Participating in a summer school is an excellent way to boost a student’s CV and academic prospects. They can help students to stand out from other applicants as they gain extra qualifications, as well as a better understanding of their chosen subject area. Many summer schools are based in world-leading facilities and offer high-quality education from leading academics.

Aside from the academic benefits of summer schools, students can also learn more about another culture and country if they decide to attend an international summer school. Ambitious students can make the most of the summer break by taking part in a summer exchange programme to listen to lectures given by leading academics and try to understand the culture of their host country.

What are the best summer schools around the world?

Some of the most prestigious universities around the world open their doors during the summer for students to participate in a variety of classes. This includes the University of Oxford in the UK, Harvard University in the US and the KCP International Language school in Japan. Students can experience what it’s like to be taught by leading academics and exploring the city that their summer school is based in.

There’s so much more to learn from attending a school that’s not in your home country. You will be able to interact with other students from different backgrounds and cultures, as well as gain independence and confidence from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best summer schools throughout the world and what makes the courses so special. Whether you’re looking to pursue a humanitarian subject or want to delve deeper into economics, we’ll help you to decide which summer school is right for you.

HEC Paris Summer School (France)

HEC Paris is one of the most prestigious business schools in France. There are a variety of courses that are on offer through the school’s summer programme. This includes subjects such as Business and Climate Change, Luxury Management, and Investment Banking and International Finance.

English-speaking summer programmes at HEC last for two weeks and are open to students who have advanced Bachelors, Masters or are young professionals. Students are tested through different means, such as group projects, written exams and presentations. Once the course has been completed, the students are then awarded seven ECTS credits. The conversion rate between ECTS ( European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and UK credits is two UK credits for every ECTS credit.

Each two-week summer school programme costs €2,800, plus a non-refundable application fee of €50. However, there are also a limited number of scholarships available, which offers a course for €250.

The courses feature real-life cases that students can study, along with conferences and talks held by industry professionals.

Oxford Royale Academy (UK)

Students at the Oxford Royale Academy have the opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world – the University of Oxford. Subjects include economics, the law, philosophy, medicine, along with many more. There are classes for students aged from eight years old, as well as courses for mature students that are over the age of 19.

An average two-week course includes guest lectures, extra-curricular activities and help with exam and career prep. Students travel from over 170 different countries to learn and immerse themselves in the University of Oxford experience.

Prices start at £5,495 for courses aimed at teenagers, whilst the younger students (aged between eight and 12 years old) are able to learn at the Uppingham School from £1,495.

Some of the exciting courses on offer for older students include Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Experimental Psychology and Curing the Future: Medicine & Disease. Younger students can participate in courses such as Engineering & Technology and Explore Creative Arts.

Summer wouldn’t be complete with a few trips out, which is why students can enjoy visits to famous sites like the Ashmolean Museum and the Bodleian Library.

Bocconi Summer School (Italy)

Based in Milan, the Bocconi Summer School is one of the best summer schools in Italy. The Bocconi University has been ranked number three in Europe and seventh worldwide for its Business & Management course. Over 280 other schools are partnered with this university, which enables a diverse, multi-cultural atmosphere.

There are six language courses options for international university students, including Digital Marketing, Management and Fashion. These courses take place over three weeks and are priced from €1,400. High School students are also able to attend summer school, with courses lasting around two weeks each. Subjects include Computer Coding, Communication & Advertising and Entrepreneurship. The High School programmes are slightly cheaper at around €1,100.

As always, what gives a summer school added enjoyment is the extra-curricular activities. Students at Bocconi University can tour the bustling city of Milan, go for a swim in the Olympic-size swimming pool or participate in the various clubs at the university.

KCP International Language school (Japan)

For students wanting to perfect their Japanese language skills, there’s no better place than the KCP International Language School. All classes at the school are taught in Japanese, although there are also supplementary instructional classes in English as well.

A full summer semester and board in the Tokyo-based school can cost upwards of $6,700, whilst the eight-week short-term summer course and board will cost $5,700. All prices are inclusive of items such as textbooks and extra-curricular activities.

Over 50 different countries are represented at the school, which is open to university students, post-graduates and adult professionals. There are 260 class hours on offer for the full summer semester, as well as trips in and around Tokyo. Students are also able to receive optimum assistance, thanks to the three teachers that are assigned to each class.

Aside from teaching languages, the KCP International Language school (which is available in six different levels) also has classes on traditional and Japanese life available.

IE University (Spain)

75% of the university is made up of International students from over 130 countries who have travelled from abroad to attend the IE University in Madrid. Over the course of 10 days, students can learn about a subject such as Social Sciences, Economics and Business Entrepreneurship, as well as soft skills that can boost employability.

The IE University has been ranked as the best university in Spain, which makes it an ideal location for someone wanting to attend a Spanish summer school. Classes start from €3800 and include tuition, accommodation, health insurance and more.

Currently, the summer school is only open to students who will be starting university in 2023 and 2024.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (Singapore)

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, or FASStrack Asia as it is otherwise known, is a faculty of the National University of Singapore.

Summer courses at this research university, which is the oldest self-governing university in Singapore, are based around the Asian Studies Division, Humanities Division and the Social Sciences Division of the school.

Students are able to participate in a five-week study period, taking up to two courses. Activities throughout the summer school involve various field trips around Singapore.

Tuition fees for the summer programme start from S$2,985 per module for visiting students. The facilities at the newly upgraded university campus include state of the art IT hubs, as well as recreational spaces for playing sports and taking part in the performing arts.

Frankfurt Summer School (Germany)

Over 30 different countries are represented by students at the Frankfurt Summer School. There are 24 subjects to choose from, which can be completed in two or four week periods. Some of the more popular courses are based on psychology, linguistics and sociology. The additional courses include modules on the German language and Intercultural Communication.

Aside from their classes, students can also enjoy excursions to locations such as Amsterdam, Berlin and Heidelberg. An educational study tour will also take place around Frankfurt, where students can try the local cuisine and sightsee around the city.

Each academic module costs €500, whilst an additional course on the German language costs an added €200. The university also offers help and support with finding suitable accommodation for students during their summer school programme.