By Victoria, OSP Ambassador
Victoria, from Oakville, Canada, joined OSP’s summer camp in 2024. She studied in a module that challenged her intellectually and connected her academic interests with real-world careers.
In this blog, she reflects on her experience and shares advice for future scholars looking to make the most of their time in Oxford. If you’re comparing summer camps for 16 year olds, her advice is a great place to start.
Why I'd Recommend OSP
Taking part in OSP’s summer camp was one of the most exciting and transformative experiences I’ve had. It allows you to step into an academic world where your interests are taken seriously and you’re given the tools to explore them deeply. You also get to meet people from different backgrounds who bring their own perspectives and experiences to discussions, making learning even more rewarding.
Engaging Modules
My chosen module explored interesting ideas and led to further curiosity. The lectures were incredibly engaging, taught by passionate experts who encouraged real discussion and critical thinking.
Whether we were diving into case studies, debating new ideas, or working on projects, I always felt intellectually challenged in the best way.
These experiences encouraged me to look at familiar topics from new perspectives and think more carefully about the ideas I encountered. They also showed me how discussing different viewpoints can deepen your understanding of a subject.
Career Exploration
One of the highlights was the Career Exploration element. It was eye-opening to see how academic subjects connect to real-world careers.
We got to hear from professionals in the field, ask questions, and get an inside look into how things really work. It made me realise that my interests aren’t just hobbies. They can actually shape my future.
Hearing directly from professionals also helped me understand how the skills we develop through academic study can be applied beyond the classroom.
It gave me a clearer idea of the possibilities available and encouraged me to think about how my interests might develop over time.
My Top Tips for Summer Camp in Oxford
If you’re getting ready for OSP, my biggest tip is: stay curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, speak up in seminars, or talk to your peers. Everyone’s here to learn and grow, just like you. You never know which conversation might introduce you to a new idea or help you discover an interest you hadn’t considered before.
If you’re travelling from abroad to one of the summer camps in the UK, like I did, sort your travel early so you can relax and enjoy it from day one. Make sure you check the visa guide and book your airport transfer in advance so arrival day is as straightforward as possible.
Lastly, try to make the most of every moment, because it really does fly by. Take part in activities, spend time with your fellow scholars and make the most of the opportunities available to you.
Making the Most of Your Summer
Joining this summer camp helped me gain confidence, direction, and a deeper understanding of what I’m passionate about. I walked away inspired, with new experiences and memories that I’ll carry with me long after the programme ended. I hope you will too.
OSP welcomes students aged 14–18, so it can be an option whether you’re exploring summer camps for 16 year olds or summer camps for 18 year olds. Parents planning their child’s experience can also find practical information in the Parents’ Guide to OSP.
