Columbia University Summer Camp, Summer Camp at Columbia University

• Year of foundation/opening: 2004
• Location: Barnard College campus, Manhattan, New York, USA
• Number of students: ~500
• Type of education: mixed
• Type of institution: summer school/summer camp
• Language of instruction: English.

Columbia University Summer Camp in New York — is a two-week academic program for high school students held in Manhattan, on the campus of Barnard College. Since 2004, it has been available as a summer school format combining intensive academic study, practical exercises and immersion in the intellectual culture of leading world universities. The program is structured as a «trial run»: classes are held in small groups, the learning process is supplemented by discussions, practical laboratories and meetings with guest speakers.

The training combines academic intensity with a practical focus. Over two weeks, participants complete 35–40 hours of classes on the chosen topic – from economics to psychology. Classes are held in small groups of up to 15 people and include lectures, seminars, interactive discussions, team projects, and master classes. Special attention is paid to formats that develop critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge in practice. Among the key elements are The Great Debate, where students defend positions on current issues, The Living Lab, which implements applied projects: from developing business ideas to modeling scientific situations.

The school day includes two academic blocks, free time for preparation, consultations with teachers, and evening discussions.

World-class speakers often perform at events here — among them, for example, Professor Brian Cox, a science popularizer and physicist, politicians and public figures from the USA, Canada, the EU and Great Britain.

Participants of the summer camp are accommodated on the Barnard College campus — the residential part of Columbia University in Manhattan. Accommodation and meals are included in the program cost. Rooms are student-style, mostly with separate accommodation and shared facilities, there may be restrictions on choosing roommates.

Safety is ensured by 24/7 access control, accompanying counselors and a strict schedule: students under 18 are prohibited from leaving the campus without supervision.

Transfer from JFK airport is included in the cost.

Students participate in themed evenings, team quests, intellectual games and creative competitions, in the camp's signature events — The Great Debate and Exhibition Day. Guest lectures with famous scientists and experts are organized, including speeches by speakers at the level of Professor Brian Cox.

Special attention is paid to excursions around New York City. Participants visit iconic places in the city: Central Park, Times Square, The High Line, the Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, UN Headquarters and historical districts of Manhattan. The program may include trips to skating rinks, evening tours, bowling, karaoke, themed festivals and a graduation party. Outside the campus, students move around only accompanied by mentors.

• Study and accommodation in the center of Manhattan on the campus of Barnard College, which is part of Columbia University.
• Small study groups (up to 15 people), 35–40 hours of lessons per shift.
• International environment: participants from 175+ countries.
• Interactive formats: debates, workshops, project days.
• Guest lectures by renowned scientists and practitioners.
• Safe territory with 24/7 security and adult supervision.
• Diploma and academic report at the end of the shift.

The campus is located in the Morningside Heights area on the north of Manhattan — a quiet and safe part of the city where several universities, parks and cultural sites are concentrated. Nearby — Riverside Park, Teachers College campus, Columbia Law School buildings, within walking distance — 116th Street subway station (line 1), from which you can quickly reach Central Park, Times Square, museums and the business center of New York.

Classes are held in classrooms of Barnard College and Columbia University, based on an operating university. Students use full-fledged university classes and studios equipped for lectures, workshops, project and group work, at their disposal — a library, sports grounds, Wi-Fi, public areas.

The program includes both theory and practical blocks: Living Lab, debates, presentations and situation modeling. Participants have access to extensive academic and household resources, while the entire organization is focused on the safety and comfort of teenagers.

• First, select a course and the exchange date.
• Then fill out the online application (Apply Now), and register your personal account with a consultant.
• Pay the registration fee to reserve a place on the program.
• Wait for confirmation of participation and an invoice for the remaining amount. Full payment must be made no later than 90 days before the start of the course.
• Fill out the participant questionnaire, providing information about health, diet, and accommodation preferences.
• The school will send you organizational materials, including check-in instructions, transfer details, and a list of necessary items.
• Upon arrival on campus, students must register on campus, receive keys, a schedule, and participate in an introductory briefing.

The summer program in New York is designed for two weeks and takes place in several sessions, usually in June–July. Each session includes an academic block, practical classes, a cultural program, culminating in a final project presentation and graduation ceremony. There are no exam sessions here — assessment is based on participation, project work, and the final report.

Additional fees may be charged:

• for airport transfers, except JFK (transfers from/to JFK are included in the cost),
• insurance (if not arranged separately),
• visa services,
• pocket money (excursions, souvenirs, cafes),
• administrative fees for late payment or changes to the booking.

The summer camp periodically holds competitive scholarship and full grant programs for education. The format may vary from year to year: for example, in previous seasons, full scholarships were awarded based on essays or participation in academic olympiads; sometimes discounts were provided through partner organizations. The main criteria are — academic motivation, English language proficiency at least C1 level, and age appropriateness for the program.

You can apply together with a cover letter and supporting documents through our manager (if such an option is available from the organizing school in a specific year).

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision