Short-term overseas study: Summer schools
Applications for the year 2024 have been closed.
For the year 2025, applications will be accepted from September.
About Summer schools
Age
Primary, secondary and high school students
English language learning is at the core of all programmes, so English lessons are included in all programmes. In addition, there are various programmes for different ages and English levels, such as exam preparation courses for older students.
What is a summer school?
Summer school is held during the summer holidays (July-August) and is attended by students from all over the world for the purpose of learning English, international exchange and cultural experience.
Students generally choose between two and six weeks’ duration, with programmes ranging from academically focused to activity-focused. In addition to in-school lessons and activities, there are excursions to places of interest several times a week. This way, you can learn practical English while having fun.
Many summer schools in the UK are held at boarding schools and are perfect for those considering full-time study in the future, as they allow students to experience the boarding life.
I participated in a summer school when I was thinking about studying overseas. That experience made me decide to study overseas full-time!
Why UK?
The UK is the home of boarding schools. Summer schools offer a rare opportunity to experience school life like Harry Potter, as students stay in actual boarding houses.
In addition, excursions to different parts of the UK allow students to experience British culture both inside and outside school.
Summer schools are also held in Japan, but for those who are thinking of studying overseas on a full-time basis, summer schools overseas are definitely recommended as a good preparation. It is also nice for those who are not serious about it yet, but want to casually experience the UK school life like they are travelling.
Example of a weekly schedule
Students are generally divided into classes according to their level in the morning for English lessons, with activities in the afternoon. The boarding school’s extensive grounds offer a variety of sports to choose from, as well as a wide range of activities such as art, cooking and music.
In the evenings, everyone gets together for talent shows, karaoke and other events, so you’ll never get bored throughout the day.
There are also half-day or full-day excursions several times a week. Students are exposed to British culture by touring London’s tourist attractions, such as Big Ben and Stonehenge, and visiting museums and University of Oxford.
Advantages of a summer school
(1) Learn authentic English
English is spoken 24 hours a day, so even in a short period of time, you can learn English surprisingly fast. You will not only learn English as a subject in class, but you will also use English through activities and boarding life, which will broaden your range of expression and help you learn natural English.
(2) Make friends from all over the world
One of the main features of the summer school is that students come from all over the world. Different countries have different cultures, so learning about each other’s culture through English can broaden your horizons.
As the students around you are also non-native English speakers, you will naturally develop a sense of camaraderie as you try your best to express yourself and understand others.
(3) Getting prepared for a long-term overseas study
Summer school is ideal for students who are considering studying overseas on a full-time basis in the future and want to try it out for a short period of time first. It is common for students to participate in summer school every year from a primary school age, and start their long-term overseas study journey when they are in secondary or senior high school.
(4) Short-term study without visa.
For Japanese nationals, visa is not required for short-term study for a few weeks in the UK. The hurdle is lower as there is less preparation before departure, and application is usually open until last minute.