Francisco Bustos shares his valuable expertise on bringing groups to London during July and August combining tourism with education. Why the UK? And why London? For international summer schools the country remains the top choice and of course London is a city loved by all. It’s also a city where Academic Summer has two Camps – London City at David Game College, and Westminster at DLD College London.
After many years working in international education, one thing has always been clear to me: the UK continues to be one of the most desirable destinations for families considering summer education abroad. As someone who has welcomed students from all over the world to Academic Summer’s London camps, I’ve seen this first-hand and the reasons are both simple and compelling.
Education and Tourism drive the industry
The appeal of a British summer school lies in the unique blend of high-quality education and world-class tourism. These two forces, education and tourism, drive the industry. Families don’t just come here for learning; they come for the full cultural experience. London, in particular, offers an unbeatable combination. For parents, it’s the perfect opportunity: they book a week in a beautiful hotel, enjoy the sights and sounds of the capital and feel reassured knowing their children are in safe hands, engaged in meaningful academic and personal development.
I’ve seen families take advantage of their time here by exploring the British Museum, indulging in long lunches in Covent Garden or shopping in Mayfair. Meanwhile, their children are immersed in an international learning environment, forming new friendships and gaining skills that will shape their future. Everyone wins.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed groups from across the globe – Mexico, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Spain, Serbia to name a few. Each market is different, and building relationships takes care and understanding. In Mexico, for example, we worked with agents who specialised in bilingual and international schools. They were looking for something more than standard English tuition. They wanted public speaking and UN-style debating. So, we created a bespoke programme just for them, integrated into our regular academic structure. The result? Happy students, impressed schools and an agent partnership that continues to flourish.
As Director of Studies for Academic Summer at DLD College London, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing the academic experience for hundreds of students right in the heart of Westminster. There’s something incredibly special about welcoming groups to this iconic location – just a short walk from Big Ben, the London Eye and the River Thames. The setting itself inspires students, but what really makes it work is the quality of teaching and the supportive atmosphere. Academic Summer creates a space where students not only improve their English but also grow in confidence, independence and cultural understanding. For many, it’s a transformational experience and for us as educators, it’s deeply rewarding to witness.
If you’re thinking of bringing groups to London for educational purposes consider an Academic Camp with Academic Summer at one of their London locations. DLD College London (pictured above) is a world class venue right in the heart of Westminster where student rooms have views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Bringing a group to London…
Group travel has become increasingly popular in recent years. More and more, we see students arriving in national groups rather than as individuals. For some, it’s about familiarity and comfort. In today’s world, that sense of belonging, particularly when abroad, is key for some parents. At Academic Summer, we’ve found a way to strike the balance: providing group cohesion while still encouraging international interaction and integration.
Bringing a group to the UK, especially to a city as vibrant as London, is a powerful experience. It offers young people a taste of British education, a safe and structured environment to improve their English, and a cultural immersion that stays with them for life. For agents and educators, it’s about delivering a programme that’s academically strong, well-organised and tailored to the needs of each market.
That’s what I’ve loved most about working in this sector – the ability to listen, adapt, and deliver something meaningful. This is why my belief in the value of British summer education remains stronger than ever. The UK is not just a place to study, it’s a place to grow.
Also read: What makes Academic Summer different from other UK camps?
Francisco Bustos is a seasoned education professional with over 20 years of experience in the international education and the summer school sector. He has worked with leading organisations across the UK and Europe, specialising in student recruitment and developing new markets. Up until 31 January 2025, he served as a senior team member at Academic Summer, contributing to the company’s growth and reputation for excellence. Francisco was also the Director of Studies for Academic Summer’s Westminster Camp at DLD College, London.