6 Great Countries for Summer Courses Abroad

☀️ Why should you take a summer course?

When summer vacation is right around the corner, you may be making plans for international adventures. Why not combine your travels with a short summer courses?

Summer courses are a great way to boost your academic credentials before applying to university. Sacrificing the best months of the year to pursue long-term career goals demonstrates:

• Commitment
• Tenacity
• Work ethic
• Willingness to take responsibility for your future

These are personal qualities every college admission board looks for when assessing applications. However, there's no reason why you can't have some fun as you study during the summer.

You could, for example, learn French while soaking up some Parisian culture, prepare for medical school as you tour the North of England, or master the art of elegant design at schools in glamorous Rome, Milan, or Florence. If you're intrigued, check out these six destinations worth considering for summer classes.

The US

The US is one of the most popular destinations for summer courses, offering everything from Ivy League programs to specialized technical camps. Students can combine high-quality academic opportunities with rich cultural experiences, from major cities to coastal retreats.

One standout option is the Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) in Melbourne, Florida, which offers a wide range of summer classes and camps in subjects such as:

• Engineering
• Aeronautics
• Business
• Humanities
• Psychology
• Communication

These programs typically run for about six weeks between May and July. The campus is just a short stroll from several beaches and coastal spots, which helps explain why it was voted among the top 10 best universities for surfers.

You'll also enjoy easy access to a lively downtown nightlife, nature reserves, golf courses, the Kennedy Space Center, and even Disney World.

The UK

The UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities and offers many summer courses in fields like science, medicine, business, and the arts. These courses are popular with international students who want to experience British academic life while exploring the country's rich history and culture.

One example is Destination Medicine, a three-day summer program run by the University of Liverpool. It’s designed to help students prepare for the competitive medical school application process through workshops on:

• Personal statements
• Interview skills
• Entrance exams

The program also includes a hospital visit, giving attendees valuable exposure to clinical settings. This summer class is intense and challenging, but it's an excellent way to get an edge for medical school, which can be very competitive.

Spain

There are so many reasons why Spain is a perfect destination for a summer course, some of them include:

• Brilliant weather
• Varied landscapes
• Buzzing culture
• Delicious food

Barcelona is arguably the best spot if you're thinking about heading to Spain for a summer class. The city is packed with interesting and exciting places to visit, such as art galleries, museums, and epic cathedrals.

The nightlife is also pretty fantastic. Barcelona has a well-earned reputation as one of the world's best party cities. There's also a thriving LGBT scene in the city, creating a friendly, welcoming, and cosmopolitan vibe.

If you want to learn more Spanish, enroll at the world class Spanish Language School in Barcelona. Courses range from a 10-week Spanish Business Language course to Saturday morning classes on Spanish for beginners. You can register for a free taster lesson before committing.

💡Tip: Check out our podcast episode with former international student Lola to hear about her experience studying in Spain!

Italy

Italy is the perfect summer course destination for fashion students and art lovers. Head to Milan, for instance, where you can enroll in a month-long summer course on fashion design. These summer classes provide a well-rounded introduction to the basics of fashion design, including:

• Color theory
• Illustration
• The human figure
• Painting methods

You're then encouraged to create your own unique design and styles.

Courses include trips to fashion shows, workshops at designer boutiques, and lectures from guest speakers with years of industry experience. After class, spend a few hours refining your aesthetic eye by soaking up some of the greatest artworks of the last few centuries.

Rome has an incredible 83 museums and galleries.

The Uffizi Gallery is the number-one attraction for art lovers summering in Florence. It contains one of the world's most important paintings and classical sculptures collections. You'll see works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli.

France

If you're one of the many people learning French, why not put your practice to the test by spending a few months in Paris this summer?

After all, the best way to learn any language is by interacting with native speakers daily. You'll make a few mistakes (and maybe get a few raised eyebrows from a Parisian server), but laugh it off — it's a great way to connect with locals.

Immersing yourself in France also means embracing its culture:

• Café life – Linger at a sidewalk table with an espresso and watch the world go by.
• Evening strolls (promenades) along the Seine or through vibrant neighborhoods like Le Marais.
• The arts – Discover world-famous museums like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, and small galleries tucked into quiet streets.

Paris is also a popular destination for chefs and restaurateurs looking to learn the secrets of French cuisine.

For instance, Le Cordon Bleu cooking school runs several short summer courses for culinary experts and beginners. You could learn how to make the perfect pastries, bake bread like a master, or create a three-course meal worthy of a Michelin star!

Singapore

If you're looking for a dynamic summer study experience in Asia, Singapore combines academic excellence with rich cultural diversity.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a variety of summer courses and programmes in fields such as:

• Entrepreneurship
• Science
• Social sciences
• Asian studies
• Research methods

These programmes attract students from all over the world and provide an excellent opportunity to deepen your academic knowledge while exploring one of Asia's most vibrant and multicultural cities.

It's a vibrant cultural melting pot where East meets West. If it ends up being your summer study destination, expect:

• Hawker centres serving world-class street food like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa.
• A blend of futuristic architecture and lush gardens, including the famous Gardens by the Bay.
• A clean, safe, and efficient city with a unique mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences.

Conclusion

Let this summer be more than just a break—turn it into an adventure! From world-class summer courses to unforgettable cultural experiences, these destinations offer opportunities that will stay with you long after summer ends.