By car the Highway 1 go down, listen to concerts in Central Park, making the hippie flea markets in San Francisco unsafe or surf the big waves on Hawaii – the list of possible activities for a summer in the US seems endless.
Experience summer in the USA
In the west, the golden beaches, the blue Pacific and the relaxed lifestyle of California beckon. Whether Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco – all of these cities have their own flair.
There are also countless white sandy beaches, small tranquil coastal towns and spectacular amusement parks on the Atlantic coast in the east. Many residents of the metropolises of New York or Boston relax on the beaches close to the city from the heat and the hustle and bustle of the cities. Shady parks, street cafes and rooftop bars invite you to relax. All of this can be experienced during a summer session in the USA, a country located in North America listed on topb2bwebsites.
Summer sessions in the USA in the fact check
Do you dream of spending an unforgettable summer in the USA ? Then a summer school in the USA is an attractive option for you. We clarify exactly what the summer sessions are all about in the fact check:
- Names: Summer Sessions, Summer School, Summer University, Summer College, Summer Courses
- Type of study: condensed semester abroad, trial study abroad, study abroad “on trial”
- Provider: US universities
- Period: summer months May to September
- Duration: three to six weeks
Short and compact – reasons for a summer session in the USA
Summer sessions in the USA are an extremely popular form of study abroad. In the summer months, many international students flock to the US universities. There are many reasons for participating in a summer session in the USA.
Dare to think outside the box
The range of courses during the summer months is not as large as during the regular semester. Nevertheless, several hundred courses from all possible subject areas are often offered as part of summer sessions in the USA. International students can choose between courses such as Biochemistry, Ethnicity and Race in Contemporary American Films or Multinational Finance and Trade.
A summer session in the USA is an ideal opportunity to broaden your own horizons and to get to grips with non-subject areas. In this way, new knowledge can be acquired that can serve as inspiration for further study.
Summer Sessions USA without a semester off
For international students, summer sessions in the USA are a unique opportunity to take a condensed semester abroad in the USA during their home semester break. In contrast to other study programs, it is not necessary to factor in longer study times.
Since the same material is covered for a few weeks as in a regular semester, the summer sessions in the USA are tightly organized. Usually, students only take two or a maximum of three courses per summer session. In most of the courses, attendance is compulsory and there is regular homework. The achievements are checked in the form of essays and exams and assessed with credit points. At the end of the summer session, students receive grade reports listing their performance.
Recognition made easy
As far as possible, participants are free to choose their courses from the complete range of courses in the Summer Sessions. Thus, they have the option of their timetable to the adapt native Curriculum. The study achievements achieved during the summer sessions in the USA can be counted towards the study in Germany in consultation with the home university.
Trial course for high school and high school graduates
Summer sessions in the USA are not only an interesting option for college students, but also for high school graduates and high school students. Some universities offer summer programs for high school students aged 16 and over, some for even younger students. These are mostly shorter than the regular summer schools and some of the courses are specially designed for students.
Many students take this opportunity to get a taste of the campus atmosphere in Germany during the summer holidays and to improve their English skills.
Surfin ‘USA – free time and international contacts
If you take part in a summer session in the USA, you of course also have the chance to get to know the country and its people. Although the timetable is often tight, there is enough time to go on excursions in the surrounding nature and explore the cities.
As the Summer Sessions are popular with students around the world, the participants also get to know young people from all over the world. At the same time, they have the opportunity to train their intercultural skills.
Conditions of participation for Summer Sessions USA
The hurdles for participating in a summer session in the USA are lower than for a full degree. This even applies to elite universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA or Boston University. In principle, the following admission requirements apply:
- Minimum age: 18 years; Exceptions for universities with special programs for students
- Degree: Abitur or technical diploma; the grade point average is secondary
- Sufficient knowledge of English: proof of IELTS or TOEFL ; In some cases, letters of recommendation from the home university or good to very good grades in the upper level are sufficient. Some universities, such as UC Berkeley, completely waive formal proof of language skills for summer session applicants from the German-speaking area.
The question of costs and financing
Study programs in the USA represent a financial burden for international students. Attending a summer session in the USA is also associated with costs. Depending on the university, the study program, the type and number of courses chosen, these vary. If two courses are booked, US $ 2,500 – 6,000 is a rough guide for tuition fees.
Living in the USA
The cost of living is added to the tuition fees for a summer session in the USA. Many universities offer students the opportunity to live in student dormitories or university apartments during the summer sessions. At some universities there are complete offers for accommodation and meals. Alternatively, there is the possibility of looking for private accommodation. This must be organized independently. The rental costs depend on the local conditions.
Opportunities for funding for summer sessions in the USA
Unfortunately, there are only a few scholarship programs for the Summer Sessions in the USA. Some foundations support participation in certain courses. So it can be worthwhile to look for possible sponsors.
Anyone who finances their studies with a student loan or an education fund can find out from the bank or organization whether special payments are possible for stays abroad.
But even without financial support, a summer program in the USA is often cheaper than a semester abroad due to the lower tuition fees and the shorter length of stay.
Interesting facts about visa and health insurance USA
Those taking part in a full-time study program in the USA require a student visa (F-1). This should be applied for at the American embassy or consulate in good time before departure. With an F-1 visa, students are free to
- To arrive 30 days before the start of the summer session or
- to stay in the USA for another 60 days after the end of the summer session, for example to travel.
International students need US health insurance to attend a summer session in the US. Many universities offer insurance packages with enrollment for the summer sessions. A foreign health insurance taken out in Germany is often the cheaper option. There is no requirement for special travel vaccinations.
