Each year on 24 October, the world comes together to mark United Nations Day — a moment to reflect on our shared humanity and celebrate the principles of peace, cooperation, and global understanding that the UN was founded upon in 1945.

For the International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT), these values lie at the very heart of what we do. With students joining us from more than 90 countries, our campuses in Oxford and St Andrews are living examples of the UN’s vision: nations coming together to learn, collaborate, and build a brighter future through education.

✔︎ Education as a Bridge Between Cultures

The United Nations recognises education as a fundamental human right and a key driver of peace and sustainable development. At ISSFT, we see this in action every summer.
Our academic and elective programmes — from Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship to English Language, AI & Coding, and Medicine — encourage students to think critically, communicate across cultures, and work together to solve global challenges.

In classrooms and on excursions alike, young people discover the power of dialogue and understanding — skills essential not just for academic success, but for global citizenship.

✔︎ A World in One Place

The ISSFT experience is much more than an academic course; it’s a celebration of cultural diversity. Students share traditions, perspectives, and stories from across the world — learning that, despite different backgrounds, they have far more in common than they might think.
Through this shared journey, they develop empathy, confidence, and lifelong friendships — qualities the United Nations champions as the foundation of global peace and cooperation.

✔︎ Empowering the Next Generation

The UN’s mission is to build a world where young people have the tools and opportunities to create change. ISSFT embodies this same mission by nurturing independence, leadership, and curiosity in every student.
We believe that education is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about building the confidence to lead, the empathy to connect, and the courage to dream globally.

As the world celebrates United Nations Day, we’re reminded that our summer school is more than a place of learning — it’s a community where the next generation of global thinkers, innovators, and leaders begin their journey.

Happy United Nations Day from all of us at ISSFT — where every summer is a step towards a more connected, compassionate world.