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Study abroad through a summer school

You can apply to spend a summer abroad at a summer school after the first or second year of your course.

About overseas summer schools

Taking part in a summer school is a great opportunity to add a funded international dimension to your degree at Sussex. We offer summer school opportunities in Asia, Europe, and North America, as well as online study programmes, so you can enrich your studies and experience a new culture while learning. Summer school programmes are three to six weeks long and include academic, cultural and language courses.

This is a great opportunity to study with another prestigious global university and meet students (virtually or in-person) from around the world. You'll develop skills by working with students from a range of different countries and cultures, and you can enhance your studies at Sussex by studying something completely different. The programmes do not count towards your degree, but are a fantastic opportunity for you to experience life at an international university.

At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate. You can list this certificate on your CV to show employers your experience abroad.

Some of our opportunities at summer schools include a bursary towards the cost.

Summer school opportunities

Explore our range of summer school options.

Global Excellence Summer Programme (GESP)

Important: the deadline for the GESP has now passed, except for Amity University, India and the University of Ghana – applications for these opportunities are still open.

This programme enables you to study at one of our prestigious partner universities (see list below).

Eligibility and funding

The summer school opportunities are open to first and second year students only (not final year students).

The tuition fees for each programme are covered by the GESP bursary and a Turing bursary will contribute partly towards travel and accommodation costs. You will need to use your own funds towards this cost as well.

All first and second year students can apply for this funding for Thailand and China. For Ghana, India and Mexico, you can only apply for funding if you are in one or more of the following groups:

  • students with an annual household income of £25,000 or less
  • care leavers and students who are care experienced
  • students with caring responsibilities
  • estranged students
  • refugees and asylum seekers.

How to apply

Application deadline: the application deadline has now passed, except for Amity University, India and the University of Ghana – applications for these opportunities are still open.

Please contact Lucy Cahalin at l.cahalin@sussex.ac.uk for further information.

GESP destinations

Learn more about where you can go.

Global International Learning Summer School

Important: the application deadline has now passed.

This summer school opportunity is open to Foundation and first year students only. The following underrepresented groups will be prioritised:

  • Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students
  • disabled students
  • students who are residents in certain postcodes
  • mature students (students who have started an undergraduate degree aged 21 or over)
  • students who are care experienced or estranged
  • students from military families
  • students from refugee or forced migrant families
  • students from Gypsy, Romany or Traveller families
  • students in receipt of the Sussex Bursary (Foundation, and Year 1). 

You can apply to take part in an International Summer School either in person or online, and add an international dimension to your Sussex degree.

You can choose modules related to your degree to further your knowledge in the subject or study something completely different to expand your academic interests.

For Summer 2023, you will have the opportunity to study at the following universities:

You will have the opportunity to experience international teaching and meet students from around the world. The credits received will not count towards your degree, but you will receive a certificate or transcript at the end of the course. This global opportunity will enhance your CV and further your international experience as you progress through your Sussex degree.

A bursary will be offered to cover the tuition fees for the summer school, accommodation and the insurance costs. The bursary will also contributes towards the flight and living costs while there. Please be aware that this opportunity is not fully funded and you will also be required to use some of your own funds.

Deadline for applications: the application deadline has now passed.

Fully funded Chinese language and Culture online course – Zhejiang Gongshang University

Important: Applications for this scheme are now closed.

Take part in a fully funded short online Chinese language and Culture course run by our prestigious partner institution in China, Zhejiang Gongshang University.

We have a limited number of places available to Sussex students, staff and others beyond the Sussex community who are interested in learning more about Chinese language and culture. The programme includes poetry, martial arts, history and business etiquette.

No prior knowledge of Chinese language is required. For those already studying the language, this short programme will enhance your studies through invaluable insights into the culture and language.

As well as learning more about Chinese culture, you can gain global experience for your CV and future job prospects. A certificate will be awarded on full completion of the course. Sussex students will additionally be able to earn 5 Spirit of Sussex Award points for participating, receiving recognition in the Creativity and Culture category.

For information about our the summer schools please contact Lucy Cahalin: l.cahalin@sussex.ac.uk.

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