The most prestigious summer programs are those offered by renowned universities that combine academic rigor and real exposure to university life.

IE University Summer School, for example, is widely regarded as prestigious because it reflects strong academic standards, international classrooms and faculty-led courses aligned with in-demand fields. Programs like these show a readiness for higher education and a desire for global outlook.

At institutions such as IE University, summer courses are designed to mirror the intensity and structure of degree programs, making them especially valuable for students aiming to strengthen their academic profile.

Spain is widely considered one of the best European countries in which to spend the summer, especially for students. With its warm climate and relaxed lifestyle, vibrant cities, eclectic arts and culture scene, and strong academic institutions, Spain offers an ideal balance between learning and living.

Many of the best summer schools in Europe are hosted here, offering academic excellence, cultural immersion, travel and social experiences. For students and families asking which summer programs give students a taste of college life in Europe, Spain consistently stands out for its welcoming environment and international outlook.

Institutions like IE University exemplify this blend, offering globally recognized summer courses in Europe that make the season both academically meaningful and personally unforgettable.

IE Summer School offers a wide range of academic options to suit diverse interests and goals, making it one of the most attractive summer programs for international students in Europe.

While we cater to various profiles, our most popular summer school programs include our Pre-University Summer Program and IE Pre-Tracks for high-school students exploring future majors, as well as our University Summer Program designed for undergraduate students and recent grads seeking academic or career acceleration.

You can choose from a wide range of programs, from business and entrepreneurship to fashion, technology and more.

An international summer school is a short-term academic program offered by universities that brings together students from around the world for study, cultural exchange and personal growth during the summer break.

IE Summer courses often include credit-bearing classes, workshops, group projects and social activities that allow you to learn in an international setting while exploring new subjects or deepening your knowledge in a field of interest. They also provide a chance to meet peers from diverse backgrounds and experience university life abroad in a condensed format.

Common activities in summer programs for students go well beyond just classroom lectures; these experiences are designed to blend learning, social immersion and cultural enrichment.

At IE University, these activities are complemented by structured lectures, practical workshops, group projects, case studies and skill‑building expert sessions that help you apply what you’ve learned in real‑world scenarios. Extracurricular components like team‑building exercises, networking events and collaborative challenges are also typical parts of the experience.

What’s more, our summer students enjoy social and interactive activities that might include kayaking, museum tours, foodie excursions and cultural outings in Madrid or Segovia, creating a balanced summer that’s both intellectually stimulating and memorable.

Pre‑university study refers to short‑term, introductory academic programs designed to help high-school students or recent graduates explore university‑level subjects and campus life before making long‑term degree commitments. These pre-university programs let you sample college‑style courses, research potential majors and strengthen your academic interests. Participants often engage in real lectures, project‑based learning and discussions, just like full‑time university students.

At IE University, pre‑university study is built into the summer school experience for students aged 15–17, giving you the chance to spend a summer in Spain, meet peers from around the world, and get a genuine feel for our campus environment. For deeper focus, IE Pre‑Tracks let you delve into fields like business, law or design in a way that prepares you before university starts, making your transition into higher education smoother and more informed.

Good summer classes are those that balance academic progress with personal interest and cultural immersion, helping you graduate on time or giving you a competitive edge in your field. Many students choose university summer courses that satisfy core requirements, freeing up their fall or spring semesters for work specific to their majors.

Electives related to your career goals are another smart choice because they broaden your skill set without delaying graduation.

And if you’re interested in career-focused learning, summer programs for undergraduates in areas like entrepreneurship, leadership or marketing can be especially valuable. These often blend theory with real-world projects and networking opportunities, helping you apply what you learn beyond the classroom.

There’s no specific “right” age to begin an enriching program of summer study. It depends on your goals and the type of experience you’re looking for. Many summer programs start for children as young as 13, but IE University offers tailored experiences for a range of ages. For instance, IE Pre-University options target younger learners (age 15–17) while university-level programs help older students (age 18+) explore their academic and career interests during or after college.

These experiences can help teens build confidence, independence and clarity about future academic choices. And as students get older, summer schools for undergraduates expand to more focused, credit-bearing or career-related offerings, deepening subject knowledge or preparing students for specialized professional pathways.

Pre-university study refers to short, preparatory programs designed for high-school students or recent graduates who want to experience university-level learning before committing to a degree. These courses introduce core academic skills, subject exploration and immersion into campus life, helping students clarify their interests and purpose before learning even starts.

Many pre-university courses include lectures, projects and guidance on choosing a major. At IE University, pre-university study often takes place in summer, combining academics with cultural immersion to ease your transition into higher education.

Yes, taking university summer courses can be worth it if you use the time strategically. They help you stay on track for graduation, explore subjects that interest you or lighten your regular semester load. Summer uni courses are often more focused and compact, allowing you to gain credits without extending your time in school. They also offer opportunities to dive into new topics or build skills that support your postgraduate academic or career goals. For students seeking a vibrant experience abroad, summer sessions like IE University’s summer school blend academics, cultural immersion and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

The tuition fee for 5,900€ includes an academic agenda and full board accommodation. It includes from the first day of the program (Sunday) to the last day (Friday), the following:​

• Housing in Segovia and Madrid​
• 3 meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and extra snacks ​
• Transportation from campus to residences and to any of the extracurricular activities (flights are not included, and shuttles from and to the airport will be provided only in specific hours)​.

Housing will be available on both campuses, Segovia and Madrid. Each student will have a private bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. Meals will be provided in the dining hall for all students. A cleaning service is included, and both residences are equipped with laundry machines available for an additional fee. Wi-Fi access is also provided.

The Segovia residence is a 10 minutes walking distance from campus and in Madrid we will provide shuttle buses from the residence to the campus.

The IE Pre-University Program is a great tool to get to know IE before joining a Bachelor, it will give you a taste of the IE community and education system. As an IE Pre-University Alumni, you will benefit from an application fee waiver and from admissions test fee waiver. Also, you willl be part of the IE community, which it will be taken into consideration during your admissions process for an IE Bachelor program. Moreover, during the summer program you will have the chance to meet IE admissions advisor and program specialists, that will guide you and help you with your Bachelor application.

The program fee covers most of the expenses, including accommodation, meals, and academic activities. However, there may be additional costs for: 

• Personal expenses (eg., shopping, souvenirs, or any additional outings)
• Money for laundry
• Travel costs (to and from Spain)
• Visas (if applicable, for international students)

We recommend budgeting for personal expenses.

Students will receive full support throughout their time at the program. This includes:​

• Chaperones: There will be 1 Summer Coach per every 10 IE Summer School Pre-university students ​
• Program mentors and faculty: IE’s experienced faculty and staff are available for academic support, as well as to guide you through your personal development during the program.​
• Accommodation support: There is assistance available for students staying in the residence halls, including help with check-in, transportation, and any in-house concerns.​
• Emergency assistance: The staff will be available 24/7 to handle any emergencies or urgent issues.​
• Cultural immersion: Dedicated staff will also ensure that your cultural immersion is enjoyable and enriching.

IE's Pre-University summer program offers a unique combination of cutting-edge facilities, a global learning environment, and immersive Spanish cultural experiences. The focus on entrepeneurship, hands-on learning, and personalized attention differentiates it from other programs.

Please note that the IE team will pick up all students at the Madrid airport on the start date of the program. We will receive and pick up the students at the airport from 6:30 am to 4 pm and take them to the Segovia campus. We organized 2 bus shuttles, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

As for the last day, we will drop off the students at the airport from the Madrid campus despite the take off timing, however, we recommend for the departure time to be after 4 pm. Please note that on Friday the students will do their final project presentations and we will have a nice graduation during the morning.

If the arrival flight is scheduled to arrive after 4 pm, we won’t be able to received the student and they will have to book their own transportation to the Segovia campus.

On the first day of the program

The IE Summer School team will welcome students at Madrid Airport between 6:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and provide transportation to the Segovia campus by private bus. Two shuttle departures are scheduled—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Students arriving after 4:00 p.m. will need to arrange their own transportation to Segovia.

On the final day

Transfers will be provided to Madrid Airport. Since morning activities include final presentations and the graduation ceremony, we recommend booking flights departing after 4:00 p.m.

If you have any dietary restrictions, a form will be sent to the email provided upon enrollment and acceptance, where you can specify any intolerances, allergies, or dietary preferences. All meals are included and served in the dining halls, and we accommodate a variety of needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options.