Summer Springboard

Trade & Economics

ON THE CAMPUS OF OXFORD UNIVERSITY

UNDERSTAND HOW OUR WORLD WORKS FROM DAILY LIFE TO BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT

Trade & Economics @ Oxford

  • Understand core economic concepts like supply and demand, market forces, and pricing.
  • Explore the role of economics in key historical events while developing practical leadership skills.
  • Apply economic theories to real-world issues in areas such as labor markets, the environment, and international trade.
  • Strengthen abilities in interpreting data and using quantitative tools for informed decision-making.
  • Learn economics as a social science by examining concepts like labor, capital, inflation, and fiscal policy.
  • Practice the scientific process used by economists curiosity, hypothesis testing, and analysis of decision-making and policy

Summer Springboard

Trade & Economics

About This Course

An economics program for teens on a university campus in Oxford

In a world of unlimited wants and limited resources, economics helps us understand how individuals, businesses, and governments make critical decisions. This course explores the consequences of those decisions by examining issues such as taxes and inflation, interest rates, wealth inequality, emerging markets, and the intersection of energy and the environment. By studying these topics, students will gain insight into the economic forces that shape our daily lives and the broader global landscape. Whether it’s personal spending, corporate strategy, or national policy, the course provides the essential structure to understand how our world operates and how different actors strive to meet their goals.

Through an in-depth exploration of fundamental principles—like scarcity, opportunity cost, supply and demand, and the role of incentives—students will build a strong foundation in economic theory. The course also covers consumer behavior, market dynamics, price determination, global trade, exchange rates, and economic development. By the end, students will not only grasp how economic systems function but will also be equipped with practical tools to interpret and influence economic decision-making. This versatile knowledge can be applied across a range of fields, including finance, business, public policy, and academia, making economics both a relevant and empowering discipline.

TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE

Hands-on Learning

Hands-on learning is a key part of this course, bringing theory to life through real-world experiences. Students will engage in interactive seminars, welcome distinguished guest speakers, and participate in walking tours and excursions around Oxford and London. A highlight of the program includes a guided tour of London’s financial district, offering firsthand insight into the institutions and environments where economic policy and financial decisions are made. These immersive activities help students connect classroom concepts to real economic systems, deepening their understanding through direct exploration and discussion.

Career Exploration

This course offers valuable career exploration opportunities by exposing students to the wide range of fields where economic knowledge is essential. Whether interested in finance, public policy, business, or academia, students will gain practical insights into how economic principles apply in real-world careers. Through guest speakers, interactive seminars, and visits to key financial institutions like the Bank of England and London’s financial district, students can explore potential career paths, network with professionals, and better understand the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various economic roles.

RESOURCES

Course Infosheet

Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.

Program Catalog

Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.

Campus Page

Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.

“My experience was very positive during this Summer Springboard session. The academic aspect was amazing and so was the social aspect. The balance of both made me not want to leave. It was very fun and I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.”

-Jonathan R. | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Trade & Economics

Meet Your Instructor

Paula is a PhD candidate at the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on central bank and government responses to economic shocks. Before starting her PhD, Paula worked as an Economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research in London, where she focused on UK macroeconomic policy analysis and forecasting the UK economy. Paula also holds a master’s degree (MPhil) in Economics from the University of Oxford and a bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Warwick.

PAULA BEJARANO CARBO

“I took economics in Oxford and was very nervous, but the staff was outstanding and made me feel right at home! So thank you to everyone here!”

-Jonathan B. | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Trade & Economics

Dates & Tuition

2025 Dates
Session 1: July 6 – July 18, 2025

Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.

Tuition
 Residential Tuition: $6,298
 Commuter Tuition: $3,298

Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.

Location
 City: Oxford
 Country: UK
Campus: Oxford

Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.