Come join us for four weeks of on-campus learning to prepare for attending a university in the U.S. You’ll take a course for credit, improve your conversational and academic English skills, and become confident in who you are in a safe, welcoming environment.

Due to the possibility of travel restrictions and other unknowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inaugural International Summer Academy program has been postponed until Summer 2022. Join our list to stay up-to-date on future opportunities with Calvin University, including the academy.

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When

Summer 2022

Highlights

  • An academic and cultural immersion experience to prepare upcoming high school/secondary school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to attend a university in the U.S.
  • Students will live on campus and experience university life while participating in one of two study tracks (academic or language).
  • Use Calvin’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities for activities like rock climbing and swimming.
  • Participate in group devotions and outings such as a trip to Chicago.

Costs and scholarships

$4,000 USD

The cost of the program covers tuition, room and board, books, and activities. International Summer Academy students qualify for the $4,000 Mosaic Scholarship as well as other merit-based scholarships if they later enroll at Calvin University for full-time undergraduate study.

Academic track

Students in the academic track will take a 3-credit hour course. Students are expected to meet the same course requirements as any Calvin student. Students will be supported by an Academic Coach: a trained teacher who attends classes alongside them in the morning and leads a study period (academic coaching session) with the students following the class. Academic Coaches model and teach students how to be successful in both their specific course and in university.

Students in this track will have the option to enroll in an advanced English language study group to develop their academic English skills. This language study group is intended for advanced English speakers.

Please note: Students in this track will be assessed upon arrival to determine their eligibility in the Academic track.

English immersion track

The English immersion track is for students who are at an intermediate level of English. This track will focus on English grammar, comprehension, and speaking skills improvement while living and experience in an American campus. Participants in this track will learn in a diverse population.

Students in this track will take an English course of three hours classroom time in the morning, followed by two hours of coaching to practice language skills and to review preparation for Duolingo (Duolingo being offered at end of program, at no cost). These academic sessions may include small group and individual sessions to practice specific language skills areas, such as grammar, comprehension, or speaking skills.

Participants in the English immersion track program will receive a certificate of completion from Calvin University.

University living

Calvin welcomes International Summer Academy students from all over the world. Participants will be enriched through their interactions with one another as well as their immersion in an American university campus.

Participants in this program also benefit tremendously from the activities and events held outside of class time. Some activities may include guest speakers, a trip to Chicago, shopping, and to the movies. Worship services at local churches, Bible studies, and daily devotions give participants the opportunity to grow in their walk with God. Students in this program are free to use campus facilities, such as the gymnasium, pool, computer labs, library, etc.

The four weeks of work, worship, and play during the International Summer Academy give scholars the opportunity to build and maintain a sense of true community and lifelong friendships.

International students living in the United States, international students living abroad, or Americans living abroad qualify for this program if they meet the following criteria:

  • Students who are currently enrolled in their freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school/secondary school
  • Students who have an advance English language level (academic track), or an intermediate English language level (English immersion track)

The International Summer Academy application will go live in the spring of 2022. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until all spaces are filled. Applicants will be notified within two weeks regarding admissions decisions. Please review the eligibility requirements before applying.

    Contact us

    Tara Braun

    Tara Braun

    Associate Director of International Admissions
    Full profile