Edinburgh College welcomes students from across the globe for Summer School 2025
This summer, Edinburgh College welcomed students from across Europe and beyond for its annual Summer School programme.
More than 30 students from Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, France, Greece, Ukraine, Switzerland, and Sweden joined the College during July and August for stays ranging from two to four weeks, immersing themselves in both Intensive English (20 hours per week) and General English (15 hours per week) courses.
In addition, the College hosted a group of 15 students from Kyoto, Japan, who took part in a three-week English study programme. Accompanied by their group leader, Rie Kojima, the Kyoto students brought a unique cultural perspective to campus.
Tayla Harrison, Team Leader for International Projects and Student Support at Edinburgh College, said: “We were delighted to welcome students from across the globe for our annual Summer School programme this year. Students were expertly guided in their studies by our Academic Director and our dedicated lecturers. We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to this outstanding team for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the summer.”
Beyond the classroom, the Summer School experience included a rich array of cultural and recreational activities. Highlights included:
- A thrilling jousting event at Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries
- Day trips to Glasgow, Stirling, Scone Palace, Dunkeld, and Berwick-upon-Tweed
- Immersive experiences such as Scottish ceilidh dancing, golf, bowling, and the spooky Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour
- Visits to major attractions including the Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh Dungeons, the Chocolatarium, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and several of the city’s many museums
Tayla added: “Our summer school students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to experience Scottish culture first-hand and visit some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and heritage sites. These enriching activities were thoughtfully organised and led by the International team, whose efforts ensured students not only improved their language skills but also experienced the warmth of Scottish hospitality and created unforgettable memories.”
Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on how much they loved experiencing Scottish culture, exploring the country, improving their English, and learning the meaning behind certain phrases.
Emma, from Japan, said: “My favourite part was visiting historical places and landmarks, as it gave me a real insight into the culture.”
Chloe, from France, said: “I found that being in a small group based on level helped us to progress. The teachers were patient and took the time to explain vocabulary clearly. The activities were fantastic for meeting people outside our class groups, which helped the whole group come together.”
Anna, from Ukraine, said: “The groups were friendly with interesting people from across the world. There was also lots of interesting things to do – I will miss this College so much!”
Taneike, from Japan, said: “I studied General English in class, focusing on basic grammar and vocabulary. Learning in English gave me valuable new experiences. Although it was sometimes challenging to explain the meaning of words in English, I could feel my language skills improving. There were also many interesting activities that made the experience even more enjoyable.”
A key part of the students’ positive experiences also came from staying with local homestay hosts, offering them a welcoming and authentic slice of everyday life in Scotland.
Tayla explained: “Many students expressed their gratitude and joy about their homestay experience, made possible through the careful coordination of our Accommodation Officer, Christine. We are incredibly thankful to all our wonderful hosts – your warmth and generosity play a vital role in the success of our programmes.”
“This summer was not only an opportunity for language development but also a celebration of international friendship, cultural exchange, and the unique charm of Scotland. We look forward to welcoming more students from around the world in future programmes.”