Program Description

AIFS Summer Advantage

Study-Abroad For High School Students
Nanjing, China;
Cambridge and London, England;
Paris, France; Rome, Italy; St. Petersburg, Russia;
Granada and Salamanca, Spain


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For More Information, Contact
Summer Advantage
American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS)
River Plaza
9 West Broad Street
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
800-913-7151 (toll-free)
http://www.summeradvantage.com
E-mail: summeradvantage@aifs.com

Type of Program: International precollege campus study (for college credit)
Participants: Coeducational: Students at least 16 years of age who have completed their sophomore year of high school
Enrollment: 300 students, rolling admission
Program Dates: Vary depending on program, four to five weeks in late June through early August
Head of Program: Amy Van Stone, Director of Admissions

Location

AIF Summer Advantage programs are offered at eight different campus locations around the world: Nanjing University, China; Cambridge University, England; Richmond, the American International University in London, England; University of Paris IV de la Sorbonne, France; Richmond in Rome, Italy; St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University, Russia; University of Granada, Spain; and University of Salamanca, Spain.

Background and Philosophy

Summer Advantage is a division of The American Institute For Foreign Study®, Inc. AIFS and its family of companies organize cultural exchange, educational, and travel programs of the highest quality throughout the world for more than 50,000 participants each year. Its highest priority is the safety and security of its participants; all of the programs provide exceptional support services and comprehensive insurance policies. Since its founding in 1964, more than 1.2 million people have participated in AIFS programs worldwide. We bring the world together®.

Program Offerings

Summer Advantage programs offer high school students a unique opportunity to take for-credit college classes through campus-based academic programs, while providing exceptional opportunities for students to combine learning and fun.
    These four- to five-week summer programs provide a great opportunity for students to get a head start on one or more of the subjects they wish to study in college, in an exciting international setting. In a typical program, AIFS Summer Advantage participants learn about art by studying original masterpieces, visit the places where history was actually made, and immerse themselves in another language and culture.
    A typical day could include classes taught on the campus or at museums and historical sites, professional guided tours, and social activities organized by AIFS Summer Advantage staff members. Students spend an average of 15 hours per week in class. In addition, program coordinators organize numerous cultural outings, and students have time to explore independently. AIFS Summer Advantage programs are carefully designed to give participants a balance of classroom lectures, experiential learning, and social and recreational activities.
    Those applying to college may submit transcripts from summer course work along with their high school records, and many colleges grant advanced standing or transfer credit for campus-based programs. All students are issued transcripts for completed course work by the host institution.

Enrollment

More than 300 students from across the United States and abroad participate in these study and travel programs, creating an exciting, diverse community in which ideas and cultural experiences are shared. For most of the Summer Advantage programs, students must be at least 16 years old; have completed their sophomore, junior, or senior years of high school; and have a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

With AIFS Summer Advantage, there is little that can be added on, because so much has already been included in the program; one fee covers everything. AIFS programs provide an educational and economical way to experience a new culture. The programs provide superior value for affordable fees and cost less than if students made arrangements on their own.

Facilities

With programs all around the world, Summer Advantage facilities vary by location. Students are generally housed in twin or triple rooms in university residence halls or hotels or with local families. To see the type of accommodations for each program, the student should visit http://www.summeradvantage.com and select a location.

Staff

Summer Advantage programs have full-time AIFS staff members responsible for the supervision, welfare, and counseling of the students on campus, with 1 staff person for every 15 students. The Resident Directors have extensive experience working with visiting young Americans on AIFS programs and are available 24 hours a day.
The AIFS staff members organize excursions and field trips and arrange a social and cultural program that introduces students to the local community. Their local knowledge, familiarity, and skills help students adjust to their new environment and get the most out of their time abroad.
Resident Directors work closely with the host university and its professors for the welfare of AIFS students. The Resident Director and staff are always available to help. The AIFS staff members make every effort to enable the students to have a good time under safe and supervised conditions.

Medical Care

All participants are required to purchase program medical insurance. Students should contact their doctor or local Board of Health to see if immunizations are needed.
With AIFS, families can also rest assured that students’ safety and security are top priority. The program offers the most comprehensive insurance coverage available, on-site resident staff to provide support and assistance, and a 24-hour emergency service both in the U.S. and abroad.

Costs

For a complete listing of Summer Advantage fees, students should visit http://www.summeradvantage.com. All costs are guaranteed not to fluctuate with changes in foreign currency and are payable in U.S. dollars before leaving. With AIFS, there are no worries and no additional bills.
AIFS Summer Advantage programs are comprehensive and include air fare (if selected), ground transportation (if selected), a London stopover (not available for all programs), tuition, housing, most meals, special services, 24-hour supervision, many entrance fees to museums and places of interest, cultural events, most weekend excursions, and transferable college credit. Some programs offer optional weekend excursions at an additional cost.
Summer Advantage offers up to ten scholarships of $750 each for candidates who demonstrate leadership potential and involvement in multicultural and international activities. Scholarship applications are available on request and must be submitted with the campus program application and deposit, along with a 1,000-word essay, Why Study Abroad Will Change My Life. Completed scholarship applications must be postmarked by March 15.

Application Timetable

The application deadline is April 15; Russia is April 1. The scholarship deadline is March 15.