In this post we aim to answer some of the most common questions that parents and students have when selecting their summer school. We address the benefits of attending a summer school, how it works, and what you can expect when you attend.
Why Choose a Summer School?
Summer schools provide a unique opportunity for academic progress and cultural enrichment in some of the most prestigious locations in the world. These programs offer students a chance to explore subjects that interest them, promoting personal and academic development beyond what is covered in the regular school curriculum. It also provides a chance to work alongside students from all over the world.
The Unique Experience
Summer schools offer an immersive environment that goes beyond traditional classroom settings. Through specialized courses, workshops, and seminars, participants delve into subjects of interest with a depth and intensity not always possible during the regular academic year. These programs foster personal growth and development by encouraging exploration, creativity, and critical thinking in a supportive and enriching atmosphere. Moreover, summer schools often facilitate cross-cultural exchanges, with the participants becoming open to diverse perspectives, languages, and customs, fostering global awareness and understanding.
Personal Growth
Summer programs foster personal growth and development by encouraging exploration, creativity, and critical thinking in a supportive and enriching atmosphere. Moreover, summer schools often facilitate cross-cultural exchanges, with the participants becoming open to diverse perspectives, languages, and customs, fostering global awareness and understanding.
Whether it’s mastering a new skill, forging lifelong friendships, or broadening horizons, the unique blend of academic learning, cultural immersion, and personal enrichment makes summer schools an unparalleled opportunity for growth and discovery.
The institutions that summer school providers use are as diverse and interesting as the international students who attend them.
Global Summer School Programs & Providers
Summer school providers and their programs are as diverse and interesting as the international students who go to them.
What is a Provider?
Providers are private companies that host their own courses in the accommodation and classrooms of universities and boarding schools as private enterprises in the summer. This idea took hold in the early 2000s when companies realized they could make use of the space vacated by students during the summer vacation and engage a teaching staff ready for work. At the same time, universities or schools, with increasing costs, were looking to raise revenue over the summer period. These factors, coupled with the growing desire of both children and young adults to widen their experiences in a safe but exciting environment, created a new and exciting learning environment.
It’s important to note that summer school providers are mostly not part of the universities or boarding schools or affiliated with them in any way, but simply contracting for space and staff privately. However, it’s equally important to note that the experience is just as valid as if the summer schools were official university or boarding school programs. In many ways, the experience is enhanced as providers compete to offer more for their students. Teachers are often university academics or boarding school teachers, and students will indeed live and study in genuine university and boarding school accommodation and teaching rooms, so the experience is as close to being a student as it can get.
A Typical Day
Most providers tend to follow a typical daily routine. Early in the morning, students come together in the college hall for breakfast, talking and making plans while they eat. After breakfast, everyone heads to their first lesson, diving into interesting topics and lively debates in class. After the first class, a short break lets students stretch, grab some refreshments, or just revel in the surroundings. Energized, they delve into their second lesson of the day under the guidance of their dedicated tutors. Lunchtime is either an adventure in town or on campus depending on the age of the student and the environment they are in. After lunch, there are workshops or extra-curricular activities.
As twilight descends, the evening buzzes with events. Whether it’s dancing the night away at a themed party or attending a classic show, or playing in the grounds of the campus, the day ends on a high note, promising more unforgettable memories.
How to Prepare for Your Summer School
Preparing for your summer school adventure is essential to ensure that you make the most of this exciting experience. To begin with, you should research the city or the surrounding area where your summer school will take place, especially if it is an unfamiliar location. You can explore the area’s history and attractions through its tourist website or online videos. By doing this, you can familiarize yourself with your new temporary home, and you can create a list of must-see places to explore during your stay.
Feeling homesick is common, particularly if it’s your first experience away from home. You can combat these feelings by scheduling regular calls with loved ones, keeping a journal to record memories and emotions, and bringing along a book or cherished item from home to provide a sense of familiarity. Additionally, it is essential to be ready to make new friends. You can do this by having some conversation starters ready, such as asking about others’ travel experiences or course interests.
Consider leaving your dorm room door open and sharing snacks or games to encourage interaction with fellow students. Make sure you thoroughly read all the welcome information provided by your summer school provider, including timetables, course details, preparation requirements, and school rules. Save emergency phone numbers to your phone and pack essential items recommended by the school. These steps will help you start your summer school adventure with confidence and excitement.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Summer School
To make the most of your summer school adventure, approach it with an open mind and a thirst for new experiences. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people and explore unfamiliar places. Stepping out of your comfort zone, whether by initiating conversations or trying local cuisines, can lead to unexpected friendships and exciting discoveries.
Exploring the city or rural surrounds where you’re studying is another fantastic way to enrich your summer school journey. Tourist offices serve as gateways to discovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks, so be sure to grab a map and embark on unforgettable adventures. If you’re in a boarding school, your summer school staff will have already organized for you to go on adventures.
Remember that summer school programs maintain an academic focus, even for the very young, so staying committed to your studies will help you get the most out of your summer school experience.