International summer schools: Fly to your future!

The city of Tübingen

By Katie Ryan, history student

The dreaded question. ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I have disliked this question since age ten when I cheekily replied with ‘a bit taller’.

Honestly, I still cannot tell you what I will do after graduation which is a mere seven months away.

The need to gain more experience

As an individual who did not choose a university course that leads naturally into a job field, I have always felt a bit stuck on what to do.

I temporarily felt that my history degree had led me away from my passion, which unhelpfully, is something I could have studied: politics and international relations. However, over the last year I have realised that a lot of students, particularly of the arts and humanities, do not want to pursue exactly what their degree explores, despite all the callings to teach the subjects we study.

However, a decision that I made aged sixteen is not a barrier to my desired career path, I have realised that I will simply need to gain more relevant experience. This realisation led me to my Outlook inbox, which is regularly filled with different opportunities and experiences provided by the university.

Nearly a missed opportunity

In November last year, I received an email about studying abroad. I nearly discarded it, thinking a year away was not for me. However, at the bottom of the email was a link to the international Summer Schools webpage

I had no idea what these were, so I researched. In essence, they’re academic courses held across the globe, at partner universities of the University of Nottingham from Sweden to Singapore, Marseille to Malaysia.

The courses are held over the summer break and cover topics such as business, tropical medicine, and politics. The courses also all vary in length from two weeks to six weeks… there is something out there for everyone.

The matching process

I decided to apply, knowing I would probably enjoy this experience. Eventually, I was accepted to a summer school in Tübingen, Germany titled: ‘The EU in Permanent Crisis? Perspectives, Challenges, Solutions’.

The process of applying was competitive, and Tübingen was actually my second choice! But I firmly believe I was partnered with the best university and course for me, as the study abroad staff work to match your application with the best of your top three choices of summer school.

Spending a month in Germany

My summer school entailed me spending a month in the south of Germany to immerse myself in German university culture, gain educational experience, as well as experience living abroad and travelling.

This experience was one of the most enjoyable of my adult life so far. It was rewarding and invaluable, enabled me to make friends with people from all over the globe, as well as learn about the EU; a critical development of my skill base.

The summer school itself enabled me to go on extremely exciting trips such as to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the state parliament of Baden-Württemberg, and Nuremberg. Furthermore, I learnt about German academia, and lived in a beautiful city in the university halls of residence.

I was extremely pleased to be accepted onto this programme as it felt like a proper move towards achieving my career goals.

European Parliament 

Baden-Württemberg Parliament

Check your emails

It may seem like a small action, but one email has massive changed my perspective on life and international opportunities.

So, I invite you to not only check your emails, but to explore Nottingham’s summer school opportunities.  Applications open in January 2026, and I would encourage you all to research what schools would be best for you and to apply.