7 Popular Summer Programs for College Students

Summer break from college can be a great time to relax, to find a summer job and gain some valuable work experience or continue your learning. Maybe you have the desire to travel and expand your world knowledge and experiences. What if there was a chance to do all of those things at once? There are some fabulous summer programs for college students that allow work experience, different locations, and education with real-life experiences. Gaining experiences and expanding your social world, and increase your awareness and understanding of another culture, a new city or a new field of interests is invaluable to take back to college and for the rest of your life. Let's take a look at a few popular summer college programs.

How do you Choose?

Obviously, availability will play a big role, but you need to narrow down what you are interested in and what you are willing to do and not do. Here are a few tips to make it easier for you to choose.
  • Choose something close to your major. This will increase your chances of getting it and make choosing easier.
  • Look for programs that offer credits toward your own school program.
  • Look for programs that are recommended from your own college programs requirements.
  • Find something that will help you grow in your weaker areas.
  • Think about what your long-term goals are, and find something suitable that will enhance those.
Finding something that will allow you to learn or practice a new language, increase your standing at college and even programs that offer incentives or subsidies will go a long way in helping you decide.

Abroad

If you have the means or the incredible luck to get a summer program abroad, thus type of summer program can be life-altering.

1. CISabroad

For almost 20 years this organization has been offering great travel programs for college students. You can choose your country of choice from over 20 offered, choose your area of interest or major and they are there to help you through every step of the way, including courses, student visas and what to expect when you get there, and beyond.

2. ISEP

This is another organization with a focus on Europe, providing all the information you will need to study abroad or take part in a student exchange summer program. They offer scholarships, help you choose the best program for you and have all the safety concerns along with a checklist of what you will need to make the most of your trip.

3. Global Experiences

Comprised of people who have lived it, helping you every step of the way to ensure you get the most out of your summer program for college students. Because of their world travel experiences, they want to make sure you will get the best out of your trip. 30 different career areas to pick from, you will not only gain valuable knowledge and experiences but increase your chances of a job when you are finished college. Choose from great locations, from New York to Milan.

4. CIEE

Expand your languages and your social standing by helping out a developing nation, learn about a different culture and discover new foods, and gain experience and education at the same time. Grant and scholarship funds, a wide variety of locations and lots of options from programs or the choice to build your own, they offer you a chance of a lifetime.

Summer Programs for College Students

Choosing to stay home and maybe check out other potential programs or colleges is a good choice for a great future. There is a multitude of summer programs available close to home or across the country.

5. Standford

A summer college program at Stanford Universtiy provides an amazing academic experience for anyone looking at higher learning. Challenging coursework at a world-class college with a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, you will gain more than education. Explore the life of a student at a world renown college, live off or on campus and explore the surrounding area, and enjoy the weather, the surfing and the close proximity to San Francisco.

6. The New School

Located New York, they offer an intensive summer program for college students in design. Art, fashion design, drawing, or architectural design, you will find here. Pinpoint your area and receive the best in training, plus credit. Excellent preparation for any design school.

7. Harvard

Offering credit courses on the gorgeous grounds of Harvard, some courses are available online, as well. A wide variety of options for courses, you will experience firsthand the splendor and academic wonder that is Harvard University. Explore the grounds, pick the courses you want and enjoy all the extra activities available to you. You will get a great idea of what life will be like as a full-time student at Harvard, and explore Boston, Cambridge and open your world to higher education.

Summer Programs for Life

By choosing to enroll in a summer program for college students, you open yourself up to new experiences, new ideas, new cultures, languages, and adventures. You will meet new people who will not only influence and educate you but may become lifelong friends. Choosing a travel program is the beginning of a lifetime of travel, adventure and exposure to new and wonderful ways of life. It's the most well-rounded education you can get.

More Than Academic

Taking part in a summer program for college students can be so much more than academic. Whether you go across the world or across town, you are constantly learning, experiencing and expanding. Partaking in an extra program through the summer is an investment in your future. You may discover a new hidden passion you never knew you even had, or find ways to expand on something you thought of as only a hobby. It's the best way to spend your summer away from school and still get an amazing education. The possibilities are endless and you never know what you will discover about yourself, the world and life. There is so much information available, so start your search today, for the best summer, ever.
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