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What if your summer wasn’t just a break but a breakthrough? What if you could pause your academic journey and rewrite a chapter at one of the best universities in the world? That’s what the annual Stanford Summer Session is all about.
Through the opportunity, Xavier Wilson found a culture that focuses less on outshining others and more on self-improvement and creating a better world. “I would say what makes Stanford special is the kind of learning environment,” he says. “Everyone is more concerned with doing better for themselves and making the world a better place instead of getting the next job or getting the best grade in the class.”
Wilson is from Illinois — just a couple thousand miles from sunny California, where Stanford University is. Now, imagine what this environment could do for students from further corners of the globe.
Yu “Tiffany” Xiu from China was struck by the energy and passion of her professors. “They are energetic even after two hours of lecturing — it’s amazing,” she enthuses. “It means they love what they’re doing, know what they’re talking about, and have a lot to share with us. That’s what makes it different from my home university.”
This is precisely what the Stanford Summer Session strives to provide — a learning experience that feels fresh, inspiring, and unlike anything students may have encountered before. This explains why the Summer Quarter attracts visiting students from over 60 countries around the world. It is the only term for them to take for-credit courses alongside full-time Stanford undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The eight-week programme is scheduled to run from June 21, 2025, to Aug. 17, 2025. Source: Stanford Summer Session
Unlike traditional programmes with rigid pathways, this opportunity will allow you to design your own academic experience. Once admitted, you choose from a wide range of courses on a first come, first serve basis — few prerequisites, no boundaries. But they aren’t just any courses — they’re real Stanford courses taught by the same world-class faculty, lecturers, and graduate students who lead the university’s full-time programmes.
“You get to meet individuals who are pioneers in their field, doing amazing research and literally revolutionising the world,” says Ridhi Unni, from Arkansas. “The fact that they’re interested in you, and they have time set aside for you — I would definitely say go and talk to your professors because they’re there and they want to see the way you learn and they want to know who you are.”
Want to dive into sustainability with courses from Stanford’s newest school, the Doerr School of Sustainability? Go for it. Curious about the unique blend of humanities and technology that Stanford does so well? There’s a class for that, too.
And if you’re intrigued by start-up culture, you’re in the perfect place. Stanford’s entrepreneurial spirit infuses the campus, and with Silicon Valley at your doorstep, you’re surrounded by opportunities to witness — and even participate in — American innovation in action.
“I love the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial vibe at Stanford,” says Xinran Jiang from China. “This place gathers a lot of students with different cultural backgrounds and entrepreneurial ideas.”
But the Stanford Summer Session isn’t just about academics. It’s a chance to live and breathe the Stanford experience. You can spend your days fountain hopping under the California sun, exploring the intricate beauty of the Arizona Cactus Garden, or stepping into cutting-edge labs to see science come to life. Whether you’re practising surgical techniques at the Intro to Medicine Bootcamp, crafting in the Graduate School of Education (GSE) Makery, or networking with visionaries at Stanford Research Park, every experience is set to broaden your horizons.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. For the active, Stanford’s athletic facilities are second to none, with everything from swimming pools and tennis courts to sand volleyball and hiking trails. Dorm get-togethers, culture nights, and behind-the-scene tours across campus are more examples of the seemingly countless ways you’ll get to connect with your peers.
Need a moment to unwind? De-Stress with Dogs sessions, a jog through scenic trails, or a quiet corner in one of Stanford’s 20+ libraries (each with its own vibe) are great ways to get some “me” time.
For everything else, the Summer Academic Resource Centre (SARC) has got you covered. It offers advising, tutoring, workshops and even places to recharge between classes or just an outlet to charge your phone, ensuring you’re set up for success from day one to final exams.
When it comes to your health, Vaden Health Center and its specialised branches, including Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS), provide comprehensive care.
“What makes Stanford unique is the community — not the fancy buildings and the setting — it’s what you get to learn from everyone every day,” shares Sai Balaji Suresh. “That’s the best part about Stanford.”
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