Summer Programs
Although we are pleased to be able to provide these recommendations to parents and students, ISD does not specifically endorse or recommend any of the programs listed. We provide these as a referral service only and are not responsible for validating the quality or standard of the programs offered. We would, however, appreciate any feedback you could provide us with should you elect to enroll your child in one of these options. Please send your comments (positive or negative) to Mr. Layman (layman@isdedu.de).
**Indicates a program recommended by an ISD parent or student.
*NEW* - Spring/Summer 2020 ONLINE Enrichment Programs
Summer Schools in Europe
Pre-University Summer Schools in London
FastWeb Summer Programs for High School Students
TeenLife List of Pre-College Summer Programs
CollegeXpress list of Pre-college Programs
International ACAC Summer Program List
**Oxford Study Courses – IBDP Summer Schools
The Oxford Study Courses website is now open for applications for their IBDP Summer Schools. They take place in Boston (USA), Oxford and Cambridge (UK). During the summer vacation they offer two Summer Schools, a University Tour in the UK and a University Applications course in the US:
The Pre-DP Summer School is a three week course for students who are about to begin their IBDP studies. It covers the core DP subjects and provides an excellent foundation for the DP program. They are run in Oxford and Boston.
The Mid-DP Summer School (in Cambridge, UK or Boston, USA) are for students who have completed the first year of their DP studies and want to review and consolidate what they have learned, fill in any gaps and make a confident start to their final demanding year of the DP.
IBDP Exam Spring Revision (UK or Sweden) is for students who will take their DP examinations in May. Students spend 2.5 days per subject, 7 hours per day, for a total of 17.5 hours of revision. Students may attend up to 7 courses.
The UK University Tour is led by an experienced college guidance counselor and provides an opportunity for students to experience first-hand a wide range of colleges and universities, helping them to decide the right kind of place and course for them.
The US University Application Course is a one-week course in Boston, designed to help IBDP students make their way through the complexities of applying to US universities. Students also visit universities in the Boston area, including MIT and Harvard.
IBWise - IB Revision Camps
At IBWISE we care to provide our students with outstanding IB preparation in a friendly, compassionate and caring atmosphere. Class size is capped at 7-8 students. We employ only the best of the best IB subject educators. All our teachers and examiners have 10-30 years of in-class IB teaching experience. They know the IB syllabus inside-out, are passionate about teaching and inspire our students. In addition, Vienna remains to this day one of the most inspiring, liveable and safest cities in the world.
Oxford Advanced Studies Program
The Oxford Advanced Studies Program is in its twenty-sixth year. Organized by Oxford Tutorial College, a well-established and respected educational provider, the courses provide international students aged sixteen or over with the opportunity to live and study in the heart of this beautiful university city. One-on-one tutorials are the core of the Oxbridge teaching method and we take a similar approach. On all OASP courses, students receive at least one such individual tutorial every week in each class that they take. Tutorials are complemented by small group seminars, with presentation and explanation of each topic under the tutor’s guidance.
**Lanterna IB Courses
Lanterna offers you the opportunity to attend their Mid-IB Summer Courses or their Pre-IB Summer Courses. Together with your class and your tutor you will work together improving your fundamentals and sharpening your advanced skills. Their summer courses offer a new way to spend the vacation that is in many ways similar to a highly developed summer camp. However, they offer much, much more both academically, socially and in the whole course experience. Past years of students have testified that the Lanterna experience meant much more to them than other summer school experiences, and taught them new ways of learning, through methods and practices that other summer schools could not approach.
International Summer Courses
ISC has a solid, international reputation for providing students, parents and schools with a distinctive and individualized level of service. Their summer courses are specifically designed for IB diploma students and are based on the beautiful campus of Stanford University in California. They offer pre-college courses for students completing grade 10 (Pre-IB) and who are about to start their IB diploma and a selection of courses for students who have already completed one year of their IB program (Mid-IB).
Oxbridge Academic Programs
OAP has been welcoming intellectually adventurous high school and junior high school students to Europe for nearly 25 years. From Archeology to Zoology, they offer over 160 courses. There is a dazzling variety of humanities, social sciences and creative subjects – transcending traditional classroom limitations and school curricula. Their programs in France and Spain offer French and Spanish language courses for all levels, taught in context by native speakers. Outside of class, students enjoy a variety of field trips, innovative workshops, illustrious guest speakers, and afternoon and evening activities. Trips to ancient ruins and medieval churches, visits to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, games of soccer and Frisbee, punting and pétanque, concerts and plays, talent nights and dances all create a happy community of friends.
Oxford Royale Academy
Each year our team works harder to compile stimulating and rewarding programmes for students aged 13-18 years, bringing together outstanding teachers (many of whom teach at Oxford University), energetic counsellors, brilliant guest speakers and professional support staff. ORA’s range of academic, sporting and cultural options is ever increasing and its international reach is broadening. Choose from a broad range of programs: New Perspectives; Broadening Horizons; Global Leadership; Engineering Preparation; Enterprise Program; Medical School Preparation; Law School Preparation; Oxbridge Applicant Preparation; and more!
**Bocconi Summer School
Bocconi Summer School offers high school students in their third-last and second-last year the opportunity to experience our urban campus in downtown Milan, while studying 2 subjects in 2 weeks (taught in English): pursue your areas of interest or try out something new! Attendees receive 12 classroom hours per week: each course will consist of four morning sessions (lectures and exercises) and two afternoon team-working sessions on a specific project (one afternoon session will be dedicated to a company visit/field trip). Teams will present their projects to a manager or an entrepreneur for feedback on Friday morning.
Jacobs University (Bremen) Summer Camps – Innovation, Creation, Diversity
This year we are excited to offer our international summer camp in collaboration with the VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure), Germany’s largest association of engineers. The VDI are also experienced in running successful summer camps for members of their “Zukunftpiloten”, or “Future Pioneers”. Together we will offer a number of workshops. The aim of the workshops will be to enable students to develop possible solutions to current real world problems. The cost of the camp is €400. The fee includes room and board, excursions within the context of the camp and participation in the workshop.
**The International Summer School of Scotland
This exclusive three-week summer program offers 13-18 year old students from around the world the unique opportunity to combine learning, creative enrichment and action-packed adventure in the historic and picturesque UK university towns of St Andrews and Cambridge. Students can create a personalized program to suit both their needs, choosing one Academic Program (Creative writing, English language, International Baccalaureate, Youth leadership, Debating) and one Elective course (Golf, Theatre, Tennis, Film, Art).
**Deutsche SchülerAkademie: Bildung und Begabung (PDF)
Ziel der Deutschen SchülerAkademie ist es, Schülerinnen und Schülern eine intellektuelle und soziale Herausforderung zu bieten, sie in ihren besonderen Fähigkeiten zu fördern und sie unter Anleitung von qualifizierten Lehrkräften an anspruchsvollen Aufgaben arbeiten zu lassen – oft auf dem Niveau von Hochschulstudiengängen in den ersten Semestern. Die Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer lernen neue Arbeitsweisen, Methoden und Denkansätze kennen, blicken über den Horizont ihrer bisherigen Lebens- und Erfahrungswelt hinaus und werden auch an die Grenzen ihrer Leistungsfähigkeit herangeführt. Die Akademien ermöglichen außerdem die Begegnung und den Austausch mit Gleichaltrigen, die ebenso besondere Fähigkeiten und Interessen in unterschiedlichen Bereichen besitzen.
InvestIN – Immersive Career Experiences
Students aged 15-18 are invited to get a head-start in their futures through the immersive career experience programmes offered by InvestIN. Their in person and live & online programs aim to create the ultimate work experience and give students the knowledge, experience, advantage and network they need to have a head-start in their dream career. Choose from a wide variety of professional fields: Architecture, Art, Computer Science, Dentistry, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Fashion Design, Filmmaking, International Development, Investment Banking, Journalism, Law, Management Consultancy, Marketing, Music, Politics, Psychology, Publishing & Veterinary Science.
Cambridge SciSearch Summer School (PDF)
This prestigious summer school courses offer students extensive first-hand practical research experience in the science laboratory, balanced alongside a range of other academic teaching. All of the academic sessions are delivered by leading Oxbridge academics; professors, fellows, researchers or postgraduate students who are inspiring yet approachable. Formal teaching is balanced with opportunities for academic enrichment, cultural exploration, sporting activities and weekend excursions. In addition, advice and support regarding the Oxbridge application process is also provided, thereby helping students to better prepare themselves.
Global Paths Student Programme
11 days. 4 UK cities. Global friendships. Real-life experience. The Global Paths Student Programme (GPS) is an exciting, enriching programme for 15-17 year old students interested in preparing for life after high school. There are three main components: Preparing for student life; Choosing the right university; Developing skills for success.
**Kingdom Education Summer Programs
Kingdom Education offers novel, exciting and stimulating programmes to students who like to be challenged intellectually and creatively. They’re specially designed for high school students considering their options for university or college – whether in an English-speaking country, or elsewhere. Our programmes are held on the campuses of leading universities. Most are multi-centre, so you can see different sides of the country visited. They take place in the United Kingdom from early July to early August, in the United States of America in July, in Canada (with the USA) in August, and between December and February in Australia and New Zealand.
Summer in Switzerland at Leysin American School
LIS offers a variety of programs for students aged 9-19, including their Alpine Adventure program (ages 9-12), Theatre International (ages 13-19), Outdoor Leadership Adventure (ages 13-19), and even SAT/ACT preparation (ages 13-19). They are also hiring staff Program Assistants (ages 18-19), where successful applicants will learn supervision techniques, conflict resolution and diversity awareness in preparation for planning and leading SIS activities.
Le Rosey Summer Camps
Le Rosey offers a variety of active and enriching programmes for students throughout the summer months. The camps reflect the “savoir-faire” and reputation of a school which is over one hundred years old. Le Rosey offers 5 summer sessions with different locations, dates and programmes offered. While checking the programmes, take into consideration the age group for the camp (ex: Gstaad My Family! is open to younger students), the activities (ex: Gstaad My Adventure! is for students who really enjoy sport), the academic programme and the location. Every year, new activities are offered according to the requests and needs of the campers.
Girls Gearing Up Summer Camp (Berlin)
Girls Gearing Up brings together a group of dynamic girls from around the world for a week of empowerment, leadership training, and inspiration. No matter whether you are shy or bold, extroverted or introverted, adventurous or cautious at GGU summer camp you will grow confident, get equipped and be inspired.
Girls Leadership Worldwide
Each summer, GLW holds two exciting and transformational nine-day programs for high school girls who desire to make a difference in their own lives, their communities and the world. With Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and legacy as a model, girls diverse in culture and geography bring their passion and leadership potential to life. Girls experience interactive workshops, field trips to New York City, the United Nations and other significant sites, while building supportive relationships with inspiring mentors and peers.
Franklin University Switzerland Summer Programs
Journey to the heart of Europe for the most rewarding summer of your life. Franklin summer programs include introductory through advanced courses in Political Science and Economics; Art and Music; Literature, Creative Writing and Communications; History; and Business, Marketing and Information Systems, as well as dynamic language immersion programs—where you can study and socialize 24/7 in another language, and live in the Italian-speaking city of Lugano or study (German) in Zurich. Between June and August, you may choose summer courses from two 3-week sessions or one 6-week session. Earn up to 12 college credits (with the approval of your home university advisor and dean)—and also cover a lot of European ground through weekend travel in Switzerland and neighboring countries, through meeting students from all over the world, and through living in one of the most cosmopolitan villages in Europe—in Lugano, a hub of international urban culture, business, languages and travel.
Carl Benz School of Engineering Summer Course
The Carl Benz School of Engineering offers you a Summer Course which will take place from 29 June to 6 July this year at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. It is designed for technically interested pupils in their last two years of secondary education, and is a great opportunity to learn more about a possible future career! During a one week course we want to introduce you to educational and cultural aspects of an academic career at the Carl Benz School of Engineering. Besides the educational part of the summer program, we want you to become familiar with the German culture as well as the surroundings of Karlsruhe. We have planned interesting excursions within the city and to nearby tourist attractions.
Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne Summer Academy
Come to EHL for one week this summer! Join our Summer Academy to experience hospitality in EHL-style and jump into this exciting world. The EHL Summer Academy introduces the different areas of hospitality, offering real-life experience to young talented people aspiring to enter this industry in the future. You will discover what hospitality has to offer: the excitement, the lifestyle as well as the various career opportunities.
**CERAN Lingua International – Language Immersion for Ages 9 to 18
CERAN has been the specialist in intensive residential languages courses for over 30 years. Over 2,500 CERAN JUNIORS courses are organized each year. CERAN opens its doors to young people aged 9 to 18 during the school holidays. French, English, Dutch and German are taught at the Belgian centers. In the UK, they teach English and in Spain, Spanish. If you are interested in this opportunity, visit their website for more information.
The College for International Citizenship (Birmingham)
The CIC is a unique collaboration between the College of International Citizenship, Birmingham City Council, the University of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College and Aston University, bringing together a course of study in Citizenship for local, national and international students. The CIC gives students a sound academic background and knowledge based on current research about issues related to international citizenship, peace and justice and international trade. Students leave the CIC having gained a clearer understanding of the international issues that affect global society.
Tufts University France Summit Program
Tufts Summit invites high school students to develop a greater understanding of the global village they will call home. While improving their French language skills, students are introduced to the complex world of international politics and diplomacy through classroom instruction, exploration of French culture, and field trips to local sites of historic importance and natural beauty. Students live with carefully selected host families, most often with another student. What students learn first-hand about French daily life and culture by sharing meals, conversations and outings with their host families goes well beyond what can be learned from a textbook. The home stay is an integral and memorable part of the Tufts Summit experience and results not only in improved language skills, but also enduring friendships with French host families.
Projects Abroad - Gap Years, Electives and Summer Placements
Projects Abroad is a global organizer of overseas volunteer work placements. Their wide range of projects includes Teaching, Care, Conservation & Environment, Medicine & Healthcare, Sports, Culture & Community projects, Business, Law & Human Rights and Journalism, with specific short programs for students aged 16-19. Aimed to give valuable work experience or develop a particular skill in 2-3 weeks, these placements allow students to make the most of a short time overseas. You will be with a small group of peers, with a mixture of taught sessions, hands-on and observational work, as well as evening activities and weekend excursions. This is a perfect way to have some fun while contributing to your community and service record!
Gap Medics Launching Medical Careers
Gap Medics specializes in Hospital Work Experience for students that are interested in careers in Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery or Dentistry. This summer holiday sees hundreds of students from around the world aged 16 and over, undertaking a 2--‐week hospital work experience placement abroad with Gap Medics in Tanzania, India, Thailand or The Caribbean. Students spend weekdays shadowing highly skilled doctors in their day--‐to--‐day work on a fully--‐supervised hospital placement. Students also have the benefit of clinical teaching, safe and secure accommodation in our own students house, food, airport transfers, local orientations, 24/7 support from teams both overseas and the UK and lots of help with preparations for their trip too. The placements are open to anyone aged 16+ so are ideal for students who are considering careers in healthcare or are in the process of applying. Aside from summer programmes, students can travel in their half term holidays and at any other part of the year too as programmes are open all year round.
Summer Programs for Aspiring Medical Students
Check out these opportunities: St. George's (London) - International Summer School; King's College London Pre-University Summer School Medicine; Achieve in Medicine AIM-High (U.S.); Brown University - So You Want to be a Doctor? (U.S.); Med Youth Summer Program - University of Toronto (CAN)
Summer Discovery - ONLINE COURSE OPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE!
The Musiker Family has directed award winning, well supervised, educational summer programs for students for over 40 years. Their unique partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious universities allow their students unparalleled access to great academics, culture, sports, and residential life. They are proud that every summer more teenagers choose Summer Discovery than any other program of its kind. Year after year, they receive positive word-of-mouth recommendations from thousands of satisfied students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors and administrators. They invite you to join a wonderful group of teenagers from all over the USA and around the world this summer on campus.
Broadreach Summer Programs and Academic Treks
Broadreach is a leader in worldwide summer adventure education programs. Since 1993, they have taken thousands of teenagers to every corner of the world. Years of experience, planning and scouting go into developing each Broadreach program, and they constantly strive to improve and refine their trips to take advantage of new opportunities. Academic Treks, a division of Broadreach, offers college-accredited summer adventures abroad for high school students. Backed by seventeen years of experience in running educational programs for thousands of teenagers, Academic Treks combines the finest elements of experiential learning, traditional classroom learning and service learning with wilderness adventure, international travel and cultural exchange to create extraordinary expeditions.
Outward Bound Canada
Outward Bound courses are challenging, exhilarating journeys that take place in Canada's most beautiful wilderness. The lakes, rivers, forests, mountains, and oceans provide the challenges. Some of these challenges will be physical - launching a sea kayak into the rolling waves of Georgian Bay, climbing a rugged peak, or portaging a canoe through a sun-dappled forest. Other challenges are more subtle, such as developing leadership skills or learning to work effectively as a member of a team. As the course progresses, technical and decision-making abilities grow, shifting the responsibilities from the instructors to the participants.
The Experiment in International Living
Challenging Summer Abroad Programs for High School Students in Europe, The Americas, Africa, Asia and The Pacific. The Experiment is not a trip or a tour. Each program challenges students to develop a close connection with the people and culture of another country. Experience daily life within a caring host family and as part of a diverse group sharing a fun and thought-provoking adventure. Through home stays, adventure travel, experiential learning and language immersion, participants build leadership and communication skills, gain essential international experience, increase their self-confidence and enhance global awareness.
Visions Service Adventures
VISIONS summer community service programs for teens, and middle school students, blend ambitious volunteer work, cultural immersion and adventure. Days of close camaraderie within a cross-cultural context have a rhythm and substance that push you to tap into your potential as you, the community, and other students work toward common goals. You will know the people whose lives you have impacted, and will return home a more confident global citizen with genuine appreciation for our multi-cultural world. Join us, and other students, for a travel experience of domestic or international community service.
Mahindra United World College of India Summer Student Programme
Short programmes allow youth to be immersed in an intensive intellectually and emotionally stimulating UWC experience for a shorter period of time. By focusing on specific issues, students are able to explore the complexities surrounding topics and have life- defining opportunities for a highly experiential and hands-on approach to learning. Summer programmes are great opportunities to experience a UWC education, and gives the student an idea of the critical engagement required for a UWC or university education abroad.
As with the Diploma programme, our summer programmes are highly international in nature and we welcome students from many countries, with more than half being provided with needs-based scholarships. For Indians, it is an incredible opportunity to challenge their assumptions about the India they know and to look at critical issues from various perspectives. We offer three programmes ranging from 1 week to 3 weeks for high schools and a 4- week long credit programme for university students.
African Leadership Academy Global Scholars Program
The Global Scholars Program (GSP) at African Leadership Academy is an intensive, nineteen-day, summer youth camp for a select group of secondary school students from across the world. Built around ALA’s unique Entrepreneurial Leadership and African studies curriculum, GSP prepares future leaders to explore their potential to create widespread change in Africa – and throughout the world. Participants in this exciting youth program practice leadership by working in social ventures in the Johannesburg community, learn from ‘fireside chats’ with prominent entrepreneurial leaders in South Africa, build a global network with other young leaders from around the world and discover the history, beauty and diversity of Africa.
TS College Tours
TS College Tours serves students attending international high schools who wish to attend college or university in the United States. Unlike other companies, TS College Tours focuses on the unique needs and backgrounds of international students. Each tour has been carefully planned with students attending overseas schools in mind and each tour is led by counselors with experience in international schools. This year, TS College Tours will run programs in California, the northeastern United States and Canada.
College Visits
COLLEGE VISITS offers the college bound student a first-hand look at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Because of their experience in working with a multitude of higher education institutions, they are able to obtain meetings with admissions representatives, student led tours, and campus housing. This helps to take the hassle and worry away from the student and parents in organizing a family visit. COLLEGE VISITS tours cover all aspects of college life. They tour small, medium and large schools, rural and urban, and public and private schools. Their tours cover almost every region of the U.S., so if there is a particular school or region you are interested in, chances are COLLEGE VISITS goes there.
Summer Institute for the Gifted
SIG provides academically advanced students with an interesting and challenging educational experience. The program combines remarkable academic courses with cultural, social, and recreational opportunities. The academic program is central to the design and purpose of SIG. Their program provides students with academic challenges designed to fit their abilities and interests. It also provides them with the opportunity to engage with other students who have similar abilities and interests. Because of the small classes, low teacher-student ratio, and teaching assistants, they are able to individualize the program for each and every student.
Northfield Mount Herman Summer Session
Northfield Mount Hermon Summer Session offers programs for students wishing to enrich, supplement, or accelerate their school-year education. They have an extensive, comprehensive program that has existed in various forms for more than 100 years. Each summer, they gather as a community to engage in academic work and to learn from each other in many different ways. Their student population is diverse and worldly – 30 different countries and 22 states within the US were represented. Their talented faculty is assisted by 30 teaching interns to provide an outstanding experience for their students. Middle School Program for students entering grades 7-9, College Prep Program for students entering grades 10-12, and English as a Second Language for students entering grades 7-12 offer credit and enrichment courses for approximately 250 students, boarding or day. Contemporary Dance Program for students entering grades 7-12 is open to all levels and is an opportunity for focused study in modern, jazz, and ballet dance forms.
Portsmouth Abbey School Summer Program
Since 1943 the Summer Program has introduced young students to the unique spirit of education that has always been a part of Portsmouth Abbey School. The universal character of this program is rooted in the celebration of learning that is proper to the classroom, an awakening of the uniqueness of each student through participation in enrichment activities, and the importance of athletics in fostering a healthy sense of the body. It has always been the hope of this program that these three elements would be viewed as equal paths toward wisdom and the fullness of experience.
Choate Rosemary Hall Summer Programs
An innovative curriculum, with new offerings created each year and existing courses regularly updated, gives students a variety of fresh options with which to build an exciting summer of learning. Structured independence means that, on a daily basis, students combine classes for five-six of the eight daily periods with one period set aside to work one-on-one with their teachers. Class sizes are small, ranging from 8 to 14 students per class. The experienced summer faculty includes the regular-year Choate faculty, augmented by excellent teachers from independent and public secondary schools, colleges, and universities.
Gordonstoun International Summer School
Each year, 250 boys and girls travel to Gordonstoun from all over the world. Since the Summer School began in 1976, around 7000 students have attended these exciting courses from over 60 countries. The Gordonstoun International Summer School is held in July and August. Courses last three and a half weeks for boys and girls between the ages of eight and sixteen inclusive: students follow courses appropriate to their age group. They will receive instruction in English as an Additional Language or, for those who are fluent in English, courses in Information Technology, Literature with English Skills or French are offered.
**University of the Arts London International Summer School
Our intensive International Summer School offers a unique opportunity to study in London using the rich and social diversity the city has to offer. This is an intensive two-week course offering international students aged 16 to 18 an introduction to studying art and design at University of the Arts London. It is also a unique opportunity to be inspired by London's rich diversity. The programme is open to students who have completed, or are about to start, year one of the IB, as well as students with equivalent art and design experience from other schools where the instruction is in English. A comprehensive course programme, expert UAL tutoring, accommodation, some meals and travel in London are all included in the fee. Breakfast is provided everyday and lunch Monday to Friday. Travel includes return transfers from/to Heathrow airport and an Oyster Card for use on London public transport.
Paris College of Art Pre-College Summer Program
The Summer Program at Paris College of Art offers an exciting set of courses with a modern edge in the historically and artistically rich city of Paris. In these two and four-week long courses, introductory through advanced level students will explore art, design, business, culture, and language. A European based faculty comprised of professional artists and designers will guide students through the colorful streets and neighborhoods of Paris. Through field trips to museums, studios, boutiques, and design organizations, students will take advantage of the abundant resources the city has to offer; Paris will serve as both a subject matter and a source of inspiration. Studio work, lectures, and independent research projects will allow students to develop new skills, refine their understanding of art and design, and create portfolio pieces for college or graduate school admissions.
New York Film Academy Camps for High School Students and Tweens
Each summer, hundreds of teens and kids from all over the world are taught filmmaking and acting at the New York Film Academy summer camp programs. Their one of a kind, hands-on film and acting camps are designed to teach youth the fundamentals of movie making and acting in film. With three year-round locations, Abu Dhabi, New York City and Universal Studios in Hollywood, as well as the addition of summer venues including Harvard University; Paris, France; Florence, Italy; and Disney Studios, Florida, tweens, teens and adults have the ability to pick a program that not only meets their educational needs, but also their desire to experience the excitement of a new city or to stay closer to home.
Savannah College of Art and Design Pre-college Summer Programs
Looking for a way to express your creativity this summer? SCAD Summer Seminars are residential or non-residential summer workshops designed for high school students who have completed their freshman (grade 9), sophomore (grade 10) or junior (grade 11) years. Through exciting educational workshops in Savannah and Atlanta, SCAD Summer Seminars promise a week you will never forget.
School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Shape your own artistic direction by exploring a wide range of media. At the SMFA we recognize that disciplines converge and influence each other, and that contemporary art is truly interdisciplinary. We encourage all students to build solid foundations and acquire skill sets in numerous disciplines in order to create new possibilities and forms of artmaking. In the Pre-College Summer Studio you will explore painting, drawing, printmaking, video, digital photography, sound art, installation, sculpture, and performance. These core courses will encompass basic skills, experimentation, conceptual thinking, collaboration, problem solving techniques, critique, and discussion. The program also includes presentations, resources, and 1-on-1 guidance with portfolio building, career paths in the arts and college applications.
US Performing Arts Camps
US Performing Arts Camps is considered one of the best in the world at training young people in the arts. Their programs are taught by the university or college departments and their professional faculty and guest professionals in their fields. They also offer programs and locations where they have partnered with top notch professional program directors. US Performing Arts Camps are designed as conservatory style programs that encourage students to work collaboratively in achieving high goals. Some programs are one week long, others are two weeks duration and they have a three week Musical Theater Conservatory program at UCLA. Many students spend a summer attending more than one program and visit more than one campus where US Performing Arts Camps are offered. The programs are an opportunity to experience a college campus, grow and develop as a person, and improve their skill level in the arts while making friends and having a lot of fun.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (formerly the EPGY Summer Institutes) provide high school students with a unique residential academic experience where students who share talents and interests live and learn together on the Stanford campus. The Summer Institutes invite students from around the world to discover, study, and explore in small classes with instructors who are passionate about teaching and experts in their fields. The program emphasizes building skills along with acquiring knowledge, and is designed to create environments that foster creativity and collaboration where students learn from each other as well as from their instructors.
Emory Pre-College Experience for High School Students
The Emory Pre-College Program gives college-bound high school students an exciting glimpse of academic and residential life at a top-ranked national university. This summer in the Pre-College Program, students have the opportunity to: Attend a small summer program for high school students at a national research institution; Tailor their summer experience to meet their needs based on their academic interests, summer schedule, and possible major or career interest; Be part of a close-knit community with world-class faculty who have a passion for teaching and are experts in their fields.
Columbia University Summer High School Programs
Columbia University offers rigorous summer pre-college academic programs for students entering grades 9 through 12. Study in New York City, Barcelona or the Middle East (Jordan). Experience college life; Meet other highly motivated high school students from all over the world; Broaden your world view; Earn an official Columbia University Statement of Attendance.
Sam Fox School Summer Programs – Washington University in St. Louis
Whether you are a high school student beginning your exploration of career paths in art, architecture, and design or a professional in another field looking to expand the breadth of your knowledge through creative endeavors, the Sam Fox School provides enrichment opportunities through its summer courses and programs. Two programs are geared specifically to high school students. Portfolio Plus gives students the opportunity to earn college credit during a five-week introduction to the study and practice of making art. The Architecture Discovery Program provides students entering their senior year of high school with an introduction to architecture and design, with an emphasis on sustainability and the environment.
The George Washington University Pre-College Program
GW Pre-College courses engage students through hands-on, experiential learning. Students are instructed by GW faculty and scholar practitioners through lectures, seminars, applied activities and site visits. Their 10-day, non-credit courses are intensive, demanding and highly-structured and are designed to provide an introductory college experience. Students enjoy extracurricular activities and a traditional residential experience at the GW Mt. Vernon campus. All courses are open to current 9th, 10th and 11th graders.
UPenn Summer Academy in Applied Science and Technology
The School of Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania offers a unique opportunity for a selective group of highly motivated and talented high school students to experience rigorous and challenging college-level coursework. The Academy’s intensive, three-week programs combine sophisticated theory with hands-on practical experience in cutting edge technologies. Choose from five programs: Biotechnology, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Nanotechnology, and Robotics.
Summer Study’s Pre-college Summer Programs
Unique summer opportunities combining stimulating academics with unforgettable sports, recreational, social and/or cultural activities. We are extremely proud that more high school students attend a Summer Study program as compared to any other summer enrichment program of its kind. Join us at one of these prestigious campuses... Penn State University, the University of Colorado at Boulder, the University of Vermont in Burlington and the Sorbonne in Paris. From our Penn State middle school summer enrichment programs to our pre-college enrichment and college credit summer programs for high school students to our French immersion and study abroad programs in Paris, we are prepared to take you on the most exciting and educationally rewarding summer of your life!
SciTech Research Camp
The SciTech program offers students three and a half weeks of scientific research in our laboratories. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in social, sports, cultural and sight-seeing activities. Students work individually or in small teams on their chosen research projects in mathematics, science and engineering or computer technology. Faculty members at the Technion supervise their work. For their research, the students use the Technion's state-of-the-art laboratories, computers, and libraries. SciTech activities are conducted in English and the program is open to juniors and seniors (11th and 12th graders) from anywhere in the world. Only 40 students will be accepted. Therefore it is important for students to apply as early as possible. Acceptance is based on scholastic record, experience and academic potential.
Summer STEM Institute
SSI is a completely VIRTUAL summer institute to train future scientific leaders and entrepreneurs. It consists of a (1) bootcamp that teaches students scientific literacy and data science, (2) a Masterclass series where experts from Stanford, Harvard, and other elite institutions share their advice for high school students, and (3) a personalized and mentored research project that students can submit to science competitions or write about on their college applications. Generous Financial Aid and Scholarships available.
Boston University High School Programs
Three programs to choose from: Summer Challenge is the perfect pre-college summer program for high school students in grades 10, 11 or 12. The two-week Summer Challenge Program offers a preview of college life and non-credit coursework in a residential setting. Students in the program concentrate on a high level of learning and achievement alongside their peers, without focusing on grades; The Research Internship in Science & Engineering provides academically motivated rising high school seniors with the opportunity to conduct university-level research in state-of-the-art laboratories, alongside some of the sharpest scientific minds in the country; High School Honors provides an opportunity for motivated rising high school seniors and exceptional juniors to experience undergraduate life, both academically and socially, while earning college credit.
Boston University Summer Investigative Reporting Workshop
Based at Boston University, the New England Center for Investigative Reporting’s Summer Investigative Reporting Workshop is a perfect opportunity for U.S. and international high school students to learn more about journalism, and explore the exciting city of Boston! Our award-winning faculty will help ensure that each student will be taught at a high level, and learn new and valuable journalism skills.
Washington University in St. Louis Summer Experiences
As a High School Summer Scholar, you will explore the realities of college life as part of a small, select group. You will earn up to 7 units of college credit that will transfer to most accredited colleges and universities, giving you a head start toward your college career. And you’ll develop academic and social skills that will give you a tremendous advantage when you leave for college. As a Summer Scholar, you will be enrolled in real college courses, studying alongside Washington University undergraduates.
Need to break out of writer’s block? Want to experience modern Japan? Itching to try on a stethoscope and lab coat? Then our High School Summer Institutes are right for you. Spend three weeks exploring your interests while living on campus or commuting from home. There is limited space available in these institutes, so submit your application early. Choose from one of our three institutes: Creative Writing Institute; Japanese Popular Culture Institute; Pre-Medical Institute.
UBC Future Global Leaders
At UBC Future Global Leaders pre-university summer program, high school students ages 15-18 can spend an unforgettable summer experiencing university life. Discover your passions and challenge yourself in university-level academic and English language courses taught by UBC professors and instructors. Each UBC Future Global Leaders course runs for two weeks, and includes class time, workshops, information sessions and a full calendar of after-class and weekend activities. You can combine more than one course at one or both campuses to create a 4- or 6-week program. Whether you are ambitious, motivated or just curious about university life, come learn with like-minded students from more than 45 countries around the world. You can live on one of two breathtaking campuses – UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan – in a supervised student residence for the full experience, or commute daily.
Yale Young Global Scholars
The Yale Young Global Scholars Program is a college-level global leadership development initiative for outstanding high school scholar-leaders sponsored by International Security Studies at Yale University. The Program is designed for high school student scholar-leaders who aim to become senior leaders in their home countries whether they be future presidents, prime ministers, CEOs, corporate directors, public service, civic leaders, or educators. The goal of the Program is to study and apply the lessons of the world's greatest strategists and leaders spanning over 2,500 years to contemporary and future issues of the 21st century. Our Program in American Political Philosophy, Law, and Economics (APPLE) will feature in-depth study of the great ideas and thinkers in American political philosophy, democracy, constitutional law, political economy, applied economics, and financial literacy with advanced training in scholarly research methods and academic writing skills. Our Global Leaders Development Program is designed for rising sophomore and junior year students (2nd and 3rd year in high school) and our Studies in Grand Strategy Program is for rising seniors in high school (the final grade prior to entrance to university level study) and includes lectures by Yale faculty and distinguished scholars from other Ivy League universities, seminars on leadership and Grand Strategy respectively, mentoring sessions with distinguished alumni and rising professionals, and intensive workshops dedicated to developing skills essential for leadership such as public speaking, specialized writing formats, networking, social and professional etiquette, study skills, time management and more.
Great Books Summer Program
The Great Books Summer Program is an experience like no other in American education. For the past thirteen years, GBSP has gathered exceptional middle and high school students from across the world to read, discuss and debate selections from the greatest works of literature, experience college-level discussions and seminars, and enjoy summer fun with other literary-minded students. We offer summer camps at Stanford University, Amherst College and Oxford University. Read and discuss the likes of Plato, Jefferson, Tolstoy, Borges and Vonnegut with an international community of literature-loving students and distinguished college faculty. Then join our arts and literature electives to write in a creative fiction workshop, paint “en plein-air,” learn a new instrument, act in a Shakespeare play, or closely read a Russian novel with a group of new friends. Join us in the evening for a camp dance, ice cream social or for a surprise guest speaker … perhaps a Pulitzer-prize winning author or celebrated movie director! Enjoy a world-class university campus. Make friendships that will last a life-time.
U.S. Air Force Academy Summer Seminar
The Summer Seminar at the United States Air Force Academy offers a unique opportunity to get the Academy experience first-hand. Specially designed for high school juniors heading into their senior year, Summer Seminar allows participants to see a realistic slice of cadet life. This fun yet demanding program gives students a solid understanding of the challenges and rewards of life as a cadet, as well as insights into what it means to serve as an officer in the United States Air Force. Students will leave Summer Seminar more informed, prepared and motivated to excel!
FOR GRADES 6- 12
Some of the following organizations have programs for students as young as grade 6. Please check the individual websites.
Camp Cooper
Located in Scotland and based on the traditional American summer camp experience, Camp Cooper is a 2-week experience for campers aged 10-16 from all around the world. They give campers new and exciting challenges to gain new skills, forge new relationships and broaden their horizons and aspirations. Camp Cooper has a strong focus on character building and personal development – they aim to build teamwork, leadership and communication skills as well as developing trust, respect, understanding and empathy. For international campers who speak English as an additional language, they also offer English language tuition as part of the camp programme.
Northwestern University Center for Talent Development Summer Programs.
Life-changing residential and commuter programs providing challenging enrichment, honors and Advanced Placement® courses taught in a highly supportive environment. From early childhood through elementary, middle and high school, Center for Talent Development (CTD) gifted summer programs encourage gifted kids to explore academic areas of interest and connect with a community of peers.
Education Unlimited
Education Unlimited provides academic summer camps & precollege summer programs for students entering grades 4-12. Their California summer camps and Massachusetts summer programs include public speaking camps, summer college admissions prep programs, science camps for girls, summer acting camp, creative writing camp, computer camp, video production camp and East Coast college tours.
Windsor Mountain
Windsor Mountain International seeks to provide educational experiences that open minds, foster personal growth, and help students respond to cultural, social, and environmental challenges as responsible citizens of the world. Student Travel programs are an opportunity for youth between the ages of 12 and 18 to see the world. By traveling, students learn about different cultures and grow through the experience. International Summer Camp is much like a traditional summer camp, but at Windsor Mountain they have students and staff from more than 35 countries every summer. If your child comes to Windsor Mountain International Summer Camp, you can expect that s/he will meet students and staff from other countries, learn about their languages and customs and make lifelong friends.
Super Camp
Academic programmes to develop participants’ life skills in such areas as character development and leadership and social skills (through communication, problem-solving and decision-making techniques, confidence building, relationship building and enhancing self-esteem. SuperCamp provides three age/grade-specific learning and life skills summer camp programs, including 7-day middle school summer programs for students entering grades 6-8 in the fall, 10-day high school summer programs for students starting grades 9-12 and 7-day college summer camps for incoming and current college students - Quantum U.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Engineering, robotics, biology, game design and even filmmaking – WPI has a wide range of offerings this summer in both day and residential formats that challenge kids ages 7-17 with creative, fun and interactive topics led by WPI faculty and students.