Summer Schools
University of Leeds students have opportunities to attend short summer programmes across the world.
Summer school programmes are a great opportunity for Undergraduate students of all levels to have an international study experience while only spending 1-12 weeks abroad.
A summer school experience does not count towards your Leeds degree. You could join a programme focused on the language and culture of another country, or study a course in an academic area that interests you that is not related to your main degree subject here in Leeds.
You can find below a sample of some of the summer programmes typically offered by our partner universities*. Full details of the specific programmes on offer each year, eligibility to apply, and funding opportunities are made available on our Global Opportunities SharePoint site.
*Please note: these are examples of programmes that have run at our partner universities in previous years. Programmes available vary each year and are subject to change.
Programmes in Asia
China
Fudan University – International Summer Programme
Fudan University was established in Shanghai in 1905 and is consistently  ranked in the top three universities in China. The International Summer Session provides a study and cultural experience to students from all over the world, aolongside home students from Fudan University. There are dozens of courses available each year in History and Culture, Society and Politics, Business and Economy, Science and Tecnology and Law. Students also take part in historical and cultural visits.
The Chinese module was interesting and allowed me to get by when speaking with locals. The Belt and Road Initiative was exciting and was taught by a professor who had a great knowledge about the project. He had done fieldwork in many places where the project is being implemented. - Carlos, 2019
Wuhan University – Luojia International Summer Program
Luojia International Summer Program is packaged in two exciting weeks. The theme is ‘Understanding China: Past and Present’ and aims to build an international exchange platform to help international students know more about China and Wuhan University. Guided by a standout team of experts in their fields, you’ll be able to enrich your knowledge of China through courses in Traditional Chinese Culture, and Overview of Modern China, and China’s Practise of AI and Big Data.
Hong Kong
Chinese University of Hong Kong – CUHK International Summer School
The CUHK International Summer School (ISS) provides students with an opportunity to combine high-quality learning with an unforgettable summer experience. Each summer the programme offers around 20 courses, encompassing business and finance, China studies, Chinese language (Putonghua and Cantonese), environmental, science and techology, society and communication studies.
Although we had online classes this year, I still had a very good student experience and learned a lot about Hong Kong culture. We basically had activities in every class, so there is a lot of opportunity for interaction. Teachers are very friendly and will help you if you have any problems. – Wenqian, 2021.
Japan
Ritsumeikan University – Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program
The Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program is designed for undergraduate or postgraduate students with minimal knowledge of the Japanese language, providing a comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture. There are six courses on the RSJP programme during the summer break. Students also participate in Japanese Studies classes to learn about Japanese culture and take part in field excursions.
Singapore
National University of Singapore (NUS) – Global Science Summer Programme
Hosted by the NUS Faculty of Science, this programme is a perfect opportunity to broaden your academic and cultural horizons. Courses on offer include Forensic Science, Forensic Toxicology, Criminalistics: Evidence and Proof, Criminalistics: Forgery Exposé with Forensic Science and Nanophysics.
South Korea
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology – KAIST International Summer School
Based in Daejeon, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is a research intensive university and is in the top 50 universities in the world. Since its establishment in 2007, KAIST International Summer School (KISS) has worked faithfully to serve as a hub for cultural and academic exchange between students from all over the world. Students typically choose two courses from a range of subjects including engineering, design, art and sciences. Classes are taught in English, though beginners Korean is also available.
Yonsei University – Yonsei International Summer School
Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) opened its doors in 1985 and since then, YISS has become an integral part of campus life based on a unique blend of Korean and global cultures. YISS offers a wide range of courses taught in English, including the arts, culture, humanities, Asian and Korean studies, international politics and economics, global management, science and technology and environmental studies.
The professors were very passionate about the subject they were teaching and kept me interested throughout the course, they used their life experiences. - Wiktoria, 2017
Programmes in Australasia
Australia
University of Sydney – Short Term Programme
Spend your summer studying one of University of Sydney’s short-term programmes! From indigenous history and culture to diet and nutrition, business consulting to photography, students have the chance to immerse themselves in Australian life for one month. Previous social activities offered during the programme include a ‘learn to surf’ camp and a koala experience.
Programmes in Europe
France
Toulouse Business School – TBS Summer School Programmes
TBS Summer School programmes offer a wide choice of business and management courses while you get the chance to discover Europe and live a unique international and multicultural experience. While in Toulouse, Barcelona and/or Ljubljana, students will meet with companies to understand how business is done in Europe. Typically, there are four tracks to choose from across a combination of the sites, and students can choose courses alongside optional language classes.
Germany
Freie Universität Berlin – Freie Universität Berlin International Summer University
FUBiS offers intensive and semi-intensive German language classes on up to five different proficiency levels. In addition, FUBiS offers subject classes on various class topics. Previously, subject courses cover topics such as Europe’s political history, economics, architecture, and traditional art, law and society, 20th century studies and leadership in the 21st century.
Netherlands
Utrecht University – Utrecht Summer School
The Utrecht Summer School offers a broad selection of over 200 English-taught summer courses in various disciplines from Art & Music to Engineering & Technology. The programme includes city trips through the Netherlands, night canoeing through the canals of downtown Utrecht, a weekly social gathering in the form of a pub quiz or scavenger hunt, trips to famous museums.
The communication and organisation at the Utrecht University was at a high standard. They were communicative and swiftly responded to all my concerns. During the course we had some skill sessions, like negotiation or moot court and the school found a way to fully engage us in the process and the activities. – Zuzanna, 2021
Spain
Universidad de Malaga – Spanish as a Foreign Language courses
EL CIE is a reference center in the teaching of Spanish with more than 70 years of experience. Throughout its history, the Center has stood out for the quality of its teaching and the service it has provided to international students from all over the world. Students can take a short one-month Spanish programme, in July, August or September, depending on students’ needs and interests. Read more on the International Centre for Spanish website.
Universidad Pontificia Comillas – Specialised Summer Courses
Courses taught as part of Comillas’ Specialised Summer Courses include technical and cultural visits and are taught in Spanish and English. In previous years, theoretical classes are complemented by technical visits to companies, public and private institutions, and with cultural visits such as the Prado Museum and the "Madrid de los Austrias y de los Borbones". Subject courses include topics such as business, management, marketing, European Union and International Law, digital marketing and business, innovation of the 4IR in a globalized world and ethics and human rights.
Switzerland
University of Geneva – Geneva Summer Schools and Summer French courses
Geneva Summer Schools foster exchange and collaboration on topics of global significance and connect people of all backgrounds in an international city at the heart of Europe. They offer a selection of short courses during the summer in a variety of fields such as International Law, Humanitarian Action, Children Rights, and Global Health, Diversity.
Programmes in Latin America
Brazil
Summer School on Brazilian Studies - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
The UFMG Summer School on Brazilian Studies intends to give students from all over the world an understanding of key aspects of Brazil from distinct perspectives. Over two weeks of intense learning, meetings will cover the underpinnings of Brazilian politics, history, foreign relations, geography, law, economy, arts and culture. Portuguese classes are also included. The Summer School takes place at UFMG’s main campus in Belo Horizonte – the capital city of Brazil’s federal state of Minas Gerais. Field trips to places of historical and artistic relevance (Ouro Preto and Inhotim) are included in the programme.
Mexico
Tecnológico de Monterrey – iSummerMX Programme
Tecnológico de Monterrey Tis a private University in Mexico with 26 campuses across the country. The University runs several 'iSummer MX' programmes for students to choose from. Each programme has a different focus, runs for four weeks and will give you the chance to travel around Mexico whilst studying!
Programmes in North America
Canada
University of Calgary – International Summer Programme (Two Academic Courses)
Students will be immersed in the UCalgary campus environment while taking two academic courses taught by University of Calgary faculty. In this intensive programme, students will gain international academic experience, learn Canadian culture first-hand and visit top destinations in and around Calgary.
University of Victoria – International Summer Institute for Business Management
The International Summer Institute for Business Management at UVic is an intensive programme taught by award-winning professors from the Gustavson School of Business. This program pairs theoretical concepts with experiential learning. Topics covered include Business Communication, Entrepreneurship, Service Management and International Business.
United States of America
Stony Brook University – Global Academic Programme
Stony Brook University has a wide variety of courses across multiple academic departments and disciplines as part of its Global Summer Institute (GSI). Beyond academics, Stony Brook invites students to immerse themselves in the campus community with the guidance of the Global Student Ambassadors, to explore Long Island beaches, take part in a local street festival, and enjoy Manhattan, the heart of New York!
As I was studying Sustainability, I was lucky to experience a trip to a research lab, where PhD students talked me through their research and showed me their practical experiments. This was so interesting for me as a business student, as I wouldn’t be able to do this at Leeds! – Jemima, 2021