Organise a Summer intensive language programme

Category of recipe: Internationalisation through pedagogical activities and development of international skills (curriculum).

Objective: Attracting International students / diversify the student body; Improving academic quality / offer.

Short description: Organise a short-term local language programme designed primarily for people wishing to rapidly develop their local language skills and deepen their knowledge of the language while integrating into the local environment.

Academic recognition: At a minimum a certificate of attendance, and if validated, this course must earn ECTS credits per session to be attractive.

Level of difficulty: Medium

Calendar and time needed: 8 to 12 months before teaching.

Cost summary: €€€

Language and level required for students:
The aim being to attract students who want to learn your local language, you must set the appropriate level requested in your local language.
Therefore, if the goal is to attract students for an exchange or as Freemovers, a B1-B2 level is ideal. If it's just to introduce them to your country and university for future enrolment, a beginner level is enough.

Roles and Responsibilities:
Programme Coordinator: Manages the day-to-day planning and execution of the summer school programme.
Academic Lead: Coordinates the pedagogical aspects.
Language Teacher(s): Deliver the language instruction (may be the same as the Academic Lead).
Receiving Institution Support: Provides administrative, communication, housing, and other logistical support (managed by one or more designated colleagues).

Ingredients:
Vision and objectives: 2 cups of clear academic and cultural goals.
An enthusiastic team of at least 3 persons highly motivated to organise a summer school in your faculty.
At least 1 language teacher.
A pinch of rigorous, innovative curriculum.
Target audience: A clear profile of international students with a group interested in your programme.
1 or 2 time slots of 3 weeks each during summer (before the summer closing of your institution).
Cultural activities: A dollop of local immersion experiences.
Collaborations: Partnerships with universities or other partners (2–3 strong ones recommended).
Budget: 1 well-prepared financial plan (includes tuition, scholarships, and logistics).
Marketing strategy: 1 robust mix of social media campaigns, international fairs, and email outreach.

Recipe steps:
Step 1: Define the language and objectives of your Summer school – Set measurable learning objectives that align with the goals of the programme.
Step 2: Create a Planning Committee – Assemble a team to assist in organising the event. This should include a programme coordinator, administrative assistants to handle logistics and registration, and subject-matter experts (colleague(s) or external facilitators) who will lead sessions.
Step 3: Select the venue and format – Set the dates (1 or 2 sessions of 3 weeks each during summer) and choose a suitable venue that is accessible, comfortable, and equipped with necessary technology (wifi, microphones, projectors).
Step 4: Collaborate with partners – Reach out to international universities for joint teaching efforts or credit transfer agreements, and secure partnerships with local organisations for site visits and guest lectures.
Step 5: Develop the Programme content – Develop a detailed work plan and activities to meet the objectives; organise workshops for active engagement; prepare materials (slides, handouts, case studies) for each session.
Step 6: Budget and fundings – Create a detailed budget covering academic content, accommodation, meals, and excursions; explore funding sources (Erasmus+, external grants, sponsorships) and apply for the relevant grants or proposals.
Step 7: Inform the following players – Notify your institution and faculty to relay information on your programme offer.
Step 8: Establish a Communication Plan – Actively communicate on internal and external channels (mailings, language school networks, embassy contacts, etc.); design and distribute a digital brochure with event details; promote the programme through social media.
Step 9: Get help from Support services – Engage your institution’s Schooling service, International Relations Office, and Communication Department to manage registration and administrative steps, including accommodation and visa support if needed.
Step 10: Send out a Welcome notice to registered participants – Provide guidance on arrival (accommodation, internet, transportation, groceries, etc.).
Step 11: Serve the Programme – Ensure all preparations (equipment, seating, materials) are in place; welcome students with a tour and activities; organise teaching and evaluation sessions.
Step 12: Post-event follow-up – Send thank-you notes to speakers and participants; review feedback; share post-event materials (recordings, slides, further reading).

Budget description:
Costs cover tuition, accommodation, meals, and any additional expenses; registration fees may apply. Scholarships or grants may be available to support students.

Non-mandatory items

Resources: A robust mix of social media campaigns, international fairs, and email outreach.
Successful examples: Promotional materials and programme details from previous summer schools.