Summer Learning Opportunities
Over the years, I have been lucky enough to be able to participate in many summer programs as well as have access to summer learning opportunities in general. Prior to each summer, I would research and select one or two meaningful experiences for the summer. I'd like to share some of my favorites and then give more information on what summer programs are available.
While I have enjoyed all of my summers, there are definitely a few that stand out to me as absolutely incredible. This past summer, I traveled to Alicante, Spain, for a month and lived with a solely-Spanish-speaking host family. I took Spanish lessons in the city through the CIEE Language Immersion Program. Not only were the classes beneficial in the language learning process, but the immersion aspect of the program really stood out to me. I quickly became more conversational in Spanish and learned about Spanish culture via first hand experiences. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking for an educational yet fun summer opportunity.
Going into junior year, I participated in the Harvard Summer School Program. I took a college level course, Philosophy 101, that crushed all the important material down to fit into a two week curriculum. Summer school students got to live on campus and truly experience the college life. I had so much fun while also simultaneously learning about an interest of mine.
The summer before my sophomore year, I went on a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) trip to the Big Horn mountains of Wyoming for three weeks. NOLS taught our group so many important lessons, including backcountry first aid, backcountry kitchen skills, and how to read contour maps. I still cherish my time spent in the Big Horns; it was a life changing experience that impacted the way I wanted to live my life in the future.
I found all of these programs by simply doing a little online research. Each one offered scholarships to those who could benefit. They are not only a great way to spend long summer days, but they establish a network of friends across the country for the future!
While I have enjoyed all of my summers, there are definitely a few that stand out to me as absolutely incredible. This past summer, I traveled to Alicante, Spain, for a month and lived with a solely-Spanish-speaking host family. I took Spanish lessons in the city through the CIEE Language Immersion Program. Not only were the classes beneficial in the language learning process, but the immersion aspect of the program really stood out to me. I quickly became more conversational in Spanish and learned about Spanish culture via first hand experiences. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking for an educational yet fun summer opportunity.
Going into junior year, I participated in the Harvard Summer School Program. I took a college level course, Philosophy 101, that crushed all the important material down to fit into a two week curriculum. Summer school students got to live on campus and truly experience the college life. I had so much fun while also simultaneously learning about an interest of mine.
The summer before my sophomore year, I went on a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) trip to the Big Horn mountains of Wyoming for three weeks. NOLS taught our group so many important lessons, including backcountry first aid, backcountry kitchen skills, and how to read contour maps. I still cherish my time spent in the Big Horns; it was a life changing experience that impacted the way I wanted to live my life in the future.
I found all of these programs by simply doing a little online research. Each one offered scholarships to those who could benefit. They are not only a great way to spend long summer days, but they establish a network of friends across the country for the future!
https://belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/students/sar/?utm_source=GiftedListserv&utm_medium=email&utm_content=SummerOpen+&utm_campaign=Promotion
ReplyDeleteThis is a summer Art Residency Program offered at the University of Iowa for students in grades 9-12
https://belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/students/swr/?utm_source=GiftedListserv&utm_medium=email&utm_content=SummerOpen+&utm_campaign=Promotion
ReplyDeleteThis is a summer Writing Residency Program offered through the University of Iowa for students in grades 9-12.