This is a sponsored guest post.
Are you planning to head for a summer school? There can be an unknown excitement running through your veins, making you both happy and nervous simultaneously because you don’t know what will happen. It’s not unusual, though. If you know what you are getting yourself into from early on, you can focus on your studies and enjoy your experience too. Here are a few useful, fundamental tips that can prepare you for your education abroad program during summer break. Check Immerse Education to find out more
Know what you want to achieve from the beginning
Clarity of mind and purpose is quite crucial for success. Summer courses tend to be quite vast with different levels of complexities. So, understanding what you want from a particular program before applying is necessary. Precisely speaking, if you’re going to go easy with your learning opportunity at a foreign destination, then choose a familiar subject for a deeper understanding. However, if you want to test the waters, opt-in for a challenging topic, the one you would like to graduate from or learn about in more details. Receiving new information at such vast length can feel overwhelming at times. However, keep your focus.
Find out the total hours a course will take for completion and calculate how much time will go into it daily. It will help you prepare your mind accordingly. The intensive sessions will also not appear difficult.
Stick to the timetable
No matter which course you choose, you must bring yourself to the class to be successful in your endeavour. Since these short duration classes tend to be faster and in-depth, you cannot afford to skip even one. Absence for a single day can cost you a considerable learning loss, which you may find difficult to make up later. Also, you may end up risking your assessment scores.
Be agile and ready for extra work
Different summer schools can have different teaching methods and preferences. Some might want you to pore over additional materials before every class, while some may ask you to read topics before the onset of the course. Your teachers may recommend specific articles and chapters so that you can take part in the discussions. Make sure you follow this. Increase your reading speed to ensure you don’t face any obstacle. It is also necessary to keep up with an organised approach. Additionally, be prepared to work on essays, summaries, presentations, and other such things.
Since these programs are shorter compared to regular sessions, the tutors will discuss the most critical part of the topic. When you do language or art-related courses, it may not seem challenging. But science or technical subjects are usually intense; hence, you cannot allow yourself to be lenient. Don’t even think of missing a lesson as it can affect your performance in logical arguments.
Have a thoroughly interactive learning experience
The orientation of these programmes is such that a lot of interaction takes place between teachers and students. The number of students in a class also is less; hence, tutors get to focus on individual students more. You can approach them with any question or doubt that you may have about a topic. Or, you can share your thoughts also. This kind of freedom helps remove reservations and hesitancy. Many students highlight this aspect when talking about their experience at a summer school. So, keep yourself open and engage in the discussions. The teachers are generally encouraging and motivating. You won’t face any trouble. Social and group activities will likely be there to boost your confidence further.
Some courses will engage you in research. Then, you may also have to attend lectures, workshops, seminars, field trips, etc.
Prepare for the tests
The assessment formats may differ by programs. Some courses can conduct tests akin to the standard academic years. Anyway, performance is of utmost importance. So, don’t take your tests lightly. Daily or weekly activities can influence your final assessment. Hence, make sure your attendance is up-to-the-mark, you participate in discussions, you submit projects on time, you attend workshops and tests, write essays, etc. Following all these things will ultimately come to your benefit.
Explore the city and its culture
No summer course can be all work and no fun. You can expect to learn about the culture of Cambridge city from close quarters while punting down or visiting the local areas. Plus, the food, the sports, and a lot of other recreational activities will ensure you spend your time in absolute joy. After intensive sessions, you can relax or unwind with your peer group to soak up the atmosphere a bit more. Additionally, talking to your new friends who carry distinct cultural and social flavours with them can be extra exciting.
All these things represent life in the summer course. When you go for it, be open to learn and enjoy.
