Tag: Travel

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A taste of University life

Applying for university can be a daunting task. It helps to be well informed about your options by speaking with your career adviser, attending university open days and chatting with current university students about their experience.

If you want to take it a step further and discover what the life of a university student in London is really like, our Pre-University Summer School is for you. Designed for high school students in their final 2 years of study, it lets you study a subject at Undergraduate level for two weeks. So, if you’re unsure about what you want to study after high school, why not ‘try before you buy?’ It is also an opportunity to meet students from around the world and add studying at a globally-renowned and research-led university to your CV or resume.

Our Pre-University Programme Manager, Mina Chakmagi, agrees that the benefits of the programme go beyond the classroom.  

‘I love seeing just how much students gain from the Pre-University Summer School. It’s not only a chance to get a taster of their chosen subject at undergraduate level – a lot of the feedback I’ve received from students is about increased levels of confidence, independence, improved team-working and presentation skills and cultural awareness. These are all important skills to be able to draw on when making the transition from high school to further study and future careers. I would encourage anyone considering such a programme to apply and see for themselves what an enriching and fun experience it is.’

But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what Nina from the USA who studied The Human Body with us in summer 2018 had to say;

“This was one of the most memorable experiences of my life; the two weeks were filled with unforgettable explorations of London, friendships that will undoubtedly last a life time, and opportunities for learning both in and out of the classroom. Our professor was very knowledgeable and encouraged a classroom environment in which any questions and discussions were welcome. I entered the program with an interest in medicine, and after taking the class I could not be more certain that pursuing a medical career is the right path for me. London feels like a second home now, and I remain in touch with the brilliant people I met there. As I begin the application process to university, I realise how much King’s prepared me for future academic endeavours, and I am so glad that I participated in the programme.”

Want to know more about our summer school? Visit our website for detailed information. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at summer@kcl.ac.uk.

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What can I study at Undergraduate Summer School?

The number one question we get asked is ‘What can I study at Undergraduate Summer School?’ so we thought we would give you the answer here!

You can choose from 15 modules, in each session, taught by our faculties and covering various areas such as:

Please visit our website to see the full list of modules available.

King’s faculty and staff ensure you experience our globally-renowned, research-led teaching through interactive seminars, lectures, group discussions, off-campus excursions and guest speakers across all modules.

So, if you love languages and have always been fascinated by the origins of some languages maybe Ancient Greek or Latin are the modules for you. Or, if your passion is in the arts and you would like to explore all the culture that surrounds London perhaps Museum of London: Curating the City is for you. Maybe you are thinking more globally, and this is just one of the many international experiences that you want to have. In that case, International Business, International Relations or International Commercial Law might be the modules that will open your horizons worldwide.

Finally, this is a great opportunity to get a taste of what University life in the heart of London is really like. If you are considering further studies in the UK or at King’s, why not try before you buy?

If you have any more questions you can always email us at summer@kcl.ac.uk

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Ciao Milano

Higher Education institutions across the world encourage their students to expand their knowledge and gain experience outside the classroom. Throughout the year they organise events and often invite external guests to facilitate that interaction.

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, one of our partner universities in Italy, has recently hosted an International Day for their students and invited institutions from different parts of the world to attend. The event is held to encourage their students to have international experiences such as summer schools, internships, language courses and volunteering.

It was our great pleasure travelling to Milan to participate at this fantastic event and meet so many people interested in our Summer School.

The event wouldn’t be the same without our lovely student ambassadors and alumni who did an amazing job helping us with the enquires of many students. Who better than our alumni to talk about Summer at Kings? Plus, it was great to see them again, now in their country and see their passion and enthusiasm about their Summer at King’s.

Does your School, College or University have an international day coming up? If yes, we truly encourage you to go, explore and make the most of all the opportunities available. International events are a great way to discover new opportunities. 

Go and explore the world, make unforgettable memories and get out of your comfort zone.

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(Re)start

Life is more exciting out of your comfort zone, when you challenge yourself, when you dream big and do your best to achieve your goals. Our Summer School is designed to do exactly that – educate, challenge and inspire you.

What are your intentions for this new academic year? What are you committed to do? What is your plan to keep your motivation through the year? Take time to reflect and plan.

That’s exactly what we are doing here at King’s. Watch this space for some exciting updates and the launch of our Summer School 2019.

In the meantime, good luck with your studies and start dreaming about London in the summertime!

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Farewell to a fantastic summer!

The summer holidays have come to an end and a new academic year has started.

Hundreds of students, from over 90 nations joined us this summer and had an unforgettable life experience.

After a sunny and warm summer, it is now time to focus on studies again.

But it is not a new start only for students, our team is already planning 2019 summer. At King’s our team works with research colleagues all year to design summer programmes that give access to pioneering research that is destined to have a truly global impact on communities, wherever they are located in the world.

To the students who attended our Summer School, we hope your experience keeps you inspired throughout the year. And to all university students – we wish you a fantastic academic year.

Until next summer…

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My summer at King’s: Nia Sam

When choosing what to do during my last summer of high school, I knew that I wanted to do something that was meaningful and not just spend it as I had done previously – unwinding on vacation for eight weeks. At first, I wasn’t too sure how I exactly wanted to spend it, but I did know that I wanted to spend my summer doing something that would enhance my abilities academically before entering into my last year of my IB.

I moved from London to Singapore five years ago and I saw the summer programme as an opportunity to revisit my home country alone, and have a chance to experience what it was like to live in London again five years later, but this time as a student.

What made King’s College London’s Summer School different was that it was all about giving students the experience of an undergraduate course of their choice, but also the experience as a university student living in London. I chose the Business Management course as it the subject I want to study in university, so I felt like this was an opportunity for me to ensure that it was everything I had expected.

When I first arrived at my accommodation, I was greeted by so many other eager students that I instantly began to make friends (many of whom I am still close with today) and began to feel a lot more comfortable than I initially expected.

The university offers you two weeks filled with undergraduate-level content, with varying teaching styles. We had lectures in the morning followed by seminar sessions in the afternoon, and within the two weeks, each course had two different course-specific excursions. We had the freedom to hang out at our own leisure, as long as we adhered to the curfew, which was a great aspect of the summer school because it offered students a lot of independence to make their own decisions. The closing event party was held at the Bush House roof terrace, which had a panoramic view of Central London. After singing at the talent show, I had the opportunity to perform again at the closing event party which I really enjoyed, as music is one of my passions.

Attending the programme gave me the chance to experience what studying at university felt like, but more specifically what it is like to study at King’s. I feel a lot more prepared to go to university in 2019 and reassured me that I am choosing the right course. It offered me both an ample amount of academic and social opportunities to participate in.

I would recommend it to anyone, whether you plan to study in the UK or are still unsure as to which courses you wish to study when you eventually go to university. King’s will offer you a fantastic experience both academically and socially.

My summer at King’s College London was by far the best summer experience I have ever had.

Nia Sam

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Every summer has a story

Another Summer Programmes season has come to an end.

From now, those who studied with us are King’s alumni and part of the family so please keep in touch with us. We would love to know how your experience at King’s was.

What impact did it have in your life? Did anything change in your personality? Do you feel inspired to study or work abroad in future? What is your summer story?

Please share with any memories, stories and photos with us via email summer@kcl.ac.uk or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Please don’t forget to complete the surveys that we sent, your opinion is very important to us.

Thank you all for coming and spending the summer with us.

A special thank you to our team and tutors who worked hard over the summer to provide a good experience to everyone.

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From Kenya to London

Everybody knows how challenging combining studying and working is, as much as it is a great opportunity to get work experience and lay practical foundations for your future job. Emmanuel Mamadi’s academic career in Kenya was a successful combination of both.

Having been awarded an African Leadership Summer Scholarship at King’s College London, Emmanuel has just graduated and celebrated his achievement in the best way by travelling abroad for the first time from his hometown in Kenya – proof that hard work can pay off.

The African Leadership Summer Scholarship programme offers students from King’s select African partners the opportunity to study on the King’s Summer School in London on courses on Conflict, Security and Leadership. The scholarship programme supports the work of the African Leadership Centre (ALC) at King’s which aims to inform and influence policy change both in Africa and at a global level. The ALC runs ground-breaking Master’s programmes and a highly competitive Fellowship programme that allows those involved to work and study on several continents. This year saw seven students from Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa attend the summer scholarship programme.

Emmanuel’s scholarship included, alongside the fully funded attendance of an intensive King’s Undergraduate Summer School module, workshops on leadership, security and peace issues.

We have spoken to him to hear more about his experience.

What was your first experience of the city? London is a beautiful and astonishing city which never gets old. It was so exciting to experience London with all its cultural diversity and different dynamics. The people here are friendly and interacting with many of them is an invigorating experience. I used to just imagine what it would be like here and this being my first time to travel out of my country… it was ecstatic.

Did you face any challenges? Well, I love challenges and with all the excitement of a whole new experience I took everything positively. However, the culture shock stunned me with most people here having more private space than I am used to. It wasn’t really much of a challenge but a learning experience.

What’s been your favourite thing about London so far? The diversity stands out for me. It’s my favourite feature of London.

What did you make of the academic experience? Yes, a conversation with King’s African Leadership Centre director, Professor Funmi Olonisakin; visiting London Bridge, the London Eye, being in Whitehall and Trafalgar Square. I have yet so much more to explore.

The session with Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the lead of the United Nations Refugee Agency in Britain, was also an eye opener. The course lessons at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) gave me new thoughts and inspired my sense of analysis and critical thinking. In a nut shell, my experience was fascinating and a learning curve.

Was there anything that amazed you? Professor Jack Spence from the War Studies department at King’s College London would tell you that a picture, i.e. art, simplifies and history complicates. Well, my time at King’s has been a time of memories made of both pictures and history. Having the chance to experience learning in an environment occupied by diversity, knowledge and skill has made me come out feeling exhilarating about studies. The experience of interacting with different professors, tutors, staff and students from the globe has built me holistically; not only in the academic sphere but life skills as well.

Can you describe London in three words? Diverse, euphoric & amazing!

 

 

 

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Memorable 2018 Summer

This Summer is one of the top 10 warmest summers on record in the UK, according to the Met Office, which makes it already unforgettable for many people. But it is particularly memorable for our students who decided to take part of their summer holiday to learn, explore and go on an adventure to King’s College London.

To many people, that was the first time that they have taken a flight alone, travelled away from their countries, spoken English 24/7 and met people from so many countries in a short period of time.

No one can get bored in London, especially during summer, and it’s often difficult to choose what to do during free time.

Most of our programmes include excursions and tours which help our students to explore London attractions. West End Theatre, Harry Potter Tour, Imperial War Museum, Royal Courts of Justice and the Wellcome Collection are some of the places where our students have been.

The photos below will certainly be in our 2018 Summer photo album.

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UK Summer classroom experience

Summer programmes are an amazing opportunity to have an educational experience in the United Kingdom. It can be different from other countries, and that’s what make it unique.

Classes are a mix of ways to learn, from academic sessions to tours, guest Lectures, case studies, debates, critical thinking sessions, workshops, but it also involves independent study.

We really encourage students to participate in classes, express their ideas and views, and share it with all their peers.

It’s not always easy to adjust to a new education system, but often it makes you see things from a different perspective.