The long summer break isn’t just a chance to relax and recharge the batteries, it’s also a great opportunity to delve deeper into a subject, pursue an interest or develop a new skill, all while having fun, making new friends and even experiencing a new country.
How you spend your summer is becoming an increasingly important decision. With a growing list of opportunities and activities available, students are spoilt for choice and can choose from the likes of building a race car and, in the process, learning about engineering, mastering a language, preparing for university or the world of work, and learning how to write a compelling CV. Read on for our top picks.
MASTERING AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
Brand new for 2019, this Oxford Royale Academy course offers a unique opportunity for a small group of keen engineers to spend their summer in the heart of the UK’s Motorsport Valley. Working on practical and academic aspects of automotive engineering, the course will culminate in the completion and testing of a self-assembly Caterham Car. Other highlights include the chance to live, dine and study in the University of Oxford colleges, and talks and debates with world-class guest speakers.
Where: Oxford, UK
When: 6 weeks, July-August 2019
www.oxford-royale.co.uk
DISCOVER CHINA
China Campus Network, a consortium of 28 Universities across China, invites students to choose between the ancient cultural capital of Xi’an in Western China, or the modern, bustling financial capital of Shanghai on the east coast. These unique summer schools provide international students with the vital academic and language skills required for entry to university in China.
Where: Xi’an or Shanghai, China
When: 7-10 days, June or August 2019
https://www.chinacampuses.org/china-campussummer-school
www.chinacampusnetwork.cn
PWC TALENT ACADEMY
This two-day employability training session from PricewaterhouseCoopers is for students in the final two years of high school, teaching soft skills in the areas of communication and emotional intelligence, and providing coaching for CV writing for securing internships. There is also an opportunity for speed networking with senior finance professionals at PwC to learn more about career opportunities and skills for success. Students receive a #TrainedbyPwC certification at the end of the course, which costs $1,900 but is free for GEMS Education students thanks to the GEMS UniConnect programme. Email academyme@ae.pwc.com to apply.
Where: PwC’s Academy, Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai, UAE
When: 14 and 15 June 2019, 10am-3pm
https://www.pwcacademy-me.com
PENN SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMME
The University of Pennsylvania delivers the challenge of an Ivy League curriculum to academically talented high school students seeking a precollegiate experience. Explore Penn’s historic campus, engage with leading faculty and build intellectual connections within accelerated summer high school programmes. The experience offers the challenge of college-level academics within an exploratory, noncredit environment. Students have the opportunity to enrol in two immersive modules from across disciplines while benefiting from the rich educational resources of the university, experiencing college life and exploring the vibrant city of Philadelphia.
Where: Philadelphia, USA
When: 7 July-19 July and 21 July-2 August
https://www.sas.upenn.edu/summer/programs/high-school
MAKE EACH DAY A MASTERPIECE
Youth Global Outreach (YG) has announced the 2019 dates for its Leadership Innovation Accelerator at Stanford University, offering participants the opportunity to experience life at Stanford University from the perspective of an incoming undergraduate student. The fully immersive experience will include the use of student residences as well as full dining privileges and recreational facilities throughout the campus.
The 2019 programme is based on a curriculum focusing on leadership and team values, innovation and life experience. Daily lessons, team activities, events and excursions will develop the skills necessary for success and prepare the next leaders of the world for next- generation society. This year participants can enjoy the programme over two flexible one-week sessions as well as the newly included full twoweek session.
Representatives from the programme will visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi from 5–8 April as part of their recruitment drive and the final times and locations will be confirmed shortly. As a GEMS UniConnect partner a 10% scholarship will be available to admitted GEMS Education students and the relevant scholarship codes will be provided upon acceptance to the programme.
Where: Stanford University
When: 3-9 August (week 1), 10-16 August (week 2), or the full two-week session (3-16 August) Applications are currently being accepted. To apply, visit www.yougolead.com/apply
SUMMER IN SPAIN
Spend the summer with IE University in Spain focusing on social sciences including economics, the humanities, cultures, and social and business entrepreneurship – all of which are hugely beneficial regardless of what you intend to study at university. It’s also an excellent way to acquire essential soft skills such as teamwork, creative problem-solving, negotiation, and communication techniques. The IEU Summer Programme is designed for high-potential students from all around the world. It allows them to grow personally and professionally, while making friends in an engaging, international environment.
Where: IEU campuses in Segovia (week 1) and Madrid (week 2), Spain
When: 8-19 July
https://www.ie.edu/university/ieuexperience/pre-college-activities/summer-program/#
SUMMER ON A SCHOLARSHIP
If you’re a GEMS Education student, you’re in luck! The GEMS UniConnect programme, which has struck partnerships with more than 100 universities and other institutions around the world, offers GEMS students access to exclusive scholarships both on undergraduate courses and summer programmes. For full details, visit www.gemseducation.com/academicsuccess/gems-uniconnect/summer-opportunities