime & Illustration
• International Business & Trade
• Japanese Fashion
• Japanese Language
• Photography & Digital Storytelling
• Technology & Innovation
University of Washington, Ph.D., Hispanic Studies; M.A., Hispanic Studies and Japanese Literature
Universidad Pontificia
Bolivariana, B.A., Communications
The Oxford Academia Business Intensive at Esade Business School offers an immersive and fastpaced introduction to international business, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Over three weeks in Barcelona, students take part in dynamic lectures, workshops, and company visits, learning from faculty at one of Europe’s top business schools and collaborating with a diverse international cohort of peers.
Distinct from Oxford Academia’s seminar-based programs, the Intensive experience blends academic challenge with practical application. Students gain access to Esade’s state-of-the-art Rambla of Innovation to develop and pitch their own business ideas, learning to think strategically, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively. Set against the backdrop of Barcelona’s vibrant culture, the program equips students with the insight, confidence, and global perspective to thrive.
2026 SESSIONS
June 27–July 16
DURATION
20 days
• Leadership
• Entrepreneurship
• Global Marketing
• Finance TOPICS COVERED
Experience the magic of Oxford as a middle school student. Designed specifically for curious and motivated younger learners, Oxford Academia: Middle School combines hands-on academics with guided exploration, teamwork, and adventure. Engaging in an integrated curriculum of history, science, and literature, students are exposed to a range of subjects and learn to think critically, express ideas confidently, and build lasting friendships in a supportive academic community.
The middle school experience emphasizes growth, curiosity, and collaboration in every activity. Days blend lively classroom learning with excursions to Oxford’s world-renowned museums, colleges, and libraries, as well as weekend visits to Stratfordupon-Avon, London, and the English countryside. From punting on the Cherwell to high tea with friends, students experience Oxford and take their first steps toward a lifetime of discovery.
2026 SESSIONS
July 3–July 16
DURATION
14 days
• Literature
• History
• Science TOPICS COVERED
University of Oxford, PhD, Criminology (candidate)
University of Oxford, M.Sc., Refugee and Forced Migration Studies
University of Cambridge, B.A., Geography
Join us on an Oxford Academia program and connect with an inspiring academic community of student peers and distinguished educators. Begin your application today at oxfordacademia.com or call 802.387.5526 to speak with our admissions team.
Oxford Academia welcomes high school students who are currently enrolled in grades 9—12. Our Oxford: Middle School program invites students aged 12–14. (Motivated rising 9th graders will also be considered for our high school programs.)
Students who attend two sessions receive a tuition reduction, whether at the same university or linking with another. Program dates also line up with many small group travel programs with Putney Student Travel. Choose your own path!
The Putney Open Door Fund, a nonprofit foundation whose purpose is to provide support for young people seeking educational summer experiences, considers scholarship applications from students applying to Oxford Academia programs. Learn more at goputney.com/podf
Begin your application today!
