Scholarship details
As the name suggests, summer schools are programs designed by universities for international students and visitors. In practice, these programs are not only held in the summer.
There are also winter programs and other similar courses throughout the year. Therefore, although the rest of this article focuses on summer schools, it should be noted that, regardless of the time of year in which they are held, these types of programs always work on the same principle.
These programs revolve around several axes, such as helping international students discover and learn a new language and culture and enjoy a different educational system.
From history to sports to food and architecture, summer programs include tours and workshops that help students fully immerse themselves in their new surroundings. Many universities also offer courses of their own design, depending on the student’s field of interest: art, physics, natural sciences, etc.
Which countries offer summer school programs?
South Korea, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and South Africa are some of the countries that offer summer school programs. Most of them are reopening after a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.
The universities that run these programs are very international, displaying this aspect of international exchange in their programs, as in the case of Waseda University, which widely communicates its openness to the world and its cosmopolitanism.
That is in the very DNA of the university, founded in 1882 and reputed to be one of the most international institutions in Japan.
South Korean universities are also happy to welcome international students. During Covid, classes were either canceled or held online, which is far from ideal for international students. Time differences and the difficulty in transmitting certain forms of knowledge became major problems.
For example, learning to cook, playing a sport, or visiting a historical monument are activities that are difficult to incorporate into online classes. At Yonsei University in Seoul, people are happy that the university has reopened despite all the difficulties. The university’s summer programs attract more than 2,500 students from 61 different countries.
What are the benefits of summer schools?
The main advantage of summer schools is that they offer a gentle immersion in the culture of a country. Enrolling in a university abroad for one or two years can be daunting, especially if it is the first time the student has moved abroad.
So how do you know if you really like your life abroad? With a summer program, you can prepare at your own pace. In this sense, summer schools are more effective than tourist trips, thanks to professionals who can supervise you and give you the keys to understanding.
Another advantage is that these courses are open to anyone. Contrary to popular belief, they are not strictly reserved for students. Anyone who wants to discover life in a foreign country or who dreams of experiencing university life in a certain country can enroll in a summer course.
Finally, these programs allow you to earn college credit. It all depends on the type of course you choose. Be careful to check what the university offers and make sure you meet all the prerequisites. A language level, a diploma/degree, or an age limit may be prerequisites set by the university.
Is a visa required to attend the summer courses?
Summer courses fall into the category of short stays (less than 90 days). Therefore, in principle, you should not need a visa if your country of origin and the host country have signed a visa waiver agreement.
But Covid has changed a lot of things. In Japan, for example, everyone now needs a visa, regardless of the length of stay. To participate in a summer program at Columbia University in New York, you will need a visa. So you will need to find out the specific details of the university you want to attend.
Another example is the summer school at Hanyang University. All procedures are done online on the university website. The university reminds citizens of countries with which it has a visa waiver agreement that they do not need to apply.
A valid passport is enough (you need to verify it with the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). The office refers citizens of other countries to the website of the Korean embassy or consulate in their country to apply for a short-term study visa.
As for people who enroll in courses that give college credit, these credits do not mean that you then have to enroll in a larger program at the same university.
It also does not mean that you will automatically be accepted into degree programs at the university. Summer courses have no relevance when it comes to continuing your studies at that university or not.
Financial Considerations
It is better to have all the information before you fly. A summer course lasting at least one month in Oxford, Cambridge or London costs around 6,900 euros. The summer course program at the University of Toulouse is more affordable, so it costs about 990 euros per month, including the cost of a trip to the mountains.
At Hanyang University, fees range from €1,040 to €2,300, depending on the course. Therefore, the financial cost could be a non-negligible barrier.
That is why it is important that you take the time to define your objectives (language learning, transferable credits to the university, exploring the country, etc.) to choose the summer school program that suits you best.
Full summer scholarship in the USA
Deadline: 01/15/2022
Have you never visited the United States? Win a full summer scholarship in the USA. The Hansen Leadership Institute (HSI) offers an excellent opportunity to take a summer course in the United States with all expenses paid, in partnership with the Fred J. Hansen Foundation.
This program is one of the most recognized in the American nation due to the level of excellence and financial support it offers its students.
The mission of this prestigious summer program is to support the education and knowledge of candidates who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in their country of origin, it represents a unique opportunity to learn and obtain more tools to apply them in their academic and/or professional career.
The summer scholarship is taught on the campus of the University of San Diego starting in July 2023 and lasts for three (3) weeks. All students, both nationals of the United States and those from other countries will meet there. Nations from anywhere on the globe.
You will have the opportunity to network and have conversations with other fellows and interact with different cultures. Applicants who have never visited the United States will have a better chance of being selected for the full summer scholarship.
It may interest you: Letter of motivation for scholarships
Hansen Scholarship
Institutions where you will study:
Fred J. Hansen Foundation and the University of San Diego.
Levels and study areas:
Three (3) week summer scholarship.
Who can participate?:
National students from the United States and international students from any nation on the globe.
Scholarship Endowment:
The Fred J. Hansen Foundation will allocate the following awards:
- International air ticket.
- Accommodation and feeding.
- US visa cost.
- Other related expenses.
Conditions that must be met by participants:
- Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and have completed a minimum of two (2) years of full-time preparation or postgraduate studies.
- Demonstrate professional interest in topics related to diplomacy, international development, or related areas.
- Be between 20 and 25 years of age at the time of submitting a formal registration.
- Be a leader in your community, region, or nation.
- Never having visited the United States.
- Submit a formal application for the Summer Scholarship in the United States through the Fred J. Hansen Foundation online application system.
Instructions to apply:
- Transcripts and academic records.
- Demonstrate that you are pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- Passport copies.
- Personal statement.
- Curriculum.
- Motivation letter.
- Among others.
Do you want this full summer scholarship in the United States? Enroll in the United States Fred J. Hansen Foundation Funded Scholarship for International Students.
It may interest you: Full Chevening Scholarship
Deadline:
Until January 15, 2023.
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