Georgetown Debate & Public Speaking Program 2026
Are you in high school or in your first year of a bachelor’s degree, and do you want to dig deeper into competitive debate and public speaking in English at a top university this summer? Enrichment programs in Washington, D.C. offer an immersive experience of 1 to 3 weeks: you explore a subject in depth, spend time on a prestigious campus and strengthen your application for an international bachelor’s degree.
Debate & public speaking program: official booking
Registration, on-campus accommodation and YDS support are coordinated through our partner La Route des Langues, an agency specializing in campus programs in the US and the UK.
The program at a glance
The debate & public speaking programs in Washington, D.C. are run by Georgetown University (Public Policy Institute Debate Camps). Typical format: residential, with student housing on campus, meals included, and teaching and supervision by faculty or doctoral students. Admission is selective and based on an application (transcripts, a personal statement, and sometimes a letter of recommendation and an interview).
Who is this program for?
Students in 11th and 12th grade and first-year undergraduates planning to apply to universities abroad.
- English level: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (sometimes B2, confirmed in an interview)
- Academic profile: an average of 15/20 or a GPA of 3.5+, with a strong record
- Soft skills: independence and genuine curiosity about the subject
Program content and skills you will develop
Lectures, hands-on workshops, small-group projects and field visits.
Key skills you will develop:
- Structured argumentation
- Fast source research
- Speaking under pressure
- Active listening
- Effective rebuttal
At the end of the program, you leave with a completed project, an official certificate from the university and, often, a letter of recommendation written by your supervising instructor.
A typical day
The exact schedule depends on the program you choose. Excursions and visits take place on weekends.
Cost and accommodation
2026 budget: $2,500 to $6,500, including tuition, accommodation and meals. Flights, travel health insurance and spending money are extra. Partial scholarships are sometimes available.
Booking through La Route des Langues, a YDS partner
You register for the debate & public speaking program in Washington, D.C. through our partner La Route des Langues, which coordinates everything for you: choosing the program, handling your application, on-campus student housing, airport transfers, adult supervision and 24/7 on-site assistance. YDS adds admissions coaching to help you make the most of this program in your bachelor’s application.
For further reading, see also: Georgetown International Relations Program 2026.
See prices & book →Frequently asked questions
How long does a debate & public speaking program in Washington, D.C. usually last?
1 to 3 weeks, depending on the format. Shorter programs offer an introduction; longer ones let you go into more depth.
What level of English do I need?
TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (B2–C1). Some programs accept B2 if confirmed in an interview.
How do I register?
Through our partner La Route des Langues. Go to the booking page →
How can YDS help me make the most of this program in my application?
Choosing the right program, coaching on your personal statement, interview preparation and help with your timeline. See our coaching service.
🎓 Ready to sign up for the debate & public speaking program in Washington, D.C.?
2026 prices, dates and availability can be checked directly with our partner La Route des Langues, on a page co-branded with Your Dream School.
Book the debate & public speaking program →