Harvard College Union Society
Young Global Leaders
Winter Camp
at Harvard University
Cohort 1
3 – 10 January 2027
3 – 10 January 2027
Cohort 2
10 – 17 January 2027
10 – 17 January 2027
Harvard College Union Society
Winter Camp
at Harvard University
8
Days of Immersion
30+
Countries Represented
1000+
Alumni
2
Selective Cohorts
India
Canada
UAE
USA
Saudi Arabia
KE Kenya
Côte d'Ivoire
Nigeria
Mexico
Mauritius
Uganda
Spain
DR Congo
Burkina Faso
Brazil
Bermuda
Taiwan
Rwanda
Mauritania
Kazakhstan
Jordan
Georgia
France
Estonia
Cuba
Austria
Armenia
Sri Lanka
China
Qatar
Philippines
Ghana
Indonesia
Netherlands
Japan
Welcome to the
"Where academic excellence meets global leadership"
Harvard College Union Society Young Global Leaders Program is a week-long experience designed to help young leaders make a positive impact in their communities. The program takes place at Harvard University and brings together students from around the world to participate in workshops, discussions, and practical activities. Participants will learn from Harvard Student Mentors, gaining skills that are important for leadership today. The program also offers opportunities to explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Cambridge and Boston.
The program also offers students a unique opportunity to visit Harvard University, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the prestigious campus. Students will acquire the skills needed to develop their leadership abilities, enabling them to create a positive impact on both the school and community.
Students will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging academic sessions, collaborate with talented peers and mentors from HCUS, build leadership and teamwork abilities through hands-on activities, and strengthen their portfolios with a certificate of completion from HCUS.
Harvard College Union Society
Limited seats — apply early to secure your place.
Early application deadline: 30 November 2026
All-Inclusive Experience
Full curriculum & instruction
Boston Logan pickup & drop-off
8 days & 7 nights stay included
Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
Camp-related trips & activities
Hands-on learning sessions
From Harvard College Union Society
Resources & study materials
Itinerary
Arrival & Orientation
Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville
Introduction to goals, activities, expectations, and program leaders.
Guest speaker on integrity, empathy, and communication in leadership.
Active listening, storytelling, and non-verbal communication activities.
Build connections with mentors and fellow participants.
Professionals share how leadership shapes their careers and growth.
Collaborate in teams to brainstorm ideas addressing real-world issues.
Set clear goals, timelines, and resource plans for sustainable impact.
Relax and continue conversations in a casual setting.
Details to be finalized and shared soon.
Voice modulation, posture, and audience engagement techniques.
Constructing arguments, rebuttals, and meaningful debate strategies.
Build connections with mentors and fellow participants.
Debate on a relevant topic with mentor feedback.
Experts share persuasion and negotiation skills from various industries.
Group discussion on public speaking and debating in success.
Relax and continue conversations in a casual setting.
Details to be finalized and shared soon.
Foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and lead diverse teams.
Team-based challenge using problem-solving for a complex scenario.
Build connections with mentors and fellow participants.
How communication strategies and media campaigns shape public opinion.
Create and present a media campaign with feedback on execution.
Real-world ethical challenges in responsible media communication.
Relax and continue conversations in a casual setting.
Details to be finalized and shared soon.
Design grassroots campaigns by mobilizing volunteers and messaging.
Design a campaign addressing a local issue with actionable steps.
Build connections with mentors and fellow participants.
Activists share challenges and successes driving social change.
Explore lobbying and digital activism to amplify campaigns.
Finalize outreach plans for presentation on the last day.
Relax and continue conversations in a casual setting.
Details to be finalized and shared soon.
Learn about visionary leaders and the traits that define them.
Analyze real-life examples of leaders overcoming challenges.
Build connections with mentors and fellow participants.
Present community outreach projects with mentor and peer feedback.
Reflective walk exploring leadership lessons from the program.
Relax and continue conversations in a casual setting.
Details to be finalized and shared soon.
Showcase final projects on leadership, communication, and engagement.
Constructive feedback to refine skills for future leadership roles.
Build connections with mentors and fellow participants.
Celebrate and reflect on the week's learnings together.
Panel on future leadership challenges followed by Certificate Ceremony.
Final meal celebrating connections and knowledge gained.
Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville
*Please note that the schedule is subject to change and the exact schedule will be shared closer to the program.
Beyond the Classroom
Kings Dining & Entertainment, Seaport
Kings offers multiple lanes for large groups with dedicated event spaces, food and beverage packages tailored for group events.
Harvard University, Cambridge
Walk through 400 years of history on Harvard's iconic grounds. Visit Harvard Yard, the libraries, and learn about storied traditions.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Discover cutting-edge innovation at MIT. Explore the campus, visit notable landmarks, and learn about groundbreaking research.
Boston Common Frog Pond (Winter Season)
The Frog Pond in Boston Common is a popular spot for ice skating, offering a picturesque setting in the heart of the city. Renting the rink for a private event is recommended to handle a group of 150, with options available for skate rentals and concessions. The rink typically stays open until 9:00 PM during the winter season.
Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston
Visit one of Boston's premier cultural institutions with a guided tour followed by a reception in the museum's elegant event spaces.
Fenway Park, Boston
Experience an iconic Boston venue — Fenway Park. Students will enjoy a baseball game with food and merchandise credits.
…and many more!
*Please note that these are the tentative field trips planned. These may be subject to change based on availability and weather conditions.
Accommodation
The upscale Cambria® Hotel Boston Somerville is situated between Somerville's Union and Porter Squares, just over half a mile from Harvard University and less than 2 miles from Tufts University and MIT.
Nearby attractions include Assembly Row, Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, and Encore Casino.
0.5 miles from Harvard
Free high-speed WiFi
Complimentary breakfast
Airport transfers included 515 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143
About
The Harvard College Union Society is a community of Harvard students dedicated to free inquiry and civil discourse. We work to bring open arguments on the most important debates of the American milieu back to Harvard University.
Through our group, students and faculty debate political-philosophical topics with boldness in the face of controversy, building trust that discourse is still possible in the 21st-century academy.
We defend the free communication and critique of acceptable, controversial, and half-formed views alike, and encourage mutual criticism. We welcome all views expressed in a spirit of good faith and mutual respect.
Important Information
The fee covers academic fees during the Winter Camp at Harvard University, stay and meals for 7 nights and 8 days and airport pick-up and drop-off. It does not include air tickets and Visa fees for the program.
The fee does not cover airfare, visa charges, or individual expenses like sightseeing, travel on account of personal reasons, and any other expenses not directly related to the Winter Camp.
For Cohort 1: The hotel check-in date would be 3 January 2027 (3:00 PM) and the hotel check-out would be 10 January 2027 (12:00 PM).
For Cohort 2: The hotel check-in date would be 10 January 2027 (3:00 PM) and hotel check-out would be 17 January 2027 (12:00 PM).
In case of any accompanying adult or guardian with the student, an additional USD 2,500 (for twin-sharing room) per head or USD 3,500 (for single occupancy room) per head has to be paid to cover stay, meals and airport transfer during the program duration.
Additional days of stay beyond the program dates will have to be organized and managed by the student or parent themselves.
For Cohort 1: On 3 January, the fee includes dinner only. From 4 to 9 January, all three meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - will be covered. On 10 January, only breakfast will be provided.
For Cohort 2: On 10 January, the fee includes dinner only. From 11 to 16 January, all three meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - will be covered. On 17 January, only breakfast will be provided.
Students are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas or permits required to enter and stay in the United States for the entire duration of the Winter Camp, if applicable. Ensure all visa requirements are fulfilled well in advance of the program start date.
In the case of a teacher or guardian accompanying a group of students, they are permitted to drop off the students at the campus. However, classroom access during the program will be limited to registered participants only.
Distinguished Faculty
Harvard University Professor
Danielle Allen is the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University and Director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at Harvard Kennedy School. A leading scholar of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy, she is an award-winning author, democracy advocate, and civic education leader.
Harvard University Professor
James G. Anderson is the Philip S. Weld Professor at Harvard University, with appointments in Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Engineering. A member of the National Academy of Sciences, he is a highly decorated scientist recognized for major contributions to environmental science, climate research, and chemical sciences.
Distinguished
President, Harvard College Union Society
Tess is a sophomore pursuing a joint concentration in Statistics and the History of Science. She serves as President of the Harvard College Union Society. Beyond academics, Tess competes on Harvard's sailing team and performs as an electric bassist in jazz ensembles and student productions.
Vice-President, Harvard College Union Society
Brody Douglass is a sophomore majoring in Economics with a minor in philosophy. He is also a midshipman in Navy ROTC and plans to commission as an officer in the Navy after he graduates.
Harvard University Student
Callie is a sophomore at Harvard College, originally from a small town on the south shore of Massachusetts. She is planning to concentrate in Psychology and Economics.
Harvard University Student
Thomas is a sophomore at Harvard College studying Theology, History, and Government. He was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and is currently pursuing a commission within the United States Marine Corps.
Harvard University Student
Chris is a freshman at Harvard College planning to concentrate in Integrative Biology with a secondary focus on Global Health and Health Policy. Raised in Rubavu, Rwanda, he is involved with the Harvard College Union Society.
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Outcomes
Receive an official certificate recognizing your participation and accomplishments during the program.
Connect with like-minded scholars from over 30 countries around the world and forge lifelong bonds.
Strengthen your college applications with a distinguished leadership experience at Harvard University.
Scholar Voices
From past cohorts at Harvard University
"The Winter Camp was an incredible opportunity to meet and collaborate with students from all around the world. I also gained valuable knowledge that will support me throughout high school and university. My favorite activity was attending the Harvard vs. Brown hockey game!"
Arthur Ulak
Grade 8, Royal St George's College, Canada
"During the camp, I learned so much — from public speaking to policymaking and beyond. I'm incredibly grateful for this experience. I especially loved the outings after our lessons — they gave us the perfect opportunity to bond and create lasting memories."
Miel del Pilar
Grade 9, Assumption College, San Lorenzo, Philippines
"I discovered the art of socializing with peers from around the world. The program provided insights into public speaking, which is crucial as I aspire to apply to top universities. It's helping me prepare for my dream and fostering my independence."
Najla Alfhaid
Grade 10, King Faisal School, Saudi Arabia
"The Winter Camp was an experience like no other! I was surrounded by amazing new friends from all over the world. The classes were incredibly engaging and enjoyable, and I can't wait to apply what I learned in school and MUN!"
Ryann Holden
Grade 11, Hopkins School, USA
"Everyone was so welcoming and kind! The biggest takeaway was how much it pushed me to speak up, understand my leadership style, and find ways to make my voice more impactful. My favorite activity was the Harvard Museum visit!"
Cici Liang
Grade 10, Crofton House School, Canada
"I learned so much, not just academically but also about myself. My self-confidence has grown, and I feel much more comfortable speaking in public. My favorite activity was ice skating — it was a new experience!"
Shivaansh Rathi
Grade 10, MCTM International, India
Glimpses
Harvard Campus
Classroom Sessions
Museum Visits
Social Outings
MIT Tour
Ice Skating
Swartz Hall
John Harvard Statue
Group Work
Creative WorkshopHarvard CampusClassroomAdmissions
01
Explore the program details and reach out with any questions.
02
Submit your application with academic records and a personal statement.
03
Our admissions committee carefully reviews each application.
04
Receive your acceptance letter and secure your place in the cohort.