College Access Programs: International Summer Academy

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.

When

July 5–July 30, 2021

Highlights

An academic and cultural immersion experience to prepare upcoming high 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 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 may 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 and to review preparation for the TOEFL (TOEFL being offered at end of program, at cost). This language study group is intended for advanced English speakers.

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 in the afternoon led by an Academic Counselor. 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
Students who have an advance English language level (academic track), or an intermediate English language level (English immersion track)

The International Summer Academy application is now live. Apply by February 1, 2021. 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.

FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS

1. Complete the application form. When you start a new application, you will be asked to create an account and select an application type. Choose 2021 - 2022, and then 2021 INTL Summer Program.

2. Submit the following supplemental materials:

Official high school or secondary school transcript
ACT/SAT scores (if available)
English Proficiency Score* (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
Academic Recommendation (included in the International Summer Academy application)
Personal Recommendation (included in the International Summer Academy application)

*Preferred scores for academic track: TOEFL 65 to 80, IELTS 5.5 to 6.5, Duolingo 85 to 105
Preferred scores for English Immersion track: TOEFL 60 to 70, IELTS 5 to 6, Duolingo 70 to 90

SENIORS

For seniors who are also applying for fall 2021 admission to Calvin University:

1. Complete the supplemental application form.

2. Pay a $300 deposit to secure your spot. This deposit will be applied toward the cost of the program.

For seniors who are not applying for fall 2021 admission to Calvin University:

1. Complete the application form. When you start a new application, you will be asked to create an account and select an application type. Choose 2021–2022, and then 2021 International Summer Program.