Summer Degree-Level Courses
Summer Non-Degree Courses
Summer Internships
Summer English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses
Summer Programmes for Students Under 18

During the summer period, many US colleges and universities offer a wide variety of programmes for international and US students. A summer programme may be a good option for students who have limited financial resources or only a short length of time to spend in the US.

Summer Degree-Level Programmes
There are many programmes offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate level in the US over the summer. Undergraduate offerings usually include several courses from each major field.

Summer sessions, which are held between May and September, are generally more flexible in programming than the rest of the year. Instructors have fewer responsibilities, and smaller classes promote more intimate classroom discussions so it's a good time for educators to try new programmes. Students can take advantage of different course structures, even including field trips.

Campus Atmosphere
The campus atmosphere during the summer months tends to be less formal and more relaxed than the rest of the year. Smaller and more intimate classes provide opportunities to work closely with professors and other students.

However, there are drawbacks to the summers on US campuses. It could be that campus services have shorter hours, for instance, the library may only be open 5 days a week and the dining services may close at the weekends. The summer social scene may be slower paced than during the academic year. Students can sometimes feel isolated, although short courses that draw many international students are likely to involve planned social activities. The size and surroundings of the university will also affect the summer social scene; at a large university in a large city, the social life may not change noticeably.

Open Enrolment
Application for summer programmes may be non-competitive. This is called "open enrolment," meaning that anyone who applies and pays the course fees is admitted. This is ideal for international students not wanting to go through the full admission process or who do not have the qualifications for entrance into a full degree programme. Open enrolment for summer session is not standard policy, however, so check with your university for the procedures. Admission for the summer session does not mean you are automatically accepted into a full degree programme.

Programme Length
Many American students choose to study during the summer in order to catch up or to get ahead in their studies. The summer programmes are usually short in duration, anywhere from 6-8 weeks, and the course load can be quite heavy, as a semester’s worth of material is presented in only a few weeks. While classes can be held at any time of day, they usually meet for several hours a day, 3 or 4 times a week. The summer session generally begins in mid-May and runs until August. Some universities also offer short courses during the Winter break and the few weeks before summer courses begin.

Visas
To be sure of which visa is appropriate for you, check with the institution you are applying to and see what they suggest. Many summer programmes are used to working with international students, and can advise you on what type of visa to obtain.

The subject of visas for summer study can be quite complex depending on the topic of study and the number of hours of study you wish to pursue. According to the United States Embassy in London, there are three options available. Please check with the institution you will be attending or with the US Embassy or consulate nearest you as to which visa you qualify for.

1) Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP)
The visa waiver program is an option for those holding a British passport, or the passport of another country that participates in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP). Holders of visitor (B-2) visas and those who have entered the United States under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program are prohibited from entering into full-time study, but can engage in part time study.

2) B-2 Visitor Visa
The B-2 visa is appropriate for students planning a course of part-time study, if the course is of short duration. This visa is most appropriate for English language students since their courses are usually shorter than any other type of study.

3) F-1 Student Visa
If you are studying for more than 18 hours per week, you should apply for the F-1 visa, which is for full time academic study at a university or other academic institution in the United States. In order to apply for this visa you will need to submit a completed I-20 form to the US Embassy. The I-20 form will be sent to you by your US university or college once you have confirmed your acceptance on the course and submitted proof of finances.

For further information on visas contact the US Embassy's visa enquiry line on 0991 500 590 (£1.50/minute). For recorded information, call 0891 200 290 (50p/minute).

Choosing a Programme
Planning ahead can make choosing a programme easier. Start looking at programmes 4-6 months ahead of your proposed start date. Planning early will help ease the tension if there are delays in processing papers, getting visas, and preparing to leave.

As there is no one directory for summer programmes, research can be a lengthy process. Start by viewing our non-comprehensive list of summer study courses. One of the best resources for summer programmes is the World Wide Web (see below for a link to summer study websites). Look at the universities' regular prospectuses and summer school pages. The Educational Advisory Service's reference library also has a small holding of summer school prospectuses that can be very useful. Apart from this, the best approach for choosing a summer programme is to start with universities with degree programmes in your general field and see if they offer any summer opportunities.

The following UK organisations are placement agencies for summer study at a small number of universities in the US.

EIL (Experiment for International Living) : “Otesaga” 287 Worcester Road, Malvern, Worcs. WR14 1AB. Tel: 01684 562577. Fax: 01684 562212.

CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) : 52 Poland Street, London W1V 4JQ. Tel: 020 7478 2004. Fax: 020 7734 7322. E-mail: Info.UK@ciee.org

Finances
The cost of summer programmes ranges greatly, depending on the length of the programme, the level of study, and sometimes the time of day the classes meet. Postgraduate courses are usually more expensive than undergraduate courses. For international students, the fees may be less expensive during the summer programme, as there are no separate out-of-state tuition fees to pay.

Tuition fees, charged per credit hour (number of hours spent in the classroom or lab), can range from $100 per credit to $400 for undergraduates and from $160 to $500 for postgraduates. Keep in mind that one class could be up to four credit hours.

Living expenses will vary. Universities generally have summer housing and dining services available, and you may find that off-campus housing is cheaper and easier to find in the summer than during the academic year.

Financial aid for summer session is extremely limited; scholarships during the summer months vary in availability. It is the responsibility of the student to seek out either private funding or enquire about aid from the university.

Other Opportunities

Non-Degree Courses
During the summer it is also common that universities offer special non-degree courses. The duration of and material covered in non-credit courses varies widely and can be anything from a one-day professional development seminar to an art therapy course that lasts the entire summer session.

Internships
Summer work placements, known as internships in the US, can help you get the work experience you need for your field. Many US students choose this option, as it does not conflict with studies during the academic year. Students considering internships should see Work Exchange Programmes with the US.

English as a Second Language (ESL)
Many universities offer English courses designed for non-native speakers. There are many types of programmes, varying from intensive courses for the beginner to business English for the advanced speaker. While ESL courses are taught during the academic year, they also have summer programmes, lasting anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Please visit our English Language Courses web page for more information. A number of ESL course information bulletins are held in the EAS library.

English Language and Orientation Programs in the US (revised 1997), Lists over 1,000 English language programmes, both summer and year-round. Indexes include English for special purpose programmes. Available in the EAS library. Web address: http://www.iie.org

Programmes for Students 18 and under
Some universities offer pre-collegiate programmes for students wanting to experience university before entering. Contact the college or university you are interested in for more details.

Summer camps, although not connected to universities, offer academic, arts, sports, or travel camp programmes to children and teenagers ages 7 – 17. Below are helpful guides to choosing a summer camp.

Guide to Accredited Camps (annual)
Lists over 2,000 camps accredited by the American Camping Association with information on who attends the camps, fees and locations. Camps are also cross-referenced by activity specialities and special clientele served (including families, seniors and single adults as well as young people with particular disabilities).

Guide to Summer Camps and Summer Schools (1996)
Lists almost 1,300 camps and other programmes for children and teens and is indexed by numerous features, from “circus skills” instruction to weight loss focus.

*Peterson’s Summer Opportunities for Kids and Teenagers (annual November)
Lists over 2,000 camps accredited by the American Camping Association with information on who attends the camps, fees and locations. Camps are also cross-referenced by activity specialities and special clientele served.
ISBN 1-56079-398-8

Summer on Campus: College Experience for High School Students (1995)
Lists 450 programmes at 350 colleges and universities where high school students can take courses.

Summer Study USA; Boarding Schools and Summer Programs in the USA (annual)
Designed for international students and their parents, with discussions of secondary-level or collegiate study options in the US. Contains many advertisements from programmes interested in an international audience.
*available in EAS library

For More Information

On-Line Resources
Please visit our Summer Study web links page for a listing of related websites and email discussion forums.