Language courses and short-term programs abroad
Not all students can afford to spend a semester or a whole year abroad, and a prolonged stay may not always fit everyone’s schedule either. Intensive language courses and summer and winter schools allow students to gain experience of living abroad and hone their international skills on a short-term academic program.
Intensive language courses
Intensive language courses are a kind of “crash course” in language learning. They last around three weeks, teach languages at various levels and are a good way to either learn a language from scratch or consolidate your existing knowledge. The language courses usually end with an examination, and you will be given a certificate or another form of proof showing the level you have achieved. Some courses also award credits. Please ask your department whether you can have these recognized at the University of Bonn.
Intensive language courses (apart from English) can be funded with a PROMOS scholarship. You can find the application criteria on the PROMOS scholarships website. The DAAD scholarship database (only available in German) lists scholarships for other specific language courses.
Summer and winter schools
Summer and winter schools are two- to four-week short-term academic programs for students. Completing the program earns you credits, which might be able to be recognized at the University of Bonn. You should clarify with your department in advance whether you can have your course recognized in this way.
We have put together a selection of courses below. If your chosen university is not listed, contact them directly to find out what is available.
The courses are subject to a fee. Some universities will give you a discount. Discounts are only possibly if explicitly emtioned in the listings below. Please contact us before you apply.
Summer and winter schools can be funded with a PROMOS scholarship. You can find the application criteria on the PROMOS scholarships website.
Countries and courses
Below you will find an overview of courses that are currently open for applications. Please contact the organizers directly if you have any questions about applying or how your stay will be organized.
Note that we primarily include courses offered by partner universities on this page and are not allowed to recommend any commercial providers of language courses.
Countries and courses
Antwerp Summer University
The University of Antwerp offers a diverse selection of Summer Courses of different durations. Study in an international environment with intensive courses in different fields. Course duration, dates and fees may differ depending on the course. Additional information can be found on the website.
Learn more
Europe Inside Out: A Summer School 2025, Catholic University of Leuven
The KU Leuven is not only Belgium's oldest university, but also a partner university of the University of Bonn. From June 30 to July 11, it is offering a summer school that provides an insight into the politics, economic innovations and cultural cooperation of the EU. In cooperation with the Faculties of Econonimcs & Business, Arts and Social Sciences, the school will offer courses on these topics over the three weeks. A visit to the European Parliament and a discussion with a member of parliament are also part of the program.
The summer school can be attended for two or the full three weeks. The course targets graduate students or Bachelor's students in their final year of study in the fields of economics, arts, cultural studies and humanities. Applications from other disciplines are also possible, provided that the degree programs have also included content from the subject areas mentioned. 6 to 8 ECTS (depending on duration) are awarded for participation.
The application deadline is April 1, 2025.
Further information on the application, the course fees and the program can be found on the website.
Learn more.
The University of British Columbia
Applications are currently closed.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers two versions of the UBC Vancouver Summer Program for one month each. Bachelor students can experience Canadian university life up close in various course packages from a wide range of subjects.
Information on the programs, application documents, costs etc. can be found on the website.
HKU Summer Institute (HKUSI)
Applications are currently closed.
The Hong Kong University Summer Institute offers a wide selectionn of programs for undergraduate students. Whether to promote academic interest or to prepare for your dream career, the HKU summer courses offer the ideal opportunity to explore the university's campus life and further your education.
The HKU highlights the following courses in its selection:
- AI Engineer: Gen-AI and Virtual Worlds
- Business Leaders for a Changing World
- Climate Changemakers: Educating for a Greener World
- Creative Industries — from Start-up to Success
- Empowering Sustainability in a Circular Economy
- From Curiosity to Research: Practical Skills for Research Projects
The full selection of courses. Due to the partnership between the university students of Uni Bonn receive a discount for the course fees.
Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Applications are currently closed.
The CUHK offers 8-week research-programs at undergraduate level, where international students have to opportunity to study and research with employees of CUHK and earn credits after completion. Additionally the CUHK offers various activities and excursion during the program.
Please note that the program requires a fee and nomination as exchange student is not possible.
CUHK International Summer School
Are you looking for an in person summer programme that combines excitement, academic enrichment, where you can make lifelong friends from across the globe, learn in an open and stimulating environment, and spend a fun-filled summer exploring a cosmopolitan city? The CUHK ISS is ready to welcome you in person on the scenic CUHK campus for a stimulating and enriching academic and cultural experience.
For the July Session
- Applications are currently closed.
For the August Session
- Applications are currently closed.
Global Research Immersion Program for Young Scientists (GripS) in Nanjing
Applications are currently closed.
The GripS program is jointly developed by four prestigious universities in China’s Yangtze Delta region, namely Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China University of Science and Technology in Hefei, Fudan University in Shanghai and Nanjing University in Nanjing.
The program allows students to enhance their academic path by working closely with respected professors at one of the four universities. Students can immerse themselves in a rewarding research experience, discover the region’s innovation potential and become part of a community of global thinkers actively shaping the future. The four host universities also offer opportunities for cultural interaction in the form of company visits, city tours and Chinese cultural events in the Yangtze Delta region.
SDU International Summer School
Applications are currently closed.
Take part in a two-week international summer school in August 2024 with students from over 40 countries. Choose from a comprehensive list of courses and gain an experience that will last you a lifetime!
UniTartu Summer School
The University of Tartu organises a summer school that offers a wide range of high-quality multidisciplinary, international programmes for students of all levels as well as educators and young researchers. In addition to lectures, seminars and cultural programme they collaborate with business enterprises and governmental institutions to offer study visits that integrate academic approaches and practices.
Applications are currently closed.
Turku Åbo Summer School
Applications are currently closed.
The Turku Åbo Summer School offers 17 diverse and fully accredited courses from key areas across five higher education institutions in the Turku region. Get the latest insights on topics from game design and social sustainability to finance and urban planning and much more!
Most courses are held on-site and require attendance in Turku. Additionally, there are four self-paced online courses that you can take anywhere.
Summer schools at the Université de Bordeaux
From May to September, the Université de Bordeaux is organizing a series of digital events on different topics. Some courses cover urban planning in Africa, mass spectrometry for analyzing preserved cultural heritage, the impact of globalization on the humanities, materials science, and medical questions, while others tackle materials for storing energy, agricultural and neurosciences, and enology.
The dates, fees and application deadlines vary from program to program. Please see the Université de Bordeaux website for details.
Philosophy Summer School University of Aberdeen
Program dates: 27 July to 9 August 2025
Application deadline: February 28, 2025
The University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest universities in Scotland and offers courses in all areas of philosophy, from epistemology to political philosophy. The aim is to bring students into contact with contemporary research. At the same time, there will also be the opportunity to deepen language skills as well as an extra-curricular program that allows students to become familiar with Scottish culture and history.
Learn more
Warwick Summer School (different subjects)
Applications are currently closed.
Whether you are looking to boost your existing knowledge or would like to gain knowledge in a new area, we have a Summer School course to suit you. With a range of subjects to choose from, you will interact with renowned academics and high-profile guest speakers. The three-week course includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and study groups, with an optional assessment.
Our Summer School students include undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world, as well as professionals from a range of business sectors. The programme is incredibly diverse; participants have joined us from more than 62 different nationalities.
Learn moreSustANGE Winter School in Trento
- Program dates: January 27 to February 07, 2025
- Online follow-up workshop on February 17, 2025
- Application deadline: October 31, 2024
The SustANGE Winter School is a joint program by the UniTrento Faculty of Law and the Erasmus School of Law at the University of Rotterdam. The course will be on “Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Access to Natural Resources in a Changing World”. It is intended for higher level Bachelor and all Master students and will take place in person on the UniTrento campus.
An online Info Session held for interested students by the academic coordinators and staff will take place on September 17 during either one of two time slots: 09:00 am to 10:00 am or 03:00 pm to 04:00 pm (both CEST).
Summer Courses at the IISC in Rome
Applications are currently closed.
For several years now, the Italian Institute of Classical Studies (IISC) has been organizing intensive summer courses in Latin and Ancient Greek using the contextual inductive method. Through the active use of the language, students acquire the ability to read and understand a classical Greek or Latin text without the help of the dictionary.
Throughout the day, students use Latin or Greek as their sole means of communication. Language lessons are also conducted in Latin and Greek from Monday to Friday. In the afternoon, there are linguistic deepening and Latin and Greek composition courses, providing participants with the opportunity to actively strengthen and practice their language skills. Once a week, conferences led by university professors and researchers are scheduled, covering topics related to ancient thought and Classical culture. Saturdays are dedicated to field trips to the main archaeological sites of Ancient Rome.
The IISC also provides accommodation at the University Campus (upon request). Students accommodated in the Campus will have access to a single room with a private bathroom, full board, and access to study rooms and the University library.
University of Tokyo Global Unit Courses (UTokyo GUC)
The short-term intensive courses offer an excellent opportunity for students to experience the University of Tokyo and Japan. The course contents span humanities, social sciences, and STEM subjects. The courses are taught entirely in English by cutting-edge scholars who are full-time faculty members of the University of Tokyo. Additionally, the UTokyo provides Japanese language courses. Most courses can be completed in one or two weeks.
Applications are currently closed.
Ritsumeikan Short-Term Program
Ritsumeikan University offers programs for undergraduate and graduate students with minimal knowledge of the Japanese language, providing a comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture. There are a a five-week program, and a two-week intensive program. All of these programs consist of two major subjects: intensive Japanese language class, which provides participants with a thorough introduction to the language, and Japan Studies classes, where students can learn about Japanese culture and take part in fieldwork to cultural spots in Kyoto.
Program dates, application deadline and cost are dependent on program choice.
Sophia Summer & January Sessions
Program dates: 08 January to 29 January , 2025
Application deadline: 18 September to 16 October, 2024
Since its foundation in 1961, Sophia’s January Session has provided participants with the opportunity to study about Japan and explore the country’s relation to Asia and the rest of the world. Students experience various aspects of Japanese culture and society, and witness the myriad of ways in which different cultures of the world are reflected.
ICU International Summer Program in Japan (ISPJ) 2025
Program dates: 03 July to 26 July, 2025
Application deadline: 01 March, 2025
ICU is a state-recognized private university in Japan. It enables students of the Japanese language to complete a summer course program to improve their knowledge of the language and to learn about Japan from different perspectives. The program also includes fieldtrips and cultural activities. 5 credit points can be awarded for participation.
Waseda Summer Session
Applications are currently closed.
Whether you want to explore your academic interests or the unique Japanese cultures, our in-person summer session offers the perfect opportunity.
Students also have the opportunity to meet new friends and experience campus life in Waseda. Participants choose 2 of 16 courses in the context of Japan and Asia-Pacific and can earn a total of four credits (2 credits each).
Rabat Business School Summer School Program
Applications are currently closed.
Rabat Business School, International University of Rabat, offers programs dedicated to international students Combining academic quality (RBS is accredited by the AACSB) and the pleasure of discovering the country’s riches, our International Summer School Program responds to requests for cultural and international openness from the students of our partners, coming from all over the world.
For any inquiries, please contact Mr. Badrdine Boulaid (summerschool.rbs@uir.ac.ma).
Cybersecurity and Privacy (CySeP) Summer School 2025, Stockholm
From June 09 to 13, 2025, the Association for Computer Machinery Europe (ACM) is organizing a summer school in Stockholm. Undergraduate students must register and can then attend free of charge. Students will be awarded 3.5 credit points for successful participation.
Language courses at the Swedish Institute (Svenska Institutet) for students of
Scandinavian Studies
The Swedish Institute offers students studying Swedish as a foreign language abroad the opportunity to attend three-week intensive courses for levels A2 to C1.
Summer school at the University of Bern
The university will be putting on a diverse program of courses in various subjects every summer, including courses in biology and chemistry, the humanities and social sciences, climate and environmental research, medicine, physics, psychology, and economics and law. The program contains modules for both bachelor’s and master’s students. Some courses will be held online, while others are set to take place in person.
The dates, fees and application deadlines vary from program to program. Please see the program website for details.
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
The Universidad Autónoma de Madrid offers a Summer School in Economics and Business (SSEB) as well as in Tourism. The SSEB is structured as follows:
Four of the university’s regular courses of 6 ECTS credits, taught in English, in a 4-week intensive format (choose 1 or 2):
- Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis
- International Finance
- Global Marketing
- Doing Business in Spain
The Summer School “Selected Topics in Tourism, International Hospitality and Attractions Management” is a 2-week intensive course of 6 ECTS credits, taught in English, covering the following topics: sustainable tourism, crypto-economics and metaverse applied to tourism, human resources management, hotel finance, customer experience management, and attractions management in Madrid.
There is also a new option to enroll only in the first two weeks of the SSEB for students in our Tourism Summer School and in the Climate Change Summer School.
Universidad Politecnica de Madrid
The UPM International Summer School (ISS) is a five-week multilingual study abroad programme, addressing some of the latest trends in technology, engineering and architecture, combined with a taste of Spanish language and culture. The UPM ISS programme offers a wide range of courses of varying length taught in Spanish or English. Participants are free to put together their own track by combining courses with compatible schedules. The UPM ISS gives participants the chance to learn basic Spanish language and culture, and the social programme includes weekend activities, such as day trips to top attractions like Toledo, Segovia and Alcalá de Henares, and guided walks around Madrid and visits to the Prado and the Queen Sofía Art Museums.
Applications are currently closed.
The “Climate Change Summer School (CCSS)” will take place on the campus of the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid. This program offers participants the chance to attend classes led by world-class professors spanning various disciplines, including Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Economics, Engineering, Geography, Humanities, Law, Physics, Political Science, and Sociology.
Additionally, the basic two-week program can be extended into a four-week program (6 ECTS credits) by adding one of the following courses:
Skills Summer School: Ideal for students aiming to enhance their writing and speaking skills, crucial for success in academic and professional pursuits.
Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis: Organized by our partner UAM’s Summer School of Economics and Business, this 3 ECTS credit course offers an in-depth preview of economic analysis related to environmental policies. It complements our 2-week curriculum and provides valuable insights into the economics of climate change.
2024 National Chengchi University International Summer School (NCCU ISS)
Applications are currently closed.
The International Summer School includes 4 weeks of intensive English-taught program (containing 8 courses) and Mandarin courses, and 4 optional excursions in 2024 to allow applicants with various interests and cultural backgrounds to discover the unique charms of Taiwanese cultures.
NTU Plus Academy
Applications are currently closed.
National Taiwan University offers a selection of topic-based short programs designed to give students from around the world the opportunity to gain experience abroad and learn about different cultures. Program dates vary depending on the course.
Fulbright Summer Studies Program “Leaders in Entrepreneurship” in Virginia
Applications are currently closed.
The course is aimed at full-time undergraduate students in technology and engineering and takes place at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg.
The fully funded three-week study program offers an excellent introduction to the topic of entrepreneurship at a traditional American research university with practice-oriented seminars and team projects. Participants also gain a direct insight into business and engineering studies in the USA and into American campus life.
Learn more (only available in German)
Fulbrigt Summer Studies Program “Diversity Initiative” in Texas
Applications are currently closed.
The course is aimed at full-time undergraduate students with a history of immigration from all degree programs and takes place at Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas.
During the fully funded four-week program, participants attend courses on history, politics and society at Trinity University and gain insights into US society and culture through exchanges with US students and teachers. In the “Intercultural Competence” course, the focus is on the discourse on diversity and multiculturalism in the US. The academic program is supplemented by excursions and encounters in multicultural San Antonio.
Learn more (only available in German)
“Go East” summer and winter schools
Study and research visits for students
Local universities organize Go East summer and winter schools on all kinds of different topics. The program is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
From March 01 onward, students will be able to apply for one of the summer schools in 15 countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
The DAAD has suspended applications for Russia and Belarus. In cause of the risk assessment, applications for DAAD-Scholarships to Ukraine are currently suspended.
- Dual-track application procedure: Apply to the summer school for a place and to the DAAD for a scholarship.
- Application deadline: The respective application deadline for each summer school.
You can find more information on the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) website.
Contact
Celestina Trost
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Poppelsdorfer Allee 53
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