Guide to summer schools in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria

Visiting a summer school or taking part in summer courses can be an unforgettable experience for students and a fantastic opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills, as well as to make new friends. There is a huge variety of summer school options available, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. We thought it would be helpful to answer some frequently asked questions and share a number of our recommendations for summer schools in this article.

Why should I attend a summer school?

Attending summer courses is an excellent opportunity to explore a particular subject in greater depth and to improve academic knowledge and skills while studying in an engaging and supportive environment. A summer school is also a great way to meet like-minded peers and develop social skills.

Which summer schools are better: online or in-person?

This largely depends on your needs and preferences. Online summer schools can be more convenient and offer greater flexibility—you do not need to worry about travel or accommodation, and you can study from the comfort of your own home. In-person summer schools are far more immersive and offer a different kind of experience: being in a new environment, meeting people face to face, and learning in an interactive setting. This is particularly beneficial if you prefer a hands-on approach to learning.

Will attending summer courses help with admission to school or university?

Summer schools are not designed specifically to support admission to schools or universities. However, if a child attends summer courses in academic subjects, this can help them perform better at school.

For those applying to British universities, attending a summer school in the UK offers a unique insight into the world of higher education and an opportunity to experience life on a British university campus. In addition, students have the chance to meet leading academics in their chosen field.

It is also worth paying attention to career-focused summer courses, of which there are many available today. These programmes can play a key role in university applications and help students choose the right specialisation. Such courses can help applicants stand out from the competition.

For example, university applications require students to write about their achievements and their interest in a subject. If a student has attended subject-specific summer courses, this provides excellent material to include in a personal statement. For admissions committees, such experience is a strong indicator of a student’s commitment to the subject and represents an important advantage over other candidates.

Types of Summer Schools

There are many summer schools in the UK, Switzerland, Belgium, and Austria. While many of them are residential and based on school campuses, there are also day and online options available. Courses range from academic programmes and language improvement to outdoor activities, STEM, and much more.

The type of summer school you choose, and what you want to gain from the course, are among the most important factors when making a decision. Below, we have grouped the most popular summer schools in these countries into categories:

• Professional and subject-focused camps
• STEM summer schools
• School and university preparation programmes
• Summer language schools (EAL)
• Sports summer camps
• Winter camps in Switzerland
• “Parent + Child” programmes

British Boarding School Experience

These are residential summer courses held at British boarding schools, meaning that accommodation and meals are included in the price. They usually last two weeks and consist of a combination of academic studies and recreational activities. Many participants are international students, so improving English language skills is a key component of the programme, alongside other academic and extracurricular activities..

Professional and Subject-Focused Camps

If you would like to study a specific subject, these institutions offer a wide range of courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. .

These courses are suitable for students who are studying in English as well as for native English speakers.

STEM summer schools

The programme stands for ‘Science, Technology, Engineering, Math’: natural sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics..

These courses are suitable for students who are studying in English as well as for native English speakers.

School and university preparation programmes

Courses for international students planning to start studying at British or Swiss boarding schools or enter university in the near future.

Summer language schools (EAL)

These intensive English courses are specially designed for foreign students who want to improve their language skills and learn about the culture of their host country at the same time..

Sports summer camps

These camps focus on a variety of outdoor activities and physical exercise. They are ideal for those who want to take a break from their studies.

These courses are suitable for children learning English and for native speakers.

Winter camps in Switzerland

These camps focus on language learning and active sports: skiing or snowboarding. They are ideal for those who want to take a break from their studies during the winter holidays.

These courses are suitable for children learning English and for native speakers.

Parent + Child Programme

Courses for parents and their children who want to spend their holidays together and improve their English.