What is an international summer school?

You might not want to go to school in the middle of summer, but a summer school can actually be an amazing experience. Make that an international summer school, and you can learn about new cultures, meeting new people while still being "on holiday".

There are a lot of variety when it comes to summer school, and it is completely up to you how long you want to stay and where you want to go. Perhaps you want to brush up on some language skills while you are there? Often while attending a summer school you will live on campus, and make a bunch of international friends. In that way you can improve your english in the class room as well as with friends in your spare time.

What does a summer school offer?

There are, as mentioned, many summer schools to choose from. For instance, you can apply to London School of Economics for their prestigious summer school. Here the students can choose between different topics of study for an intense three-week course. Courses can often be taken for credit towards degrees at other institutions. Note that you might have to show that you have been admitted to a university in the UK, and that you have an average grade of B+.

On the other end of the scale you have the many "language travel" schools, which offers english training but shorter school days. Here you will have a few lectures a week where you learn the language, and then for the rest of the day you can explore the city and make new friends. Usually these schools have classes for different age-ranges, and entry requirement are not particularly strict. There is usually a fee connected to the studies and accommodation.

A summer school usually varies from one week to three weeks, while some are even longer. It all depends on your chosen subject and place of study. You can find a list over international summer schools here.

How can I apply?

First of all you have to research your prospects and make sure you choose the summer school of your dreams. It might be through a university, or I might be through a language travel provider such as EF international language school. Usually the application process goes through the school or the provider, and this process varies. Most likely you will find an application form online and you will have to provide some personal information and sign up to the programme, as well as paying a fee. At some point is normal to have a language test to make sure you are in the right class based on your level of English.

Where do I stay?

Often the provider of the summer school will also make sure you have fitting accommodation throughout your studies.

In many schools you can choose between self-catered/catered accommodation (usually a flatshare or halls of residence) or homestay accommodation (living with a native host family).
 

An international summer school is often a great way to get to know what it is like to be a student in a certain country. Who knows, you may end up coming back to do your university studies there!