Oxford Royale’s Business Summer School will equip students with the skills, tools and mindset to innovate and create the future, while creating the opportunity to stay at the prestigious University of Berkeley. This comprehensive immersion into business principles, innovation methods and entrepreneurial thinking will enable students to incubate their ideas, and accelerate it into a successful business. Sharpen creative thinking, business modeling, presentation and leadership skills as students collaborate with their peers to research, design and market a new business idea in the ‘Inventing the Future Innovation Challenge’.
Students will immerse themselves in the core principles of business management, early stage innovation and entrepreneurial behaviours that drive value creation. Students can be inspired by business faculty and successful executives and innovators as they gain insights into a future in business.
| Location | San Francisco |
| For Ages | 15-18 years |
| Duration | 2 weeks |
| Price | |
| Course Dates |
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Watch our Berkeley Summer School trailer to listen to our students talk about their transformative summer meeting friends from around the world and seeing the amazing city of San Francisco. See some of the exclusive events we run for our students on UC Berkeley campus and around the Bay Area and watch teachers coach our students in the academic experience of a lifetime.
Teenagers aged 16-18 are close to entering the world of business, whether through the pursuit of a university degree or the undertaking of an entrepreneurial endeavour. Our Berkeley summer programme for 15-16-year-olds is expertly crafted to provide a deep understanding of the inner workings of organisations and start-up culture, giving them all the tools to thrive as well-informed young professionals as they live like undergraduates at the USA's finest public university.
We pride ourselves on our status as the world’s most international summer school, having welcomed students from over 175 countries since our foundation in 2005. This represents an invaluable opportunity for aspiring businesspeople and entrepreneurs: through early access to a global network of like-minded peers, students are not only exposed to global perspectives, but also have a chance to identify potential future collaborators. Who knows where a classroom discussion or a casual conversation at dinner may take you?
Students aged 16-18 will benefit from a rigorous and thoroughly contemporary course, encompassing a well-considered balance of theoretical and practical learning. They will develop a profound understanding of business and entrepreneurship by:
– Gaining a comprehensive overview of how market trends, emerging technologies, and socio-cultural influences affect businesses
– Exploring the concept of investment and its impact on global economics across different sectors
– Analysing real-world case studies to glean deep insights into the mechanisms of commercial success and failure
– Collaborating on hands-on projects to map out actionable strategies
– Drawing inspiration from a dynamic range of workshops, seminars, and talks from business leaders and experts
A holistic education nurtures an individual’s ability to coexist and cooperate effectively with other people, regardless of the situation or professional context they might find themselves in. Our programmes help students develop crucial ‘soft’ skills to thrive across the board through:
– A wide range of extracurricular activities, giving them the opportunity to network with peers and implement problem-solving in real word scenarios
– A debating and public speaking society, to improve their confidence in addressing an audience
– Helping students master time management and embrace accountability through the introduction of independent study
– Workshops and masterclasses targeting career pathways and the competitive university application process
Our courses go beyond the classroom, helping students to develop essential work and life skills so as to be able to hit the ground running upon starting their careers. Attendees will cultivate the adaptability to secure future success by:
– Partaking in opportunities to hone presentation skills, such as seminars and the end-of-course challenge and exhibition days
– Developing crucial interpersonal skills such as active listening and negotiation through classroom collaboration
– Building up their professional portfolios by working on industry-grade projects, such as developing a business plan and marketing strategy
– Networking with fellow students, tutors, and leading minds across diverse industries
For older teenagers, the pressure is on as they face formative examinations and the university applications process. We recognise the need for restorative down-time, and have crafted our courses to offer a harmonious life-work balance, with plenty of time to rest and relax outside of the classroom. Students can:
– Enjoy cultural excursions, including walking tours of their university town and daytrips to nearby cities such as London and New York
– Partake in a wide range of sporting activities, designed to suit everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned athlete
– Relax on our beautiful campus grounds, in aesthetic and comfortable gardens, common rooms, and dining halls
– Explore local culture, trying out new cuisine, going to the cinema, or exploring bustling commercial centres nearby
Personality drives business. This module will provide students with an overview of different leadership styles, as well as the space to introspect on which elements of their own character they might draw upon in order to grow as highly effective leaders. They will examine real-world case studies of the impact of these different strokes upon organisations, as well as the crucial role of cultural differences in international business and decision-making processes.
It is impossible to understate how the lay of the land has changed over the past few decades. Students will explore the impact of burgeoning technologies such as AI upon the future of enterprise, influencer marketing in the digital age, and the changes wrought upon investment – and, as a consequence, the global economy – by the vicissitudes of Covid-19 and the advent of Fintech.
Our practical challenges represent an opportunity for students to put into practice all they have learned over the course of the two weeks, working as a team to present an industry-standard project to an audience of peers and professionals. Attendees will develop an accurate, sophisticated business plan and marketing strategy for a start-up in an industry of their choosing. This is a valuable addition to students’ professional portfolio, to be drawn upon in applications and interview scenarios.
Students will enjoy an opportunity to step back from a week’s hard work and spend a day of the mid-programme weekend exploring San Francisco, the commercial and cultural centre of Northern California. They’ll visit iconic sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, and have ample opportunities to try out a wide variety of cuisine, or shop for souvenirs to take home to friends and family.
Students at the world’s leading universities know how to balance hard work and play. Attendees of our Business Summer Programme will be able to let their hair down and celebrate their hard work at two show-stopping events over the course of the summer school: a mid-programme celebration, and a final formal graduation followed by a party at an illustrious venue.
To access a full sample timetable of our Berkeley Summer Programme, click here.
8AM: Students wake up for breakfast on campus before heading to lessons
9AM: Morning lessons, with two short breaks
1PM: Lunch break for students to buy food and explore the city with friends
2PM: Afternoon lessons
3:30PM: Business academic workshop to develop key skills, or cultural activities such as a museum visit
6PM: Dinner on campus
7PM: Study support sessions
8PM: Public Speaking and Debate Society, Shaping your Future Seminar Series
9PM: Social activities such as quiz nights, movie nights or karaoke
10:30PM: Curfew
The week kicks off with an introduction to enterprise and entrepreneurs, innovation and invention. Seminars cover topics such as ownership structures, finance and fundraising, market research, business planning, and risk analysis. Further modules explore strategy and tactics. In the evening, students take part in study focus groups, social and sporting activities, debating and public speaking and seminars on what steps to take to ensure their future success. The first week finishes with an exciting day out in nearby San Francisco.
The second week starts with a focus on sustaining a business with seminars on cash flow and break-even, budgeting and investments, recruitment, operations, and leadership. Students will take part in academic and practical workshops, followed by the opportunity to present and pitch their new business idea. Evenings will continue to focus on study support, social and sporting activities, and the headline address – an engaging talk given by one of our business leaders. The week culminates in the debate grand final and the Oxford Royale graduation ceremony and party.
Residential on the prestigious campus of UC Berkeley
Inspiring programmes taught by experts
International student community with over 170 nationalities represented since 2004
Accommodation, meals, tuition and cultural programmes included
Graduation, report cards and certificate
17.5 hours of tuition per week
Inspirational cultural programmes
Escape ordinary classroom teaching and learn through interactive and immersive lessons.
Hands-on classes designed to help students learn through practical application.
An interactive forum with an expert in the field, giving students valuable insights into related and new topics.
Successful and famous guest speakers offer students the chance to pose their most important questions.
Essential for honing students' reasoning abilities and public speaking skills.
Escape ordinary classroom teaching and learn through interactive and immersive lessons.
Dynamic lectures given by passionate teachers packed with facts and viewpoints to engage the audience.
An opportunity to work closely with, and learn from, different perspectives.
Working in pairs and small groups, students have plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate.
Apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout your two-week programme in an immersive full day simulation event.
Visit San Francisco and enjoy the sun and excitement that this city has to offer. Ride the iconic cable cars, wander through Golden Gate Park and soak up the sunshine, view the spectacular skyline from Coit Tower, or have a relaxed visit to the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts.
Sather Tower is a well recognised symbol of the University of California, Berkeley, known as The Campanile for its resemblance to the Campanile di San Marco in Venice. Ride to the top and take in spectacular views of the campus and the entire Bay Area.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a famous image of San Francisco, so have the chance to see this architectural masterpiece for yourself. A marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles long and connects San Francisco to Marin County.
Experience an exhilarating baseball game, one of the favourite sports in the USA. There is no better way to unwind after a busy week than with an exciting sporting event, joined by your new friends from across the globe.
Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and take in this iconic neighbourhood, filled with arcades, street performances and views of sea lions from the marina. From Pier 39 you can see some of the most spectacular views of the Bay Area, including Alcatraz Island, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Take in the spectacular views of San Francisco, including the Painted Ladies, a row of brightly painted houses in the heart of the city. Unwind with new friends, and take in the unforgettable views!
“I’ve been exposed to such a rich tapestry of cultures and I have formed extremely close bonds after only a few days. You’ve got blue skies, and to actually do my learning here and live here with people I have made friends with so quickly has been really amazing.”Sam, United Kingdom
“I am making friends for life from all around the world, and I have had so much fun with them!”Katherine, Colombia
“San Francisco itself is so magical, I had only ever seen it in films before. The city is very colourful. I think the teachers are all incredible and I have enjoyed having conversations with them, and the guest speakers were also incredible.”Tommy, United Kingdom
Hannah
I had an absolutely incredible time doing Summer school with Oxford Royale Academy! I learnt new things about myself and the world around me, and would definitely recommend to others!
Clara
I loved the Oxford Royal program, I met many people with bright personalities and unique minds, and I also learned a lot from the teachers, campus staff etc. You will enjoy it!
Francesca
Oxford Royals Academy made my summer amazing! I learned many new things and I met people from all over the world that I know I can call true friends. I definitely recommend ORA to anyone who wants to make unforgettable memories!
Minquan
The twelve days I spent in Oxford Summer School were very happy, the teachers were very kind and professional, and the curriculum was very reasonable, which expanded my knowledge. All the courses mean a lot to me and I hope I can come back next summer.
Jade
The oxford royale academy was definitely the highlight of my summer. I have not only learnt more about the course I have chosen, but I've also met a lot of new friends, friendly staff and helpful teachers from different cultures all in the same campus and had a lot of unforgettable memories.
Katherine
Oxford Royale was a great expreince. It was amazing to get to know people all over the globe and form life long relationships.
Once you have decided which programme you would like to attend, and where you would like to study, you can book online using our secure booking system. You will need the details of the student and of the person paying the bill, the name of the programme or programmes you would like to study, and a credit or debit card to pay the relevant enrolment fee.
We are happy to accept enrolment fee payments via a number of other, non-card payment methods (including domestic and international bank transfer), thanks to our partnership with education payment specialists, Flywire. If you would prefer to pay your enrolment fee payment by bank transfer or another method, please contact our Admissions team who will be able to assist you.
Once your application has been submitted, your enrolment fee has been received by us and your booking processed by our system or our team, you will be sent an email confirming your place. You will also receive a login to the Oxford Royale Portal, which you will use to provide us with important additional information about you as your time with us approaches.
A Welcome Pack is available to download from the Oxford Royale Portal.
If at any time you would like to discuss your booking with a member of our award-winning Customer Service team, please feel free to contact us.
All enrolments require an enrolment fee to secure the booking. For Summer 2025, enrolment fee payments are structured as follows:
You may either pay the full programme fee when you book your place, or pay the enrolment fee amount and then the balance at a later date.
The balance clearance is required no later than 90 days before the start date of the programme. Where the student is booking less than 90 days before the start date, the course fees must be covered in full. We appreciate that, with the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, people may require additional flexibility to these terms, and we are doing our best to accommodate that – please contact us if you have concerns regarding making the balance payment in line with the 90-day deadline.
Enrolments received via our online application form will require a debit or credit card payment of at least the enrolment fee amount. If you would like to enrol and make your enrolment fee payment via Bank Transfer or another method, we are happy to facilitate this. Please contact our Admissions team to arrange this.
Balance payments for existing enrolments can be made via a number of methods, including domestic and international bank transfer, credit or debit card, as well as local payment options; please log in to the Oxford Royale Portal and click on the ‘Pay Now’ button on your booking details.
All programme fees include the following:
If you wish to change your programme or study options (including dates), please do not hesitate to contact us. However, changes to programmes are always subject to availability. For this reason, it may be more difficult for us to accommodate any changes requested less than 60 days before the programme start date.
Oxford Royale’s terms and conditions for refunds are as follows:
Any cancellation must be received in writing and can only be made on the following terms:
| Period Before Start Date | Total Refunded |
|---|---|
| 120+ days | 100% |
| 90-119 days | 50% |
| 45-89 days | 10% |
| 0-44 days | 0% |
Cancellations made after the commencement date of the programme will not receive any refund.
Students attending our USA Summer Schools may be able to enter the USA on the Visa Waiver programme – we can provide individual support on request for those that do need a visa.
Our English language requirements are as follows:
Students who have studied at an English speaking school for two or more years are exempt from English requirements.
All our programmes take place in a secure environment. Our students are supervised 24 hours a day by campus staff. All students must check-in regularly during the day: at roll-call at breakfast; at their morning classes; in the afternoon for lessons, workshops or activities; at dinner and in the evening before curfew. All campuses have a curfew.
Each campus office has its own safe where students may deposit items of value such as passports, travel documents, bank cards etc.
All campuses have residential staff who can be contacted 24 hours a day.
Yes, all students will be awarded an Oxford Royale Graduation Certificate in their chosen course upon satisfactory completion of the course. This will be presented in a graduation ceremony on the final evening of the course. In general, the graduation ceremony is for students only, but in certain cases, it might be possible for parents to attend on request. Due to limited seating and viewing facilities in the colleges, it is essential that parents contact the campus office well in advance to ascertain whether space is available.Cancellations made after the commencement date of the course will not receive any refund.
It is certainly possible to take more than one programme and combine a variety of study programmes. You can simply book onto two different prorammes.
Students staying for two consecutive sessions will be provided with accommodation for the Saturday night, and their campus will provide supervised activities between their first session ending and second session starting. Should you have any queries about how to take more than one programme please do not hesitate to contact us.
