Summer Programs Abroad with iX

Since 2014, more than 3,000 students from hundreds of the world’s most prestigious colleges and universities have participated in iX summer programs. With course and internship options ranging from data analytics and investment finance to software engineering and UX design, there’s something for every student - and all programs are open to all students, regardless of their major. Each 6-week summer program includes an intensive course taught by an industry expert, an impactful real-world internship project with one of our international partner companies, and enriching cultural experiences on location. Students have the choice to travel to one of our three global destinations for summer 2022: Lisbon, Cape Town, or Mexico City.

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Study abroad programs

Studying abroad has become an essential part of a quality university education. As the workplace becomes ever more globalized and interconnected, employers increasingly value a study abroad experience. Study abroad programs give students the opportunity to advance their education while experiencing another culture and location. Students can choose to spend anywhere from a few weeks to an entire year studying abroad, depending on their circumstances and university requirements. Spending a summer abroad is a popular option for many students, as it is a convenient way to travel and gain skills between the end of one academic term and the next. 

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What should you look for when enrolling your child in a summer program?

As studying abroad has increased in popularity, so have the number and variety of summer abroad programs available. You as a parent will have the greatest insight into what particular factors are the most important for your child, whether they be the program location, subject area, schedule, or the availability of internships. Some broadly applicable things to look for when choosing a summer study abroad program include:

• Support before and during the program: A quality program should provide general and individual support leading up to and during the program, both remotely and on location. When it comes to personalized support, a smaller program where teachers and staff get to know students individually can offer an advantage over a larger program with thousands of students and a complex administrative structure. 
• Opportunities beyond classroom learning: Studying abroad shouldn’t just be going to class in a different location. A truly beneficial summer abroad experience should include opportunities for students to learn about and engage authentically with the local culture.
• Relevance to your child’s goals and interests: A summer abroad program isn’t a vacation - though it should still be fun! When choosing a summer study abroad program, it’s important to consider how it will fit into your child’s personal, educational, and professional journey. The best kinds of programs are those that blend learning and exploration for a meaningful experience that contributes to a student’s holistic development. 

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Benefits of summer study abroad programs for students and parents alike

Making the choice to study abroad over the summer is a big step and can be intimidating for both students and parents, but it offers many benefits that can last a lifetime. A summer study abroad program can help students to gain confidence and marketable skills while forming connections with other students from around the world. There are also health benefits to going abroad, with studies linking international travel to increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction, and lower rates of stress and depression. Finally, studying abroad can give students a significant advantage when it comes to employment after graduation by honing skills employers value, including communication, cultural awareness, adaptability, and creativity. 

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FAQs

What are study abroad programs?

Study abroad programs facilitate travel and learning opportunities for students. There are many different types of study abroad programs available, from semester-long courses offered by a student’s home university at a satellite campus or partner university abroad to short courses offered by companies that specialize in study abroad experiences.

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Are study abroad programs expensive?

Studying abroad is usually a significant investment in a student’s future. However, there are a variety of types of funding and assistance available to make studying abroad more accessible. And depending on the program location, the cost of living abroad may actually be less expensive than on campus in the US. 

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How do study abroad programs work?

It all depends on the particular program. Some study abroad programs are designed to run over the course of the fall or spring semester, while others take place during the winter or summer break between terms. Most study abroad programs consist of a combination of the following: 

1. Classwork - This may take place remotely or on location, depending on the program. 
2. Housing - In some programs, this means dorm-style housing, while other programs arrange a homestay with a local family. There are also some study abroad programs that leave housing to the responsibility of the student.
3. Cultural experiences - These could include food tastings, visits to historical sites, traditional music and dance performances, or exploring the natural environment of the area. The amount and extent of activities included in study abroad programs vary greatly.

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Why is summer school important?

Summer programs allow students to continue learning and advancing their education in the time between university terms. Completing a course or internship (or both!) over the summer can really boost a student’s resume and open up more opportunities during and after college. Participating in a quality summer program demonstrates to potential future employers that a student has the curiosity, drive, and focus to pursue learning and personal growth outside of traditional educational contexts.