Best Summer Schools In The World: Types and How to Choose

Summer schools are unique experiences that students can undertake in high school to improve their summer learning, their profiles, gain exposure to novel and diverse pedagogical methods, explore fields of interest not that are not a part of conventional school curricula, and engage and study with students from diverse nationalities and cultures across the world.

This Story also Contains

1. What are Summer Schools?
2. Types Of Summer Schools
3. Credit-Bearing Summer Schools
4. Certificate-Awarding Summer Schools
5. How to Choose the Right Summer School?
6. Best Summer Schools
7. Benefits of Attending a Summer School
8. Tips for Applying to Summer School

Owing to these unique benefits, summer schools have become increasingly popular, both from the perspective of students and universities. This is reflected in the increasing number of courses and enrolments, especially the summer programs for international students. Whilst summer learning courses can be undertaken at many different times through a student’s academic journey, this article focuses on undergraduate summer school programs, especially those that are open to high school students looking forward to beginning their undergraduate degrees in the coming years.

Students can choose between online or offline summer schools. Irrespective of the medium, these summer schools are crucial learning experiences that define career and profile trajectories for years to come. We shall further discuss some of types of summer programs for international students and also ennumerate a few renowned ones.

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What are Summer Schools?

These are short-term academic programs that take place in summer break (usually between June and August). With these short courses, universities offer several opportunities to international students. These include exploring new study fields, taking extra courses, getting a chance to witness international events, earn credits, and preparing for standardized tests. Some are academic and rigorous, while others are more recreational or exploratory. They can range from a few days to several weeks.

Types Of Summer Schools

Summer schools can additionally be classified based on the kind of certifications they award to students. Let us look at a few of those:-

Credit-Bearing Summer Schools

Certain summer school courses are equivalent to courses taken by university students in their undergraduate degrees. Hence, students who complete these summer learning programs are awarded an equivalent number of credits for completing the course. These credits are important because in addition to improving profiles significantly, they allow students to save tuition fees and time whilst completing their undergraduate degrees.

Popular In The USA | Credit Bearing Summer Schools are popular in the United States and are hence important profile elements for international students seeking to pursue undergraduate studies in the US. Moreover, completing credit-bearing courses with decent grades from leading universities like Cornell University and the University of Southern California significantly increases the chances of admission into those universities.

Challenging For Students | Whilst Credit Bearing Summer Courses typically tend to be more expensive in comparison to non-credit bearing ones, they provide unique value to students with defined trajectories for undergraduate education. Given that these courses are equivalent to undergraduate-level courses in universities, they also tend to be more challenging for students, especially if they are not acquainted with the syllabus beforehand.

Leading Examples | Cornell University, the University of Southern California, and the University of California Berkeley are credit-bearing schools that are amongst the best summer schools in the world. Admissions into credit-bearing summer boarding schools are highly competitive, with students having to undergo an undergraduate-admission like evaluation, with requirements ranging from essays to letters of recommendation.

Credit Bearing Summer Schools Are Equivalent To Courses Taken By University Students In Their Undergraduate Degrees

Certificate-Awarding Summer Schools

The majority of summer programs for international students are not credit-bearing, and they instead award students with official certificates of completion. Whilst these programs do not award credits, admission into these courses are also less competitive, thereby giving students keen to explore diverse curricula and courses a unique opportunity. Given that they require lesser financial and time investment on part of students, these courses are typically more accessible to students with varying levels of academic achievement.

More Exploratory | These summer boarding schools can be more unique too! Because they are not bound by the limitations and requirements of undergraduate course curricula, these courses tend to be more unique, exploratory, and even experiential. Students can study a wide range of subjects and engage in unique projects and experiential learning experiences. This, combined with accessible entry requirements positions them as perfect experiences for high school students with different grades.

Recommendations | Leading examples of non-credit-bearing summer schools include LSE Summer School, Harvard Summer School, and Imperial College London Summer School.

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How to Choose the Right Summer School?

Following are the steps that will help you choose the top summer schools in the world.

1. Define Your Goals

2. Choose the Right Subject Area

3. Check the Institution's Reputation

4. Consider Location

5. Review Program Content & Structure

6. Verify Accreditation and Credits

7. Check Costs and Scholarships

8. Look Into Accommodation and Support Services

9. Read Reviews and Ask Questions

10. Think About the Social and Cultural Experience

Best Summer Schools

Let us enumerate some of the best summer programs for international students in the world.

1. Harvard Summer School

• Pre-College Program | 2 weeks; non-credit bearing

• Secondary School Program | 7 weeks; credit-bearing

2. LSE Summer School

• 100 Level Courses | These are equivalent to first-year undergraduate courses. Whilst most of these courses are open to high school students and have no college-level requirements, they might require some prior understanding of mathematics.

• 200-Level and 300-Level courses | These are equivalent to second and final year university courses and require students to undertake some undergraduate study prior to applications.

3. Cornell Pre-College Programs

• Credit-Bearing Programs | These include 3- week, 6-week, or 8-week sessions with varying levels of credit offerings.

4. MIT Summer School

Best summer programs from MIT are:-

• Research Science Institute (non-credit-bearing, 6 weeks long)

• Women’s Technology Program (non-credit-bearing, 4 weeks long)

5. Imperial College London

Best non-credit-bearing summer programs from Imperial College London are:-

• Revolutions in Biomedicine – Online Summer School

• Online Summer School – Pandemic Imperial

• On-Campus Summer School – Mini Research Project

• Imperial College Business School - Business Analytics, Machine Learning & Applied Statistics, Principles of Finance, Business Strategy & Consulting, Digital Marketing

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6. University Of California Berkeley

Best summer schools at UCB are:-

• Summer Virtual Track (credit-bearing, virtual)

• Summer Residential/Commuter Track (credit-bearing, on-campus)

• Summer Non-Credit Track (non credit-bearing, on-campus)

7. Columbia University

Some of the best summer schools at Columbia University, New York are:-

• Summer Immersion Online ( non credit-bearing, virtual)

• Summer Immersion in New York City (non credit-bearing, on-campus)

• College Edge (credit-bearing, in-person)

8. University of Southern California

• 4-Week, for-credit program conducted on campus

Studying and being a part of some of the best summer boarding schools in the world is often a differentiating factor in students’ profiles when it comes to undergraduate admissions. Students are recommended to start preparing for these courses early, as applications are open as early as March every year. Choosing the right university and course is key to realising the true value of the investment made, and students should thoroughly do research and seek guidance before applying to and finalising summer school programs.

Benefits of Attending a Summer School

These are the benefits of attending good summer schools:

• Academic Advancement: Attending a summer school 2025 will help your academic knowledge to advance to next level.

• College or Career Preparation: When you enrol in the best university summer programs, you get an opportunity to prepare for college admission or a new job opportunity.

• Earn Credits: Accumulate transferable credits toward your degree.

• Skill Development: Enhance soft skills such as critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

• Cultural Exposure: Experience global perspectives through classroom discussions and cultural programs.

• Networking Opportunities: Access mentorship and potential future collaborators.

• Boost Confidence and Independence: Being a part of the top summer schools also help in boosting your confidence, independence, and self-motivation.

• Try Out University Life: The best summer course also help you explore the vibrant university life and make new friends.

• Productive Use of Summer: Attending the best summer schools worldwide is the best possible way to utilise your summer break.

• Resume Enhancement: The best summer school programs give you an opportunity to stand out among the crowd with an added achievement in your resume.

Tips for Applying to Summer School

Here are a few tips to make applying to the best summer school in the world easier for you:

• Start Early: Start researching months ago and start applying early. The quicker you apply, more the chances to get scholarships for your favourite study program.

• Clearly define your objectives: Know the purpose of attending a summer school. Define them clearly.

• Select a suitable program that suits you: Go through the duration of the program, teaching methods and reputation of the university before applying.

• Check eligibility requirements: Ensure you meet all the program requirements like the age, language proficiency level, qualifications, etc.

• Keep necessary documents handy: Make sure you have all the mandatory documents like the application form, personal statement, academic transcripts, letter of recommendation, proof of English language proficiency with you.

• Write a Strong Personal Statement: Be clear, honest, and specific about your goals, interests, and why you chose that particular program.

• Pay Attention to Deadlines: Know all the deadlines related to your application process.