The annual US Trip is a first-class opportunity to see many of the best universities in the world.
First stop was MIT, whose blend of utilitarian and radical architecture breaks the classic campus mould. MIT stands out for its hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to solving real-world problems, combining science, engineering and entrepreneurship. A highlight was how well-resourced they are, think designing and building their own rollercoaster on campus!
We had a very animated tour of Harvard, with its historic, and busy, enclosed campus. Here we learned of its history and its unparalleled academic breadth, combining world-class research with a strong emphasis on intellectual exploration and leadership across disciplines. We visited Northeastern, renowned for its cooperative education programme that blends classroom learning with international professional experience. Its emphasis on experiential learning, innovation and global engagement equips students to lead in a fast-changing world.
Our Brown Tour, brilliantly led by OBs Pietro and Om, left the pupils in awe of the campus, with its distinctive red stone architecture and ever-present Bruno the Bear mascot.
Yale followed and is distinguished by its blend of rigorous scholarship and a strong emphasis on the arts, humanities and public service. Thanks to our wonderful OBs - Kenny, Kieran, Matias and Shaun - for leading an informative and entertaining tour.
New York offered a packed itinerary, beginning with stunning views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. A reflective visit to the Twin Towers Memorial followed, providing a moment of quiet amid the busy schedule. At NYU, our OBs, Venetia, Eleanor and Maya, shared enthusiastic insights about campus life, highlighting its innovation, diversity, and the blend of academic and creative pursuits.
Columbia’s enclosed campus contrasts with NYU’s open layout and is renowned for cultivating avid readers, promoting global awareness, research and civic engagement to shape purposeful leaders. Opposite campus is Barnard, the affiliated women’s college. The evening ended on Broadway, via dazzling Times Square, with The Lion King. Thank you to the fantastic Columbia and Barnard OBs for facilitating such a wonderful tour: Kritin, Kritvi, Tarit and Theo.
On our penultimate day, we visited Princeton, led by super-impressive OBs Keira and James, renowned for its stunning fall campus, exceptional undergraduate teaching, and close faculty mentorship. The university fosters independent inquiry, service and community, promoting intellectual rigor and personal growth.
We then visited UPenn, recognised for blending liberal arts with professional education and promoting interdisciplinary learning across its renowned schools. Its entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in founder Benjamin Franklin’s vision of practical knowledge for public good, drives innovation and leadership in every field. Thank you to OB Bogdan for a fantastic tour!
On our final day, we visited Georgetown in Washington, D.C., known for its Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person through intellectual inquiry, ethical reflection and service. Our final stop on the tour was a walk through the Mall, taking in the imposing Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, the War Memorials and ending at the Washington Monument, offering a glimpse of The White House.
