Enquire to study in the UK 
Breaking out of your comfort zone is never easy, but that’s often where the greatest growth begins — especially if you’re an international student. Indeed, leaving the familiar behind can spark fresh views, cultivate new skills, and lead to transformative experiences, and there’s no better place to take that leap than at Stanford University.
Ranked sixth-best in the world, it hosts the annual Stanford Summer Session, which attracts visiting students from over 60 countries around the world. It is the only term where you can take real, for-credit Stanford courses alongside full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students. All lessons are led by the same world-class faculty, lecturers, and graduate students spearheading the university’s degree-granting programmes.
“The standard of education is next level here,” says Helena Phillips from Australia. “The teachers genuinely want to teach and want to see us thrive and be the best version of ourselves.”
At Stanford, you grow into a better student and person. Your physical and mental well-being is a top priority for this university. That’s why it has a dedicated Summer Academic Resource Center that offers various support services and resources, from academic advising and tutoring to workshops.
The campus itself seems built for living and learning well. Not just a compilation of lecture halls, it is 8,180 green acres that include a biological preserve, educational farm, and two museums. It’s designed to be easy to get around by bike and lovely to walk and wander. Your day can start with a swim, followed by a deeply contemplative walk, and end with a calm watching of a glorious sunset. It’s a balance that Stanford empowers everyone to achieve.
Health services at Stanford take the same all-encompassing approach, with services from the Vaden Health Center including Counselling and Psychological Services. Meanwhile, vibrant events, bonfires, day trips to Monterey Bay or Santa Cruz, and more make it easy to make new friends, the best kinds who’ll check on you if you’re unwell.
From Australia to Sweden, students worldwide love their time at this preeminent institution, with some saying they would “would 2000% recommend” the Summer Session. Source: Stanford Summer Session
This emphasis on general wellness and overall balance is what some international students summarise as “the Stanford factor.”
“Despite the pace, Stanford gives you the ability to truly enjoy your time and rejuvenate,” shares Ahmad Jawwad from Pakistan. “It brings in a plethora of events spanning diverse fields that always keep you engaged, allow you to connect to awesome individuals, and simply have fun.”
Stanford’s location further motivates, nurtures, and empowers students to thrive. Silicon Valley is synonymous with innovation and the university sits right at its heart. Every moment spent in this hub of innovation connects students to the pulse of tomorrow’s economy — whether through attending workshops hosted by industry pioneers or networking at local events.
“My favourite memory was attending the YCombinator Startup School 2024 event in San Francisco,” shares Teo Ivancevic from Croatia. “Meeting people there with the same passion for startups as me was amazing.”
This infectious energy for entrepreneurship pervades the entire Stanford experience. Throughout their journey, visiting students can take classes designed to mirror the Silicon Valley ecosystem, covering everything from start-up strategy to sustainability innovation. Being close to tech giants and venture capital firms makes it possible to bridge classroom theories with real-world applications. You’re surrounded by seemingly countless case studies in action.
Gunjan Siddharth from India found Stanford’s location and links invaluable. “The best part has been interacting with such knowledgeable faculty and industrialists and getting to know their experiences in Silicon Valley,” he shares.
“You can have quality conversations with every person here — they are so driven. I explored so many different fields like EVs, aerospace, and entrepreneurship. It has made me believe that my dreams are not so far away.”
Guest lectures hosted by top decision-makers are common at Stanford. For example, Adam Svenningsson from Sweden once attended a session led by LinkedIn co-founder Konstantin Guericke. Source: Stanford Summer Session
Within the Stanford Summer Session cohort, the debates and discussions are just as stimulating.
Maximilian Martin Arnold from Germany emphasises the value of connecting with students from across the Balkans and beyond, stating: “My favourite memory was the late-night deep talks with my peers, sitting outside and discussing the technology of tomorrow.”
Echoing his sentiments are Louise Eriksson from Sweden, who believes learning about cultures through food, music, and dancing enriched her experience, and Zechen Lyu from Singapore, who thinks every Summer student should make it their mission to build lasting connections.
Siddharth cannot agree more. “The people I met will be my lifelong friends and/or really helpful connections,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to talk to people. You never know, a CEO of a huge company might be sitting next to you — it’s very possible here!”
Don’t miss your chance to experience “the Stanford factor” this summer. With limited residential space, applying early is key. The deadline for Regular Decision and Merit-based Tuition Grants is Feb. 12, 2025 — secure your spot today.
Follow Stanford Summer Session on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn
