Summer schools for kids: Harvard Summer School
Summer Courses for Adult and College Students
Registration for Summer 2023 Opens March 1. Browse 2023 Courses
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7-Week Session
June 20 – August 4
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3-Week Session I
June 20 – July 6
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3-Week Session II
July 10 – July 27
Your Harvard Summer School Experience
Harvard Summer School offers more than 400 courses for adult and college students, in more than 60 different subject areas. Our courses are offered in a variety of flexible formats, so you can find the option that works best with your busy schedule.
In our classrooms — no matter in person or online — you’ll find:
- Harvard faculty and industry experts dedicated to helping you expand your skills and sparking intellectual curiosity
- A rigorous, inclusive learning environment filled with rich interactions
- An intensive curriculum designed to be completed in a shorter summer session than a fall or spring semester
- An international network of peers like you—driven, curious, and committed to growth
- Access to Harvard’s renowned libraries, museums, and computer labs
Course Registration and Deadlines
Harvard Summer School is open to anyone seeking to use their summer to learn something new!
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Harvard Extension School Students
Make progress toward a certificate or degree: taking a single course over the summer can help you accelerate your path to a credential.
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Harvard College Students
Many summer courses count toward your degree if taken for credit after matriculating at Harvard College.
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Adult & Visiting College Students
Upskill to advance your career. Complete a prerequisite. Or simply expand your knowledge. You’ll find the class you need at Harvard Summer School.
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International Students
Harvard Summer School sponsors F-1 student visas for international students enrolling full time for credit in courses on campus.
Hanne Twedt Berli
The professors offered valuable tips and encouragement throughout my courses. I was not used to having professors who knew every student’s name and backgrounds, but the professors I had at Harvard truly made an effort to get to know all of us.
Meet Hanne Twedt Berli
Registration for Summer 2023
Opens March 1
Browse 2023 Courses
Choose Your Course
You can study more than 60 different subject areas at Harvard Summer School, and in the format that best fits your busy schedule.
Interested in studying at the Harvard campus? Enroll in one of our many on campus courses or choose an online course with one intensive on-campus weekend.
Seeking an online or even a self-paced course? Formats include:
- Live synchronous: attend your class online during assigned class times for live lectures and group discussions
- Live and on-demand: attend class live during assigned class times or watch recorded sessions on-demand
- On-demand: watch recorded sessions on-demand and keep up with course deadlines on your schedule
For a uniquely Harvard experience, explore one of our specially-designed Summer Seminars or Career Pathways.
To find the course that’s right for you, browse our comprehensive course catalog or preview select topics here:
Arts, Writing, and the Humanities
- Comparative Literature
- Creative Writing
- Dramatic Arts
- English
- Expository Writing
- Film and Visual Arts
- History of Art and Architecture
- Humanities
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
Business & Economics
- Management
- Economics
Computer Science, Math, and Engineering
- Applied Math
- Computer Science
- Digital Media
- Engineering Sciences
- Information Management Systems
- Mathematics Review
- Math
- Statistics
Foreign Languages and Literatures
- Arabic
- Celtic Languages and Literatures
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Greek
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Russian
- Sanskrit
- Spanish
- Ukrainian
- Uyghur
Sciences
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Studies
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior
- Physics
- Psychology
Study of Societies, Past and Present
- African and African American Studies
- Anthropology
- Government
- History
- History of Science
- Legal Studies
- Religion
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Cost & Aid
Tuition for adult and college students courses (both credit and non-credit) at Harvard Summer School in 2023 is:
- 4-credit course: $3,600
- 8-credit course: $7,200
Students planning to take on-campus courses in 2023 are also responsible for all travel costs, and if living on campus, room and meal plan fees.
See Tuition, Fees, and Payment for Adult and College Students for complete tuition information.
FAQs
Can High School Seniors take Summer School at Harvard?
High school seniors can only take courses at Harvard Summer School if they are accepted into the Secondary School Program for High School Students. To qualify for this program, you must submit a completed application by the appropriate deadline and be accepted into the program.
However, admitted Secondary School Program students are eligible to take most of the same courses offered to adult and college students.
How do I sign up for Summer School at Harvard?
Once you’ve decided to take a course at Harvard Summer School, the next step is to register for your selected class.
Once your pre-registration is complete, you can add your course or courses to your shopping cart and submit your registration in the DCE Course Search and Registration platform.
Please be aware that some courses require that you complete eligibility assessments and submit additional documentation before you can register.
For more information on how to register, as well as helpful on-demand webinars, visit Course Registration.
When are the deadlines for signing up for Summer School Courses?
It is very important to pay attention to all registration, payment, and other deadlines as you begin the registration process, as all deadlines are strict and late registration is not permitted.
Registration for Harvard Summer School courses for adult and college students begins in early March. We encourage you to choose your course in advance and sign up early, as many of our most popular courses do fill up before registration closes in early June.
View the Summer 2023 Academic Calendar or join our mailing list to be the first to know about deadlines and other helpful information.
Why Take a Course at Harvard Summer School?
Summer is a great time to learn a new skill, get ahead in college credits, or simply explore a topic that fascinates you.
With over 400 courses to choose from, in a variety of flexible formats to fit your schedule, we know that you’ll find the right course for you at Harvard Summer School.
We look forward to getting to know you on campus or online over the summer!
Study Abroad – Harvard Summer School
Summer 2023 Updates
Health, safety, and security is paramount in Summer School Study Abroad program planning and execution. The University is committed to facilitating travel under safe conditions, but travel in the presence of COVID-19 can still pose risks for which you should prepare. Harvard Summer School will continue to monitor developments at our program locations with Harvard Global Support Services (GSS).
For travel safety advice, and additional resources, we encourage you to visit the Harvard Global Support Services (GSS) website.
Study With Harvard Faculty Around the World
Expect a true Harvard experience this summer. During a Harvard Summer School study abroad program, you will engage your intellectual curiosity with Harvard faculty, build a new network of friends, and expand your understanding of the world.
The programs, from five to eight weeks in length, provide a range of academic experiences and opportunities, from focused foreign language and culture courses to immersive study of location-specific topics in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Our office hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m ET. Interested in learning more about our programs? Please email us at [email protected].
Harvard Summer School
Study Abroad Programs
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Current Programs
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Berlin, Germany, and Vienna, Austria
Gain a critical overview of literature, music, and the arts from the 19th century to the present, while exploring the vibrant capitals of Austria and Germany.
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Dakar, Senegal
Learn about modern Francophone Africa while exploring the diversity of Senegal.
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Greece
Migrations and Boundaries: Reconceptualizing Mobility in the Eastern Mediterranean and Beyond
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Kyoto, Japan
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and learn about East Asia and the world using Kyoto as a living classroom.
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Madrid, Spain
Study Spanish language, history, and culture in Spain’s dynamic, elegant and hip capital city.
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Milan and Siena, Italy
Spend the summer in Milan, Siena, and Trento, studying the intersection of beauty, innovation, and sustainability.
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Paris, France
Explore the City of Light and the revolutions that have shaped it.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Immerse yourself in the Czech language and culture in the heart of Europe.
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Scandinavia
Investigate the Viking Age—its legacy, history, and archaeology—throughout Scandinavia.
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Seoul, Korea
Learn Korean language and explore the richness of modern Korean culture and history.
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Taipei, Taiwan
Intensive Chinese language and cultural immersion in one of East Asia’s most dynamic cities
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Tbilisi, Georgia
Advance your Russian-language skills while exploring Georgian and Russian culture, history, literature, and film.
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Venice, Italy
Explore Venice, Italy, one of Europe’s most important nexuses.
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Zagreb and Vis, Croatia
The unique history and geography of Croatia is the ideal location to study the complex nature of borders and boundaries in today’s world.
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Summer schools and courses for children in Germany
Today Germany is one of the world leaders in terms of the quality of education – both long-term and short-term training programs are a serious contribution to the treasury of knowledge. More and more foreigners and Russians are taking part in summer vacation programs run by various educational institutions. Summer study options are usually a special course that combines study and recreation, academic and adventure aspects. Training is conducted on the basis of educational institutions, including the most prestigious and top positions in the world rankings.
Summer schools in Germany: main advantages for Russians
Advantages of summer schools in Germany:
- One of the best education systems in the world
- Opportunities to study German, English and other languages
- Rich extra-curricular life
- Unique learning program
- Keeping students safe
- Comfortable living conditions
- An opportunity to get acquainted with traditions and culture
- Highly professional teachers and staff
- Valuable life experience, making new friends.
creative and1 creative1 classes
All participants are divided into groups according to age and skill level. You need to be able to find a special approach to children, because each age has its own, most suitable methods. Age groups:
- 3 to 7 years old
- 8 to 11 years old
- 12 to 15 years old
- From 16 to 18 years old.
The smallest participants are always accompanied by their parents or a nanny/guardian.
Educational institutions are mostly located either in big cities or in quiet rural areas with incredibly beautiful nature. Education combines academic work with activities aimed at recreation. The duration of participation is 1-6 weeks (sometimes it can be longer). You can choose different course options:
- Standard
- Intensive
- Examination
- A course with a certain bias (sports, creative, thematic, scientific, etc.).
Language classes are held on weekdays before lunch; Lessons are taught by highly qualified teachers who know how to find an individual approach.
The classroom has a free, relaxed atmosphere, role-playing games, debates, speeches and presentations are held. Upon completion of training, a confirmation certificate is issued.
The rest of the time, children are engaged in various types of physical activity and creativity, visit excursions, museums, cinemas and theaters, educational trips, hikes are organized. The leisure program may have a certain bias – for example, vocational training in football, playing musical instruments and much more. There is also the opportunity to study various sciences to improve the general level or prepare for admission to educational institutions abroad.
The host party takes care of all issues related to accommodation and meals. Accommodation types:
- Residence. Standard room consists of several bedrooms for 1-2 people, bathrooms, common areas of the living room and kitchen. Apartments and bedrooms are equipped with furniture and household appliances. The building has laundries, games and recreation halls, security systems. The staff is always ready to help with the solution of emerging issues. All students are provided with a balanced meal several times a day, there is a choice of a special plan or diet.
- Host family. With this type, the student spends the day on campus, and sleeps and lives in the house of a local family. This is a very interesting option, as it provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the way of life and the rules of behavior adopted in German society, as well as actively practice the language with its direct speakers. The student is provided with a bedroom with all amenities and the opportunity to use the rest of the premises. All families are carefully selected by the staff: children find themselves in a cozy friendly atmosphere, and can always count on help and support. Students usually have breakfast and dinner at home and have lunch on campus.
- Apartment/hotel. Sometimes participants are accommodated in hotels or apartments, and sometimes individual accommodation is required for some reason. All nuances are negotiated taking into account the wishes of a particular student / parents.
The staff is always ready to help with the solution of emerging issues. All students are provided with a balanced meal several times a day, there is a choice of a special plan or diet. 
All nuances are negotiated taking into account the wishes of a particular student / parents. Prices and costs differ depending on the specific institution, period, focus, number of classes and other factors. The basic payment usually includes:
- Language lessons
- Accommodation and meals
- Leisure and entertainment activities
- Selected sports and/or creative activities
- Educational aids
- Medical insurance (not always).
Separately paid:
- Air tickets
- Documentation and visa expenses
- Out-of-pocket expenses.
The admission process is simple: you need to decide on an educational institution, submit an application (and a package of documents), make a reservation, make a payment, apply for a visa. At all stages, our specialists will help in solving all emerging issues.
The best, prestigious summer courses in Germany for foreigners
- Schule Schloss Salem (Salem International College). English and German languages. Varieties: science, robotics, music, art. Sports: football, basketball, swimming, golf, mountain biking, sailing and more. Excursions to memorable places in Germany, neighboring Austria and Switzerland. Cost from 2500 euros for two weeks.
- Humboldt-Institut Berlin-Zentrum. The intensive German course (30 lessons per week) is ideal for active students: a large number of interactive lessons, role-playing games and simulated situations; development of communication skills, speeches, competent speech, getting rid of the accent. From 2800 euros for 2 weeks.
- German Language School (GLS Munich Adventure). Unique natural data and clean mountain air are ideal for maintaining health. A course to improve the level of German, exercises in grammar, vocabulary, listening, developing the skills of correct and competent oral and written speech. A large number of activities. From 1920 euros for 2 weeks.
- German Language School (GLS Berlin Young & Fun). Standard German + leisure and entertainment; football academy; tennis academy. Classes with professional trainers with fixing achievements and successes. A significant increase in the level of language and sports skills. From 1480 euros for two weeks.
- German Language School (GLS Berlin Water Sports). For those who love outdoor recreation and water sports! German lessons and active training under the guidance of experienced tutors. Particular attention is paid to overcoming the barrier in communication, problems of pronunciation and accent. From 1800 euros for 2 weeks.
English and German languages. Varieties: science, robotics, music, art. Sports: football, basketball, swimming, golf, mountain biking, sailing and more. Excursions to memorable places in Germany, neighboring Austria and Switzerland. Cost from 2500 euros for two weeks. 
Standard German + leisure and entertainment; football academy; tennis academy. Classes with professional trainers with fixing achievements and successes. A significant increase in the level of language and sports skills. From 1480 euros for two weeks. | 1 | OISE Heidelberg |
| 2 | Humboldt-Institut Munich |
| 3 | Humboldt Institute Freiburg |
| 4 | Humboldt-Institut Munich |
| 5 | Louisenlund Summer Camp |
| 6 | Salem International Summer School Spetzgart |
| 7 | Schule Schloss Salem |
| 8 | GLS Munich Intensive |
| 9 | Humboldt Institut Kempten |
| 10 | GLS Berlin Westend |
Summer camps in the USA.
What and who are they for?
Maria Guryeva
tutor and education consultant in the USA
SIGN UP FOR A CONSULTATION
I wonder how modern parents would react if they were offered to study in the summer? They would probably be outraged. Summer school has amazingly quickly gone from being a punishment for reluctant students to a great opportunity that opens up new perspectives in work and study. Parents of younger students, the most advanced teenagers and ambitious students are looking for suitable options. The United States is ahead of the rest here too: summer schools in America are very popular. This is a good opportunity to improve your language and communication skills, add an attractive line to your resume.
America’s summer schools: what are they for?
Training programs that run from May to September are becoming more common. They are organized by both universities and colleges, as well as secondary schools and other educational institutions – for example, foreign language teaching centers.
Today it’s safe to say that no matter what you study and at what level you are, you can certainly find an interesting option for summer education.
Why did universities and other educational institutions pay attention to this form of knowledge acquisition?
For colleges and universities, summer school is an additional opportunity to replenish the budget and help promising students from all over the world. The academic year runs from October to July. That is, three months a year, educational buildings and campuses are empty. This time can be used to organize alternative courses that complement or replace university education.
For students of summer schools, this is a chance to improve their language skills, gain new knowledge in their chosen field or try on a change of faculty. Summer school programs in America cover literally every aspect of education.
An Italian student of physics can go to the USA to get acquainted with the American approach to the study of problems of interest to him.
For a Chinese student preparing to become an English teacher, a summer school in the US will help improve pronunciation and get to know the country’s culture more deeply.
An American law student might enroll in a summer course in theater arts to better understand if he should change course of study?
Language summer schools for students of all ages are a separate category. They are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the language environment and devote your full attention to learning English.
Who Needs Summer Schools in the USA
Studying during the summer months has already become commonplace in America. Summer school in the USA is a form of organization of the educational process, designed for both junior and senior students.
The existing programs can be conditionally divided into three categories:
- for primary and secondary school students;
- for high school students;
- for students.
The first category is dominated by language courses. Parents can enroll their children there from the age of 6. Educational institutions offer programs adapted for children of different ages.
Teaching is conducted in groups organized by age. For example, eight-year-olds and nine-year-olds may be in one group, but a fourteen-year-old child will be sent to another class.
The younger the children, the more attention is paid to their leisure time. Classes do not last all day, so the organizers also think over entertainment programs. They include games, watching movies, visiting attractions. The youngest students are constantly under the supervision of teachers.
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- students are offered a much wider range of subjects to study;
- children are given free time.
A summer school in the USA can be an opportunity for a teenager to learn English better, as well as to undergo a kind of professional orientation.
Higher educational institutions are interested in promising personnel, so they try to attract applicants at an early age. Summer programs for high school students are a way to find talent and help develop it.
American universities will welcome talented foreign students on one condition: potential students must be fluent in English. If the summer school is not a language school, but focused on any other discipline – physics, mathematics, history, art – teaching will be conducted in English.
Higher education students from all over the world go to the USA to study at summer schools at American universities. The knowledge gained in such programs helps them to become the best specialists in their fields. The line about attending a summer school organized by a prestigious university gives young people an advantage in obtaining scholarships and in applying for a job.
Summer schools are organized by many universities and colleges in the USA. The programs of prestigious educational institutions are the most popular: for them there is a competition for each place.
The selection can be compared with admission to the university itself – its most motivated students pass with good grades and additional qualifications (participation in scientific projects, their own publications, letters of recommendation from teachers).
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Specific results
There are three main reasons to go to summer school in America:
– Improving language skills;
Even in this age of ubiquitous learning materials, language immersion remains the best way to learn and improve language skills.
– Improving communication skills;
It is highly likely that you will work and communicate with people from different countries. Getting to know peers from all over the world will give a unique experience and teach you how to find a common language with representatives of any cultures.