Summer is approaching and parents often ask us how their children can to prepare as best as possible for their post-18 university applications of the following year. We suggest, depending on the student's choice of study, that they undertake a short stage in the middle of his future studies, which he is carrying out in lecture additional or that he participates in a Summer School.
A summer school is a short programme that allows students to be introduced to an academic subject, as well as a new environment: a university setting, working methods, and pace. Why not take the time to study abroad for a few weeks this summer?
Why do a summer school?
There are two main reasons for doing a summer school:
- This allows the pupil to have a first experience of higher education in his field. This may reinforce his choice of studies, or conversely, it will allow him to realise in time that the subject doesn't excite him.
- It is a first experience of higher education in a university atmosphere. This will motivate the pupil to redouble their efforts to obtain their A-levels in order to join a reputable university.
Summer schools proving popular with our pupils
Here is a selection of summer schools appreciated by our students.
King’s College London
King’s College summer courses will give you a taste of life as a King’s student. You will study on campus and live a truly international experience, with the opportunity to build global connections and friendships.
The application deadline is set for the end of March and the schools take place from July. Apply now on their website – of course, Expat Student is at your disposal to help you with your procedures if you need it.
Discover the King's College London summer school programmes
There are three different summer schools at King’s College:
- Pre-university education – an excellent opportunity for sixth formers aged 16 and over. You can choose from a range of modules, including in the fields of healthcare, science, law, business management, culture and social sciences. Each module lasts one week and you can choose to take several.
- Summer courses for undergraduates This is a research-focused programme, comprising lectures, small-group seminars and workshops, intended for undergraduate students who are already enrolled at another university. You can choose from modules such as health, science, law, governance, business management and culture. The modules are offered in two sessions, allowing you to study a different one in each session.
- Summer research programme – This summer research module in biomedical engineering is designed for students in the fields of life sciences and medicine. This six-week programme aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to actively participate in research and development, and to offer those who wish to pursue it an educational foundation for further master's and doctoral studies.
University of Bath
The International Summer School is a one-week programme designed to give prospective international students an insight into studying and student life at the University of Bath. It is a free online programme, focusing on various fields of study, which includes academic activities, general sessions on applying and studying in the UK, as well as networking with current university students. You will be able to connect with other people wishing to follow a course similar to yours.
The subjects on offer include the biosciences, the commerce and the management, the’engineering, the chemist's and the pharmacology, and the sport, health and exercise science.
All students must be able to prove that they master the’English by achieving an overall score of 5.5 on the’IELTS or an equivalent school qualification. All international students (as classified by overseas tuition fee status) who will start university in September of the following year and who are academically capable of studying at Bath in their chosen subject may apply.
The summer school takes place in August, and the closing date for applications is the end of Mars.
If you follow the’International Summer School, including the sessions and activities included, you will be guaranteed to receive a conditional offer for a place of study at Bath (subject to certain conditions). Check their website for more details.
Royal Veterinary College, University of London
For students considering taking veterinary studies, the RVC summer school is a very good taster.
This is a highly competitive programme offering only around fifty places to the best candidates. In addition to the assessment of your academic abilities, your personal statement will also be used to decide to whom the places will be offered.
The aim of this summer school is to:
- allow pupils to develop academically and personally
- provide an overview of the veterinary training and profession
- provide a comprehensive understanding of the application process to enable them to realise their potential.
Find out more about the University of London's pre-vet summer school
IE Madrid
IE Madrid offers two different programmes of Summer School for students. Located in Madrid, all programmes are offered in English and will expose you to new ways of thinking. If you would like to have a stimulating and rewarding experience this summer, applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
- IE University summer programme
This programme is aimed at high school students who will be starting university in the next two years. There will be 3 sessions during the summer holidays held in Segovia and Madrid, in Spain.
This is a dynamic academic course including workshops, interactive sessions and team-building projects. It will give you the opportunity to enhance your soft skills through sessions on leadership, personal branding, public speaking and teamwork. The second phase will allow you to discover different fields of study through stimulating workshops led by their own faculty members.
- Summer school
This programme of three weeks is designed for ambitious undergraduates and recent graduates who want to experience a radically different academic and personal journey at a world-class university.
You will experience IE's values of academic excellence, the humanities, innovation and technology, diversity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
The programme is open to university students from any academic background and recent graduates (maximum 2 years of professional experience).
You can find out more and apply on the website of’IE Madrid.
Feel free to check out our articles on healthcare studies in Spain for those of you interested in continuing your studies on the Iberian Peninsula.
Oxford Royale Academy
For nearly 20 years, the’Oxford Royale Academy gives students from all over the world a taste of university life as a first UK summer school. It has welcomed over 30,000 students from 170 countries since 2004 and you can be one of them, nurturing your ambition, developing your knowledge and enjoying a combination of specialist teaching and exclusive events at Oxford Summer School or summer schools in Cambridge, London, Yale or UC Berkeley.
The courses are not reserved for students over 18, they are aimed at students in three different age groups: 13-15 years, 16-18 years and adults. With more than 40 academic courses and career-focused, of which the medicine, the’engineering and youTechnology, the’commercial innovation and the’entrepreneurship, and the academy of law and advocacy, there is certainly something that will suit you.
As deadlines vary, we invite you to consult the various university programmes on the website of the’Oxford Royal Academy. Don't delay, apply now!
EXPAT STUDENT CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR APPLICATIONS TO JOIN A SUMMER SCHOOL!
Expat Student can help you select the best summer university programme according to your wishes and aspirations, as well as submit your application for summer schools. But we are also here to help your child decide what they want to study and where they want to study after their A-levels, and to start preparing their application file in advance. If you want to do a bachelor's or master's degree in Spain, en Great Britain, au Canada, in the Netherlands..., Expat Student can help you apply for prestigious international university programmes, including to study medicine studies.
Expat Student helps students apply for the international course or courses that best match their interests and abilities, assisting them with writing their cover letter and preparing their CV, and offering them individual, personalised support.
We can also help you to apply to prestigious universities in Europe or North America for master's level programmes. Our students are present in over 30 major international universities, on programmes as diverse as international business, engineering, British literature, history, international relations and political science, international law, medicine and veterinary studies.
Interested in a summer school or a bachelor's degree abroad?
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