Let’s be honest—when you hear “summer school,” your first thought might be stuffy classrooms and missed opportunities for beach days. But this summer school in Europe is anything but ordinary. Here, summer is about more than soaking up the sun—it’s about soaking up experiences that could shape a lifetime.
Let’s dive into what makes IE Summer School the ultimate blend of learning, growth and unforgettable fun.
A summer school in Europe like no other
Imagine this: sipping a café con leche on a sunny morning in Madrid or walking through Segovia’s cobblestone streets, where every corner feels like a page from a storybook. IE Summer School invites you to live these moments while building skills, exploring career paths and connecting with people from around the globe.
“It was a complete cultural and academic immersion,” says Bianca Lima Greco, a Pre-University Summer Program participant. “Visiting both campuses helped me confirm that IE was my first choice and gave me clarity about starting in Segovia.”
Whether you’re prepping for university or upskilling as a college student, our summer school offers something unique: a chance to peak at your next steps while exploring the best of Spain.
Pre-University Summer Program: Your college kickstart
If you’re 16 or 17 years old and curious about university life, the Pre-University Summer Program is like your backstage pass.
Here’s what makes it special:
- You’ll explore different academic paths: Try courses in entrepreneurship, tech, law or sustainability to see what sparks your interest.
- You’ll enjoy ands-on projects: Build real-world skills with projects like the hackathon or our entrepreneurship challenge.
- You’ll have cultural adventures: From kayaking in Segovia to tapas tours in Madrid, every activity combines fun with cultural immersion.
“It wasn’t just about academics,” one participant said. “The experiences—ziplining, the team-building Olympics, even trying Spain’s famous paella—helped me step out of my comfort zone and bond with amazing people.”
A typical week in the Pre-University Program
Your journey starts in Segovia, a picturesque city steeped in history. Here, you’ll be steps away from iconic landmarks like the Roman aqueduct and the Alcázar, the 12th century castle that inspired Disney. Spend mornings in interactive workshops and afternoons exploring the town—or even kayaking!
Week Two brings you to Madrid, Spain’s buzzing capital. Classes take place in the modern IE Tower, and downtime is all about exploring rooftop pools and Madrid’s dynamic street life.
“I loved the balance,” says a participant. “One day, we were tackling a group project; the next, we were discovering Madrid’s hidden gems. It was unforgettable.”
University Summer Program: Expand your horizons
For university students and recent graduates (ages 18–24), the University Summer Program is a ticket to academic and professional growth.
The program lets you tailor your learning journey by mixing and matching courses that match your interests, such as:
- Breakthrough Tech & AI: Explore cutting-edge innovations and how they’re shaping the future.
- Customer Experience Innovation: Learn how businesses design memorable experiences.
- Rethinking Sustainability: Collaborate on solutions for real-world environmental challenges.
Beyond the classroom, the program focuses on global exposure. Expect team-building activities, networking events, and shared moments with peers from every corner of the world.
“It’s more than a summer school in Europe—it’s a launchpad,” explains one participant. “I walked away with new skills, fresh perspectives and connections that will last a lifetime.”
Why Spain? Why now?
Spain during the summer is a big part of the experience. Whether you’re in Madrid or Segovia—it adds a touch of magic to the experience.
Madrid’s buzz: Think street art in Malasaña, sunsets at Retiro Park and tapas at bustling food markets.
Segovia’s charm: From breathtaking landscapes to a fairy-tale castle, Segovia lets you slow down and soak up the Spanish way of life.
During the program, you’ll stay in comfortable private rooms (with your own bathroom!) and enjoy meals in the dining hall. With amenities like cleaning services, laundry and Wi-Fi, you’ll feel at home while living like a true university student.
“It was the little things—walking to class in Segovia or sharing late-night study sessions in Madrid—that made me feel like I truly belonged,” says Bianca.
Who is this for?
IE Summer School in Europe isn’t for everyone—and that’s the point. It’s for the explorers, the curious, the ambitious. If you’re ready to try new things, push boundaries and connect with like-minded peers, you’ll thrive here.
Whether you’re trying to decide on a major, switch career paths or simply gain an academic edge, IE Summer School offers the tools, experiences and memories to make it happen.
So, what if summer school wasn’t about “missing out” but about leveling up? At IE Summer School, you’ll find yourself in vibrant cities, working with brilliant minds and uncovering opportunities you never imagined.
“It was life-changing. I didn’t just learn; I grew.”
Are you ready to do the same?