Discover the World with the JetSet Summer School Award at Faculty of EPS

Step beyond the classroom and into the world! The Summer Schools Award from Queen’s University Belfast’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences is your ticket to an unforgettable summer of discovery. Combine academic growth, cultural immersion, and personal adventure—all with the support of funding tailored to help you succeed. Whether it’s a European summer school or a global programme, this opportunity is designed to turn your ambitions into reality.

Have you ever dreamed of expanding your academic journey beyond the lecture halls, immersing yourself in a new culture, and gaining life-changing international experiences—all in one unforgettable summer? The Summer Schools Award, offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, is your chance to make those dreams a reality.

This unique opportunity allows undergraduate students to combine travel, study, and personal growth in a way that sets them apart academically and professionally. Whether you’re eyeing a summer programme in Europe or farther afield, this award could provide the financial boost you need to make it happen.

Don’t just take our word for it – hear it straight from the students who’ve lived it! Here’s a look at how the award has opened doors for these ambitious individuals and what they gained from their unforgettable experiences.

"The JetSet Award Made It Possible to Study in Berlin" – Jose Angel Quinzada

Jose Angel applied for the JetSet Award to attend the System Dynamics and Data Science with Python summer course at the Technical University of Berlin. Without the financial support of the award, this opportunity would have been out of reach.

“The JetSet Award provided the financial support I needed to attend the course, which was invaluable. It helped me focus on my studies and fully immerse myself in the experience without worrying about costs,” says Jose Angel. “The award enabled me to not only enhance my academic skills but also improve my German and experience Berlin’s rich culture. It was a truly life-changing experience, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the JetSet Award.”

Thanks to the JetSet Award, Jose Angel gained new skills in data science and machine learning, and his time in Berlin enhanced both his academic and cultural knowledge.

"JetSet Opened the Door to Utrecht's Game Development Course" – Kristaps Paeglis

For Kristaps, the JetSet Award was the key to attending the Utrecht Summer School in the Netherlands, where he pursued a course in Game Development. The financial support of the award made this opportunity accessible, allowing him to focus entirely on learning and personal growth.

“When I saw the JetSet Award offer the possibility to study in a place like Utrecht, I knew I had to apply. The award not only helped cover my expenses but also gave me the freedom to fully dive into the course and extracurricular activities,” Kristaps explains. “With the award's support, I was able to take part in exciting activities, like canoeing and exploring Utrecht by e-bike. It really enhanced my experience and helped me build connections with other international students.”

Without the JetSet Award, Kristaps says he might not have had the financial freedom to travel and participate in the program. The award allowed him to take advantage of all the opportunities, both academic and cultural, during his time in the Netherlands.

"The JetSet Award Made My Machine Learning Dream a Reality in Switzerland" – Leah Donnelly

Leah had always dreamed of studying in Switzerland, and with the JetSet Award covering essential costs, she was able to attend a Machine Learning course at USI (Università della Svizzera italiana). The support made her international experience not only possible but stress-free.

“The JetSet Award took away a huge burden, making the logistics and costs manageable. This allowed me to focus on the course and the incredible experience of studying in Switzerland,” says Leah. “The financial support also allowed me to explore the social aspects of the summer school, where I made lasting connections with fellow students. I left Switzerland with new skills, great memories, and a network of international friends, all thanks to the JetSet Award.”

Leah emphasizes that without the award, she wouldn't have been able to experience Switzerland in such a meaningful way, both academically and culturally. The JetSet Award was pivotal in making her summer school dream come true.

"JetSet Took My Solar Research to New Heights in Colorado" – James Kavanagh-Cranston
James, a recent Master’s graduate in Physics with Astrophysics, found his passion for heliophysics further ignited at the Python in Heliophysics Community (PyHC) summer school in Boulder, Colorado. Thanks to the JetSet Award, James was able to focus on enhancing his programming skills and exploring opportunities for future collaborations.

“The PyHC summer school was also a personal milestone for me,” shares James. “Although I had travelled before, this was my first time attending an international academic event. The initial nerves quickly gave way to excitement as I met like-minded individuals from around the world. The collaborative environment required strong communication and teamwork skills, especially during the coding challenge where myself and my three teammates each won $100!”

The JetSet Award proved to be a key catalyst in advancing James’ academic skills and shaping his global outlook.

"The JetSet Award Turned My South Korean Adventure into a Life-Changing Experience" – Max George Hastings
Max's fascination with Korean culture and language inspired him to attend the Yonsei International Summer School in Seoul, South Korea. With the JetSet Award covering key expenses, he embarked on a journey of academic and personal growth that pushed him out of his comfort zone and into a world of discovery.

“It was my first time travelling alone, so I was a bit afraid as I was going in blind and had no idea to how speak Korean or how hard the course would be,” Max shares. “However, studying in South Korea was phenomenal. All the worries about travelling alone faded as I realised it wasn't as bad as I thought. This trip taught me many valuable things that I will carry on into my life. If I was to pinpoint a single thing which was my favourite out of the trip it would be the people I met. I always saw and heard from other people who went abroad that you make friends for life during these trips and I never understood or believed, but now I do.”

Thanks to the JetSet Award, Max was able to immerse himself in a new culture, overcome personal challenges, and gain memories and connections that will last a lifetime.

Why Choose the JetSet Award?

Each of these students had different reasons for applying to the JetSet Summer School Award, but they all share a common theme: the desire to broaden their academic, professional, and cultural knowledge. From game development in Utrecht to data science in Berlin and machine learning in Switzerland, the opportunities are vast.

Whether you're looking to dive deeper into your field, expand your global perspective, or simply have an unforgettable summer, the JetSet Summer School Award offers a stepping stone toward your next big adventure.

Applications open in January 2025, so start thinking about your goals and the summer school that best suits your ambitions. Don’t let this chance slip through your fingers—step out of your comfort zone and take the leap into an unforgettable summer.

For further details or assistance, contact askeps@qub.ac.uk or visit the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences office.

Let your summer be the start of something extraordinary.