Cornell University Economics and Business Summer School

4001-699-686

Introduction




Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York State, is one of the eight Ivy League institutions. This prestigious private research university is ranked 16th in the QS World Rankings 2026 and also holds the 27th position in the QS Global Ranking of Business and Economics 2025. Additionally, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is ranked 14th in the 2025 QS Best Business Schools ranking. The Department of Economics at Cornell is home to world-class scholars and professors, earning a strong reputation in the academic community.

This 13-day Cornell University Economics and Business Summer School, led by Cornell Economics faculty, covers a range of courses in Behavioral & Environmental Economics, Global Strategy & Sustainable Business, Big Data & Business Analytics, and Engineering Economics & Systems Thinking, as well as the Business Analysis Simulation and Business Pitch Competition, where participants can win certificates. Besides, students will engage in application lectures, and careers path sharing, conduct diverse activities, such as sightsee the Niagara Falls, explore the Cornell campus and library, visit the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, explore the botanical gardens, or attend summer lawn concert.

Highlights

Official Program, taught by Top University Professors
Cornell’s flagship majors: Behavioral and Environmental Economics, Global Economic Strategy, and Sustainable Business
Business Competitions, dual Practical Challenges
Conduct the team-based Business Analysis Simulation & Business Pitch Competition. Outstanding teams will be awarded certificates!
Official Certificate of Completion & Transcript, letter of Recommendation
Gain certificate of completion, transcript, and the top 20% of outstanding students will also get a letter of recommendation
International Class, Ivy League Academic Community
Immersed in multicultural atmosphere, engage with mentors on Piazza, and gain insights into university application
1:15 Mentor-Students Ratio, authentic Campus Life
Access abundant on-campus catering and public resources, and participate in various social activities such as basketball, music festivals, and group team-building events.
The Niagara Falls, explore the Natural Wonders
Sightsee the Niagara Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world, to unlock American cultural and natural experiences

Teaching Faculty

* The faculty is subject to the final arrangement of Cornell University Economics and Business Summer School

Prof. Jawad Addoum

  • Associate Professor of Finance Johnson College of Business, Cornell University
  • PhD in Finance, Duke University

Prof. Ariel Orriz-Bobea

  • Associate Professor of Economics Johnson College of Business, Cornell University
  • PhD in Economics, University of Maryland, College Park

Prof. Jura Liaukonyte

  • Associate Professor of Economics Johnson College of Business, Cornell University
  • PhD in Economics, University of Virginia

Prof. Sarah Jacobson

  • Professor of Economics Williams College
  • PhD in Economics, Georgia State University

Course Introduction

Module 1: Foundation Courses (Behavioral & Environmental Economics, Global Strategy & Sustainable Business)

The course integrates behavioral economics and international economics through a practical perspective, covering topics like how human behavior impacts economic decisions and how these decisions affect the environment and sustainable development. It combines insights from consumer behavior, environmental policies, sustainable practices, how politics influence international economic transactions, enabling students to master the thinking methods and analytical tools for formulating global and sustainable strategies.

Module 2: Elective Courses (Big Data & Business Analytics, Engineering Economics & Systems Thinking)

Two elective courses available (approx. 1/3–1/4 of the programme) will run alongside the foundation classes. If one course has low enrollment, it may not be offered. Once courses start, changes are not permitted.
· Elective 1: Big Data & Business Analytics
This course, based on Excel, introduces how to organize, manipulate, and analyze structured and semistructured data, equipping students with methods to apply data analysis techniques in real-world business contexts.
· Elective 2: Engineering Economics & Systems Thinking
This course integrates engineering and economic perspectives, teaching students how to use Vensim software to simulate dynamics of production, investment, and growth. It aims to help them identify leverage points in complex systems, evaluate trade-offs, and enhance their analytical and decision-making capabilities.

Module 3: Business Competitions (Capstones) (Business Analysis Simulation & Business Pitch Competition)

Students will step into real-world roles by engaging in two exciting experiential learning challenges from team-based data analysis, decision making, and pitch showcase. All are evaluated by Cornell’s faculty panel, with top-performing teams to win certificates.
· Business Analysis Simulation: Step into the role of a decision-maker, team up to run your own company, making real business choices about product design, pricing, advertising, promotions, and sales. By the end, students will foster their ability of analysis and leadership through 12 rounds of play.
· Business Pitch Competition: Put yourself in the shoes of a real consulting team to design a bold new product or service idea, research the market, craft a strategy to hone innovative thinking, business insights and teamwork capability.

Sample Schedule

* The specific course content and program schedule are subject to the final arrangement of Cornell University Economics and Business Summer School.

Date 9:00-12:00 13:30-17:00 After 17:00
Day 1 Arrival
Day 2 Opening Ceremony & New Student Orientation Course Introduction & Campus Tour Organize Extracurricular Activities:

Visit the library, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art / Botanical Garden / attend summer lawn concerts / team-building activities, etc.
Day 3 Academic Courses:
● Module 1: Foundation Course (Behavioral & Environmental Economics, Global Strategy & Sustainable Business)
● Module 2: Elective Course (Big Data & Business Analytics/Engineering Economics & Systems Thinking)		 ● Module 3: Business Competitions (Business Analysis Simulation & Business Pitch Competition)
● Attend the application lecture of Cornell University or engage in academic consultation from the faculty and Cornell students
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7 Sightsee the Niagara Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world, or other scenes
Day 8 Academic Courses:
● Module 1: Foundation Course (Behavioral & Environmental Economics, Global Strategy & Sustainable Business)
● Module 2: Elective Course (Big Data & Business Analytics/Engineering Economics & Systems Thinking)		 ● Module 3: Business Competitions (Business Analysis Simulation & Business Pitch Competition)
● Attend the application lecture of Cornell University or engage in academic consultation from the faculty and Cornell students		 Organize Extracurricular Activities:

Visit the library, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art / Botanical Garden / attend summer lawn concerts / team-building activities, etc.
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13 Departure

Photo Gallery

Program Information

■ Date:

Jul.13 - Jul.25, 2026 (13 Days)
* Due to Daylight Saving Time in New York (UTC-4), the specific dates for your flight departure and return may vary due to time zone differences.

■ Location:

Ithaca, New York, USA

■ Eligibility:

High school students in grades 9-12 interested in Economics, Finance, Management, Financial Mathematics, and related subjects.

■ Requirements:

  • English language level equivalent to IELTS level 6.0, TOEFL 80, Duolingo English Test score of 105, or an equivalent proficiency level
  • If you do not meet the above criteria, you will be required to do a phone or an online interview in English with an ASEEDER teacher.

* Please note: Students who have met the admission requirements are required to fill in the information submission form according to the email prompts within 7 days after the successful payment of the fee. You will need to upload an English personal statement (no more than 350 words) and your latest school transcript. If you fail to submit the form on time, you will not be able to secure a spot in the program. And the final acceptance will be notified by the Cornell University Economics and Business Summer School.

■ Fee

Includes:

  • Tuition, accommodation (reside in Cornell dormitory), meals, extracurricular activities, excursion, drop-off and pick-up between the Airport and Cornell University (Only for flights with ASEEDER), ASEEDER group leader service fee (assembly and unitedly departure from Beijing/Shanghai/Shenzhen/Hong Kong with the group leader), international insurance, and study materials.

Excludes：

  • International roundtrip airfare (departure and arrival from Beijing / Shanghai / Shenzhen / Hong Kong). You can use a third-party service or ASEEDER’s unified service. (Please confirm with the responsible teacher at ASEEDER before purchasing tickets.)
  • Visa Service Fee (optional): 3,000 RMB (ASEEDER Visa Worry-Free Service: In the case of visa rejection, eligible applicants will either receive a full refund of the visa service fee or a complimentary reapplication, and the full program fee will be fully refunded, ensuring no financial loss. )

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