Pre-University Courses for Students ages 16+
Oxford IQ Academy
The following are a collection of reviews by our students from past cohorts.
Shivani - ACG Strathallan (New Zealand) - Team Herodotus '25
My Summer of Connections at Oxford , Part 1
11,500 miles. 35 hours of planes, trains, and taxis from Auckland to Oxford. But the moment I stepped out of the Uber and stood before the ancient stone entrance of Oriel College, I was speechless. Every second of the journey had been worth it. I was going to study at Oxford University for 2 weeks! It felt unreal, like stepping into a dream. The place feels straight out of Harry Potter – steeped in history and character. I half-expected someone to fly past on a broomstick.
I have been at Strathallan since I was four years old. Now, at fifteen, I was about to study at not only a new school, but also one of the most prestigious universities in the world. I would be walking into a place where people like J.R.R. Tolkien and Emma Watson had studied. My heart began to race like a drum echoing in my chest. A flood of questions rushed through my mind — Would I make friends? Could I manage the workload? And most importantly, would my outfits look good? But as soon as I met the inspiring programme directors, Craig and Louise, along with my warm and supportive cohort, I knew everything was going to be just fine — and that there had been nothing to worry about after all.
My Summer of Connections at Oxford , Part 2
I know it sounds cliché, but at Oxford IQ, I truly made “Friends that will last a lifetime.” Within the first few days, I caught a cold, and I couldn't even make it to meals. Then at 9:00 pm, I hear a knock on my door. As it creaked open, I saw my friends-or should I say guardian angels-holding a feast fit for kings in their arms. I felt like crying. I couldn't believe how attentive and considerate everyone was after only knowing me for 2 days.
Oxford didn't just give me new friendships, but it lit a fire in me. The courses and incredibly inspiring lecturers reminded me why I love learning, and I left feeling more driven and curious than ever. The Law course was my biggest revelation. The debates, moot trials and the passionate professor made it my favourite subject. Before the summer, I could never have imagined myself pursuing a legal career. But now, it’s what I see for my future. This course helped me discover a part of myself I never knew existed.
The photos, the memories and even the words I learned in new languages are things I will carry with me forever. July 2025 was my summer of connection – to my peers, to my studies, and myself. In just two weeks, Oxford worked its magic; it became more than a place. It became family.
Oxford IQ Academy Testimonial: Team Herodotus 2024
Miss Carmen De Zuniga (Team Herodotus 2024)
"The Oxford IQ Academy course was something very special to me, a truly unforgettable experience. The minute I arrived I was shocked by the overwhelming love and welcome from the leaders and all the friends around me- we immediately become one community.
Throughout these two weeks I grew exponentially, not only in friendship, but in discovering and deepening a budding passion in law, leading me to apply in the coming year to read law as a first year student at Oxford. I’m extremely grateful for all the support and the experience I was part of - from staying up late in the night finishing our essays, to the satisfaction of presenting our ideas to the covert, and even the classic trips to Tesco - this was a truly wonderful course
I would recommend to any curious, passionate and brave individual wiling to put themselves out there and meet new people."
* Carmen was accepted to read Law at Oxford University in 2025. She will be a Member of Exeter College, Oxford.
Oxford IQ Academy Testimonials: Team Herodotus 2025
Molly - Newport Girls' High School (England)
My time at the Oxford IQ academy exchange were some of the best weeks of my life. Two amazing weeks filled with fascinating lessons, critical thinking, creativity, love and laughter. I was so lucky to be able to experience two weeks living away from home, having incredible professors and even better classmates.
There wasn’t a single person who regretted going or wished they were home. It felt like a second home. As for lessons, I enjoy learning, as much as the other intelligent students there. However, I have never found lessons so compelling, with small classes where the professor is able to pay attention to and give support to every individual student. I loved having the opportunity to learn with these incredibly talented professors. We had amazing experiences outside of the classroom too, with quizzes, hunts, trips and lots more fun.
I appreciate all of the wonderful people who gave me this opportunity and the talented friends I made along the way. I would 100% recommend that if you are able to have this opportunity, take it! Thank you Oxford Exchange, as I’ve met friends for life.
Oxford IQ Academy Testimonials: Team Herodotus 2025
Harleen - Mayfield Grammar School (England)
Being part of Team Herodotus at the Oxford Exchange Summer School was honestly one of the best academic experiences I’ve ever had. This summer school brought together ambitious and friendly students from all over the world where I learnt a mix subjects: Classics, English Literature, Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Global Health & Medicine and Space & Technology. These subjects challenged me intellectually and encouraged me to think analytically and critically in ways I hadn’t before.
With 1-1 support of the amazing tutors, I was able to receive tailored feedback and improve my essay writing skills. Living away from home and getting into regular routines gave me a taste of how it was like studying at Oxford and it enabled me to grow much more independent.
Outside the classroom, I was able to immerse myself in Oxford’s culture- from formal dinners and giving a speech, to punting on the river, enjoying a candlelight concert at Exeter College and visiting the Ashmolean Museum. We also took a day trip to London to explore historic sites such as Tower Bridge. I’m very thankful to all the professors whose hard work and dedication made this experience so memorable to me. It was such an inspiring and enjoyable two weeks that I’ll never forget - and I truly believe it was the best summer school experience I could have ever asked for. Thank you Oxford Exchange!
Oxford IQ Academy Testimonials: Team Herodotus 2025
Eva - Box Hill School (England)
The Oxford IQ academy summer course was one of the best experiences of my life. I met other students of the same age, who were just as fascinated with learning and wanted to expand their horizons as much as I did. Everyone automatically belonged in the same group: Team Herodotus. Not just in the sense, that we sat in the same classes (which were the most informative and fun classes I’ve ever had), but also that everyone could talk to everyone with no real groups within the team.
Like mentioned, the classes (mine were: classics, Shakespeare, Politics & Law, Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship and Space & Technology) were great and I learned more over those two weeks than I sometimes learn in a whole year in school. For this, I thank all the wonderful tutors. The classes were interactive and we were able to discuss the ‚whys‘ instead of only being told the ‚whats‘. Every single class will help me for my future, even if I won’t work in the field.
Not only did the tutors teach me extremly much during class, but also helped me with one on one sessions for my uni application and gave me excellent feedback for my essay. Both those things are going to help me so much in my future. Thank you, Oxford Exchange and thank you, tutors! I will forever be thankful for the experience and the people I met during it.
I still remember walking into an Oxford College for the first time... unaware of what wonders and insight that the two-week course would offer me. The lively chatter and discussions in classrooms and halls taught me more things than I had imagined, leaving me enthralled and enamored."
Eufrasia Binus School (Indonesia) - Team Herodotus '24
Pre-University Courses for Students ages 13-15
Oxford IQ Prep Academy
The following are a collection of reviews by our students from past cohorts.
Oxford IQ Prep Academy Testimonials: Team Pythagoras 2025
My - British School of Guangzhou (China)
These past two weeks have been, without a doubt, some of the most incredible of my life. I met the most fabulous people—professors who truly inspired me and friends I’m sure I’ll keep forever. The experience helped me build meaningful connections and gave me a huge boost of confidence for my future university application.
But it wasn’t just about learning. It was about the spontaneous trips, the daily runs to the local Sainsbury’s, and the late-night “study sessions” (which may or may not have involved more laughing than studying). It was an unforgettable experience in every way.
The tutors were absolute legends—supportive, patient, and somehow always ready to help us navigate everything from application questions to our daily chaos. I’m genuinely so grateful to have had this opportunity, and if I could relive those memories all over again, I would in a heartbeat.
Oxford IQ Prep Academy Testimonials: Team Pythagoras 2025
Laila - Preparatory School Islamabad (Pakistan)
My time at Oxford, though short, was truly unforgettable. I only wish I had more of it, because the professors and students I met were some of the most incredible people I’ve ever come across. They showed me what genuine connection really means, and I’ve never felt more seen, supported, and loved.
Every single person there made me feel so welcomed that I genuinely never wanted to leave. I met people I know I’ll remember for the rest of my life. The professors were beyond supportive; they encouraged all of us to chase our dreams and gave real guidance on how to actually make it to Oxford University.
It was, without a doubt, the best experience of my life. I would do anything to relive just one more day there, with the same people, the same classes, and the same sense of belonging.
Oxford IQ Prep Academy Testimonials: Team Pythagoras 2025
Isabella - Diocesan School for Girls (New Zealand)
This summer school was unlike any other; it was an unforgettable two weeks that I will always remember.
I am extremely grateful I decided to attend, coming from New Zealand—the long journey was worth it. I met a group of amazing people and made memories that I will forever remember - from getting ready together before graduation to debating ideas in Global Health and Medicine. Exploring a wide variety of subjects—Medicine, Business, Shakespeare, and Classics, truly provoked my interest in pursuing a future in the medical field."
Studying on the Oxford campus was an experience that could never be compared. Being surrounded by high-achieving students and a rich history has inspired me to consider applying to Oxford in the coming years.
Oxford IQ Prep Academy Testimonials: Team Pythagoras 2025
Daniil - Heritage Private School (Cyprus)
The two weeks I spent at this summer course were one of the most memorable and enjoyable of my life. I was instantly met with a very welcoming atmosphere, met lots of interesting people and learned lots of new things from my teachers, giving me a fresh perspective on different topics.
The campus was incredible and the atmosphere of being in such an institution like Oxford is one that I cannot describe. The lessons were incredible, each teacher being super passionate and dedicated to spread their passion and knowledge to the students.
The London day was very fun with a trip to Arsenal’s stadium where we got to see all the facilities and inner workings of a football club, an experience I’ll never forget. Overall I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the staff and faculty who made these 2 weeks truly special.
Oxford IQ Prep Academy Testimonials: Team Pythagoras 2025
Madeleine - Diocesan School for Girls (New Zealand)
The two weeks I spent at this summer course were one of the most At the beginning of the Oxford IQ course, the Pythagoras cohort agreed that 2 weeks was a very long time to spend with total strangers, but also not nearly enough time to get to know them. By the end of the course we were seriously considering peacefully protesting by locking ourselves in a room, not so peacefully trapping our tutors inside with us (to continue class of course), and refusing to leave (forever).
Although I was initially nervous about meeting them, I have found close friends in my cohort. Meeting them opened my mind to new ideas and perspectives.
The tutors themselves were wonderful; I genuinely enjoyed my conversations with them. I learnt so much, my classes were fascinating—the perfect snippets of University courses. Beyond that, the tutors were also incredibly passionate, interesting, excited, and open, in ways I have not previously seen. They engaged with us outside the classroom—talking to us at lunch and activities—to the point where I felt comfortable discussing anything with them.
If I could drop everything and go back to Oxford with my friends and tutors, I would.
I had the best experience of my life having classes with you, every day learning something new and in different ways. Thank you so much for all you taught me!
Valentino - Academia Argüello (Argentina) 2022
