Explore the World with Supported Summer Schools: Partner Programmes
Dreaming of stepping out of the classroom and into a world of academic exploration, cultural discovery, and personal growth? The Summer School Partner Programmes at Queen’s University Belfast offer you the chance to make it happen. These fully supported opportunities connect you with leading universities in China and the USA for a summer you’ll never forget.
Imagine delving into cutting-edge technologies in Beijing, immersing yourself in cultural adventures in Hangzhou, or developing leadership skills in Pittsburgh—all while building global connections and enriching your academic journey. The Supported Summer Schools: Partner Programmes, offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, does just that! But don’t just take our word for it!
Hear directly from students who have participated in the programme and discover the life-changing impact it’s had on their academic journeys.
Beijing Institute of Technology, China: Chemistry and Renewable Energy
What if you could combine your passion for chemistry with the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most ancient cultures? That's exactly what happened for Jools Hughes, a chemistry student who participated in the 2024 Emerging Technologies & Renewable Energy programme at Beijing Institute of Technology. Jools reflected on his experience:
“I’m grateful for the incredible opportunity to live and study in Beijing for 4 weeks, learning about new and emerging technologies for renewable energy. The programme gave me the chance to engage with industry professionals, participate in hands-on laboratory work, and visit cutting-edge research facilities. I also immersed myself in the rich history of China, visiting the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, and I had the chance to meet local students, giving me a deeper understanding of authentic Chinese culture. This experience has broadened my global perspective and enriched my personal growth.” – Jools Hughes
Jools' journey wasn’t just about lab work. It was about seeing how science is applied in the real world while engaging with a completely different culture. He gained a hands-on understanding of sustainable energy, from batteries to fuel cells, while learning in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Zhejiang University, China: Psychology Through a Global Lens
Imagine stepping into a completely new world, where every moment feels like an adventure. That’s exactly how one student felt after spending their summer at Zhejiang University in China. They shared:
“My experience at Zhejiang University is something I’ll carry with me forever. It was like stepping into a completely different world and having to figure things out from scratch. This made every moment an adventure: from going to lectures, to having dinner at the canteen. Professors from all over the world, beautiful scenery in Hangzhou, incredible food, and the fact that everything was so affordable are just a few of the things that made me love this experience. Talking with Chinese students gave me such a diverse perspective on university life, and even now, I still can’t believe I was actually there, in China! I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and would live it again if I could.”
The immersive experience wasn’t just about lectures—it was about blending academic learning with cultural discovery. Students explored fascinating topics like human cognition, health, and psychology, with guest lectures from renowned experts such as Jan Theeuwes. One student spoke about the value of learning both inside and outside the classroom:
“Studying human cognition and health at Zhejiang University was an amazing experience both personally and academically. The course offered insights into topics like the cultural differences in the acceptance of disabilities and education, as well as the emerging field of affective AI. The trip also gave me the chance to explore the West Lake and Shanghai, try authentic Chinese food, and learn more about Chinese culture.”
From exploring cultural sites to engaging with local students, the experience at Zhejiang University provided a unique blend of academic enrichment and personal growth.
Pittsburgh University, USA: Leadership and Civic Engagement
What happens when you put a group of talented students from all over the world together to tackle real-world issues? According to Shazeya Ahamed, a student at the Hesselbein Global Leadership Academy, the experience was transformative:
“My experience at the Hesselbein Global Leadership Academy was transformative. The academy provided a platform to develop essential leadership skills through engaging workshops and meaningful interactions with a diverse group of participants. It’s a must-attend for anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities.”
For Aarushi Ganguli, attending this prestigious academy opened doors to lasting friendships and an opportunity to work on real-life case studies. She shared:
“What I did not realise or expect was that I would make friendships that will last a lifetime and work on real-life case studies that helped me engage and think better as a leader. I also had the privilege of continuing the legacy of Frances Hesselbein’s work, which was a truly unique experience.”
Lauren Fegan also found the experience incredibly valuable but noted a desire for more networking opportunities outside of the academic circle:
“I really enjoyed meeting other fellows both from Queen’s and around the world. Working on the case study with a group allowed me to realise how each person may approach a problem differently, and how that actually can make a team stronger. It was a fantastic experience, though as someone with a more STEM background, I would have appreciated more networking opportunities from industry.”
A Truly Global Experience
Each of these students took part in a Summer School Partner Programme that was so much more than just an academic experience—it was a chance to build lasting friendships, gain new skills, and explore the world. From China to the USA, these programmes offer students a chance to connect with peers and experts, immerse themselves in new cultures, and deepen their knowledge in a way that’s both personal and professional.
If you’re considering applying for a summer school programme, take it from these students: the opportunity to study abroad is something you’ll carry with you for a lifetime. Whether you’re interested in psychology, chemistry, or leadership, the Summer School Partner Programmes at Queen’s University Belfast open doors to new possibilities and life-changing experiences.
So, are you ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? Applications are just around the corner—get ready to take the leap!