Ahhh, summer. It's a special time, when different rules apply than the rest of the year. You have a say in what you want to do and the options are plentiful. You can get a job, intern, travel, study, or do nothing at all. It's your choice, although we don't recommend the latter option. We encourage you to think of summer as the time to discover and explore your own interests.
As you start to explore different summer programs, remember that you are choosing how you will spend your summer. The more time you spend upfront on research, the happier you're likely to be in the long run.
Programs can vary widely in cost. Keep in mind that the quoted price is rarely all–inclusive. If cost is an issue, ask if any scholarships are available to students with financial need. Admissions requirements can also vary substantially amongst programs; some programs are quite competitive while others accept students on a first come–first served basis. And, don't forget to consider how a program fits into the rest of your summer; keep in mind other commitments such as family trips and college visits.
Make sure any program you're considering has a mission that matches your own. Ask the program staff and alumni what makes the program special. Also, check out each program's main activities. If you want an experiential program, find out how much time is spent outside of the classroom.
Projects Abroad
For those of you who value giving your time through service to others, summer is a great time to dive into a service project that will make a difference in a local community. Coupling your volunteer efforts with travel opens you up to a world of new experiences, cultural exploration, and even language immersion. For over 25 years, Projects Abroad has facilitated projects for over 100,000 volunteers worldwide and is now one of the largest volunteer abroad organizations in the world. The success of this program relies on a network of full time local staff at each community site to ensure that volunteers work on worthwhile local programs, receive ample support, and stay safe. Choose from volunteer programs in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the South Pacific, and more.
Middlebury Monterey Language Program
Explore language and culture this summer! Do more than just dream about it, immerse yourself in language and culture. Learn Spanish, French, Chinese, German or Arabic in a supportive, fun environment. The Academy is a unique summer language experience for 8th-12th grade students based on Middlebury College's famed Language Schools with 100 years of immersion teaching. The philosophy is rooted in the idea that cultural and linguistic acquisition are strongly reinforced by an individual's participation in cross-curricular activities ranging from sports and the arts to cooking and discussion groups – all conducted in the target language. Students live on a beautiful college campus or abroad for four weeks, immersed in language and culture. Students also take The Language Pledge which is a formal promise to communicate exclusively in the language of study, creating a total language-immersion environment. Activities at The Academy provide a rich framework for meaningful communication to help students realize academic and professional goals. Get started on the path to second language acquisition by applying today.
Northwestern University College Preparation Program
For more than 25 years Northwestern’s College Prep Program has offered students from around the world a premier college-level experience. Choose from two options: undergraduate courses for college credit or intensive, noncredit IN FOCUS Seminars. More than 150 undergraduate courses in nearly every academic discipline are offered. Credit earned can be transferred to undergraduate programs at many other universities. IN FOCUS Seminars expose students to distinguished Northwestern faculty highlighting today’s most relevant topics. They require less of a time and tuition commitment than a college-credit course. International students may also apply to the EducationUSA program which provides instruction in English, college preparatory content, tours of diverse college and university campuses, and cross-cultural activities.
The American University of Paris
Chartered as a liberal arts college in 1962, The American University of Paris is today an urban, independent, international university located at the meeting point of France, Europe, and the world. The University provides an academic learning experience in the heart of Paris that places your personal, intellectual, and professional development at its core. You can choose from 27 undergraduate majors, all taught in English.
AUP students are those that choose to live and learn internationally. They bring to the classroom their diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and perspectives. In this multi-cultural context, AUP provides you with a strong academic foundation that supports critical thinking and practical application.
At AUP our faculty, themselves hailing from around the world, help you to cross intellectual, cultural and geographic borders with ease, enabling you to be a responsible actor and leader in today's competitive work environment. The curriculum combines liberal arts inquiry, preparation for professional life, and student-centered learning in small classrooms. This integrated curriculum allows our graduates to go anywhere, meet anyone, do anything, and achieve success in a wide range of compelling careers.