“Just Two Weeks?” – My Summer at Cambridge with Global Education Lab

Written by Samvritha (Grade 9), participant of the Summer Programme at Cambridge

It’s wild how two weeks can stretch into what feels like an entire new chapter of your life. When I first got on the plane to London for the GEL Global Young Leaders Summer Camp 2025, I was excited, but also wondering: What if everyone’s super strict? What if it’s just school with a British accent and tighter rules?

Spoiler: it wasn’t. It was better. Way better.

From Strangers to People Who Just... Get You

 The first time I walked into Cambridge Regional College and met the rest of the group I had no idea that they’d become people I’d miss this much. My roommate, Eshanvi, quickly became my person. I honestly don’t know what this trip would’ve been without her.

One of my favourite memories of us is when we were working on our pitch deck and ended up lying down on the floor (yes, the actual floor), laughing so hard we nearly forgot what we were working on. And somehow, we were still being productive?

She also has the best fashion sense, by the way.

We had this silent thing going, especially when this one guy in our group would go on one of his rants – we’d look at each other while simultaneously suppressing a laugh, and we’d just know what the other was thinking. The same thing happened in English class with Tavanesh across the room - our group’s expressions said everything.

The Classes Hit Different

One of the best aspects of this program was how seriously the academic aspects were taken, without ever being overwhelming. The classes didn’t feel like school; they felt like experiences. Every session had something that made me sit up and actually want to listen.

From STEM lectures to public speaking workshops, every topic was taught by people who knew what they were talking about - not just academically, but also practically. At Judge Business School, we had sessions with Suyash sir (who’s done so much, it’s hard to sum it up), and guest experts like Soniya Gupta, Lana Thornycroft, Dr. Arjun Vijeyta, and Dr. Yves Gaspar. At St. John’s Innovation Centre, we got to meet James Brown and Matt, who were working on tech to help dementia patients, and I asked them every single question I could think of.

 The public speaking sessions with Guy Doza made a massive difference for me. If you had told “Day 1 Me” that I’d be speaking in front of a distinguished group by the end of the trip, I probably would’ve panicked on the spot. 

One time, I completely froze during an impromptu speech, but he didn’t pressure me or move on — he just asked me one small question to get me started. That moment taught me more than any textbook ever could: You don’t have to be perfect to be heard.

And then there were English classes with Lola, who had this quiet kindness that somehow made summary-writing and skim reading feel not just doable, but fun. I even started enjoying academic reading - something I never thought I’d say.

Friends, Pitches, and Park Talks

Abhinav probably surprised me the most. We hadn’t spoken much until one evening at the park when everyone else left. We ended up talking on this web of ropes for over 30 minutes - about family, fears, and everything in between. It was the day I’d messed up during a debate, and I had a lot on my mind. He just listened, no judgment. I don’t know if that talk meant as much to him as it did to me, but I’ll never forget it.

Hajra - or “Haji,” as I called her - was my comfort person. Every morning, without fail she greeted me with a “Brooo Sammm!” followed by a hug. She made everything brighter.

When it came to the final pitch presentation, I teamed up with Neev and Eshanvi to present our startup idea, “Green Zip.” I was the CFO, and even though I didn’t love the idea of presenting in front of a full audience, working with my team made it feel exciting. We went first, ripped the Band-Aid off, and handled questions pretty well.

Cambridge Outings (aka the Best Weekend Ever)

Our weekend trips were something else. From Smit showing us vintage cars in Salisbury to laughing at how Stonehenge’s parking lot looked bigger than the rocks (sorry!), to watching a football game for the first time and actually understanding it - it was packed. We played arcade games, went bowling, and I even beat Suyash twice at basketball (he was not ready for that). That same one evening, we went to a different part and ended up finding a separate area with a zipline and a netted swing, and I just remember having the best time.

Also, gelato runs. On the second-last day, Eshanvi, Suyash, Shveta ma’am, and I had this mini outing after classes that was so random and so fun.

Then Suyash took us to this quiet spot to see the sunset, which made for the best photos and a perfect end-of-trip moment.

Why Cambridge Feels Like a Second Home Now

There was something about life in Cambridge that just made sense to me. The independence. The weather. The convenience of walking down to the store or hopping on a bus whenever I wanted. Back home in Chennai, it’s not always that easy. Here, I felt free in a way I hadn’t before.

And I miss the 10-minute car rides every morning when Suyash and Shveta ma’am would pick me and Eshanvi up. Those little chats before a long day? Underrated.

The People Who Made It

Suyash Sir made everyone feel seen. I once sat in his car just asking him about taxes and startups, and he answered everything like I was an equal. I learned so much more than just "business" from him. He and Shveta ma’am were the heart of the trip, always taking photos, cheering us on, and making sure not a single memory was missed. Especially Shveta ma’am, she somehow captured every moment on her camera, even the boring ones (thanks for that).

Final Day Feelings

The night after our final presentation, I just sat on my bed. Eshanvi was already gone. I stared out the window, replaying it all—the laughs, the nerves, the hugs, the inside jokes, the encouragement, the football games, the late-night talks.

I kept thinking, I’ll never get these exact two weeks again. These people may never all be in one room again. And yet… they changed me in ways they’ll never know.

What I Took Home

To stop doubting myself so much.

This trip showed me that growth doesn’t only come from classrooms. It happens in:

• A failed debate and a quiet park chat

• Sharing gelato and chasing sunsets

• Learning CPR and battling stage fright

• Friends who laugh with you, teachers who believe in you, and roommates who read your mind with just a glance

• The shaky first speeches and loud public debates

• Hugs from friends who just get you

• Listening instead of judging

• And believing in yourself a little more than you did yesterday

I left Cambridge with more confidence, new friendships, and priceless memories I’ll never trade.

So, to everyone at GEL, to Suyash sir, Shveta ma’am, our incredible teachers and speakers, and my 9 co-participants: thank you for giving me two of the best weeks of my life. You made Cambridge unforgettable - and more importantly, you helped me see what I’m capable of.

I went in wondering if it would be like school. I came back wishing every school felt like this.