Fifteen students from across the US have completed a fortnight of truly British experiences as part of a trip aimed at giving them a cultural and historical perspective on the UK.

Students from Orange County to Chicago were brought together on the ACS International Schools’ British Summer Studies Programme (BSSP) and returned to the US earlier this month.

Based at the boarding accommodation at ACS Cobham International School, the group was able to visit important sites of British heritage.

The course has been designed to give a broad cultural understanding of Britain to American students, many of whom are stepping out of their home country for the first time. This year’s trip took in many places of historical importance, such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the city of Oxford. It also looked at the more contemporary side of Britain, including Tate Modern and the new Olympics site.

The programme is available to only the most highly motivated US high-school students, who go through a rigorous selection process in order to secure a place. Many of the students attending this year’s programme were awarded scholarships to attend the summer school by ACS International Schools and the British American Business Council (BABC) as part of a joint commitment to rewarding academically gifted and deserving students.

Shauna Rust, aged 16, from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, commented, “I heard about the British Summer Studies Programme through my school, and I thought it sounded like a great opportunity, so, for my application, I wrote an essay about Olympic athlete and 2012 ambassador Sebastian Coe.

“Before coming here, I knew some things about the UK, but not much, as I had never been out of the US before. I would definitely recommend BSSP – everyone has really enjoyed themselves."

Lexus Moseley, who is 16 years old and attends Walter Payton College Prep, in Chicago, added, “I was really excited to see the new Olympics site being built. Going overseas expands your knowledge of the world and means you are more travelled; you’ll know more than just what is in the textbooks.”

“This year’s programme, which is our fifteenth, has been another great success," said Craig Worthington, academic dean at ACS Cobham and British Summer Studies Program director. "The students were enthusiastic and inquisitive when it came to exploring monuments, art and events from British history.”

“Making sense of the past brings history to life, turning learning into a voyage of discovery and laying the foundation for a lifelong understanding and appreciation of the lasting impact of British culture.”