<p>I'm finishing my application for the oxford sect in oxbridge academic programs. What has anyone heard about them?? I know the director, and he's really nice, and is extremely intelligent. Is it worth the month or should I press on?</p>
<p>I did the Oxford section in Summer '04 and loved it: majored in Archaeology/Anthropology, minored in Classical Civ. Great professors, our classes had lots of field trips in addition to the program trips to London and Stratfor-upon-Avon, great atmosphere, etc. It is a bit expensive, and there are plenty of kids who are just there because their parents wanted to send them away and burn some cash, but it is a great program if you want it to be. </p>
<p>One of the things I loved about it was that there were lectures, musical performances, and visitors to the colleges (all managed through the Oxbridge Program) speaking pretty much every day, so in addition to classes, there was always something new and different to see every afternoon. A lot of other summer programs leave it up to the students to find entertainment, which is nice in big cities, but Oxford is somewhat secluded, so having that opportunity is great.</p>
<p>cfmendez618, what program do you want to do?</p>
<p>I'm going into eighth grade this year, and I want to do the La Academia de España. It says it's for students in grade 9 - 12. Does this mean students who are completing or entering grade nine?</p>
<p>Jonathan -- they mean students currently enrolled in 9-12.</p>
<p>make sure you post if you find a good spanish summer program for younger kids (I know you have been looking). I am still looking for my son (he is a year younger).</p>
<p>I will post if I find anything.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>I'm doing oxford prep for next summer. The prep programs are fine for our age.</p>
<p>Hey, I requested information for the L'Academie de France, Oxford Prep, and Cambridge Prep.</p>
<p>I think my first choice is Oxford. I want to major in International Relations and Current Affairs, and minor in Speech and Debate.</p>
<p>What classes do you want to take, cfmendez?</p>
<p>Oddly enough, the exact same courses</p>
<p>Freaky...</p>
<p>I might change my mind, though.</p>
<p>Here's a quote from the Parents Forum when I asked what her son thought about the program. (He attend Cambridge Prep last summer, I believe)</p>
<p>
[quote]
Responding to your question about Oxford Prep, both of my kids did Cambridge Prep after 8th grade which is affiliated with the Oxford Program but is for younger kids. They both had a blast, but found the academics to be less challenging and got less out of them than at CTY camps or Concordia Language Camp. There were some good teachers but the curricula are a bit loose and uneven. From a parental viewpoint, I was less than pleased with the lack of supervision and prevalence of going out to dinner and wandering around town late into the night which appears to be what most kids did. Both my kids came back acting like and thinking they were independent college kids and there was a bit of a re-adjustment back to things like parentally imposed curfews. Nevertheless they say they had the time of their lives and have kept in touch with many friends. Just be forwarned that there is a bit more drugs, alcohol and partying than at most academic programs we've experienced.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I read that post, too. It makes me think twice about applying for my younger son who is 13. I would feel confident in the program with my older son, who is 17 -- but it sounds like my younger son might be confronted with choices that he is not ready to make so far from home and I would hate for him to be uncomfortable.</p>
<p>Hmm, that worried me a bit. But I'm from New York City so the whole party thing doesn't scare me and I've learned how to control myself.</p>
<p>Don't worry about the party scene--the fact of the matter is, I attended OxBridge this past summer and there <em>were</em> a few idiot kids that decided to go out to the pubs. But these kids were like 5 out of 300 and the program deals with it. They have a zero tolerance policy and when you're caught (because you always are. You have to check in every night by 11 and the directors and PA's there aren't stupid), you're immediately sent home with no contact with any of your friends and a faculty member with you at all times. </p>
<p>It's a great program. Don't let any of these rumors about it discourage you. It was the best summer of my life. ;)</p>
<p>Thanks. That's very encouraging. What program did you attend?</p>
<p>Oxbridge. I majored in Creative Writing and had a minor of Art History. All of the classes were great, though, and the experience incredible.</p>
<p>Yay, that's very encouraging. I know the director (Prof. Basker) and he sells the program really well.</p>
<p>From what I've heard, it's terribly overrated...
Kids are drawn in to the fact that they get to study @ Oxford or Cambridge.
The Spain and France program isn't that popular, but they're expanding on it...</p>