International Summer Schools
Please note that Monday 27th May is a Bank Holiday in the UK, we will be back in the office on Tuesday 28th May.
Please note that we are experiencing a high number of enquiries at present, please bear with us, we will respond as quickly as possible.
90th Anniversary 1923 – 2013
By the early 1900s, overseas students were already participating in ‘Summer Meetings’ in Cambridge, arranged by the fore-runner of the University’s Institute of Continuing Education. The first dedicated ‘Vacation course for foreign students’ was held in 1923.
Then and now
122 students from 19 countries came in 1923, to study language, literature, institutions and music, living in Selwyn College and Newnham College. 90 years later, we still book accommodation in these Colleges. By 1967, lectures were held on the Sidgwick Site: 45 years later, we are still there, though teaching now also takes place in Mill Lane.
The programmes were finally renamed ‘the University of Cambridge International Summer Schools’ in 1983. The curriculum and student numbers have grown rapidly in the past 30 years. We continue to add new programmes and subjects in response to interest and demand.
Enduring appeal
Our longevity against the background of an ever-changing world (wars, crises and rapid technological growth) stems from expert and committed teachers, enthusiastic students, fascinating courses, and – in this digital, high-speed age – the chance to spend an intensive, focused period of time in small group, face-to-face learning.
Time immersed in a Summer School is a ‘rare privilege’ that is still open to everyone meeting the entrance criteria. James Stuart, who in 1873 helped to extend Cambridge learning beyond the University to people of all backgrounds, would see how – 140 years on – his vision still informs our work: the Summer Schools attract people aged 19-90 from some 60 countries.
90th anniversary year
Our 90th Anniversary International Summer Schools have a tremendous line-up of academics to deliver 165 courses and some 145 plenary lectures. We are very keen that you enjoy the social side of the programmes, too: ceilidhs (folk dances), excursions and parties will help foster the friendships that are such an important feature of our programmes.
This summer you can read about the memories of past and returning lecturers and students. Become part of the Summer Schools’ long history and our future: add your own comments to our visitors’ book, discover our plans for the future, enter our 90th Anniversary competitions and join the celebrations!