Student experiences in Summer and Winter School

Read what past Summer and Winter School students say about their study experiences.

Sarah Marie Trevor - Local Undergraduate Student in Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communication)

"What better location could there possibly be for an intensive Summer School program on Ancient Rome then on the city itself? The 2011 Classical Rome Summer School program provided us with an unparalleled understanding of ancient Rome's 'politics of space', topography and architecture, through daily site visits and lectures. The extension tour, featuring visits to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis, was also fantastic."

Kelly Ann Van Setten - Local Undergraduate Student in Bachelor of Science

"Summer School was great for me, allowing me to complete my pre-requisites when my degree course changed. Covering that material kept me in the swing of things, and the staff running the units were all really lovely.
There's a nice personable feel in the courses, and the smaller class sizes."

Florian Pilz - International Postgraduate Student studying Economics

"Having the perfect combination of taking part in an academic program and getting to know the country was the reason why I chose the Sydney Summer School. The project management course gave me excellent skills for my job back in Germany. I had never been to Australia before, so it was a great experience for me to live in Sydney for six weeks."

Sam Lewis - International Undergraduate Student Studying Arts

"I arrived in Sydney not knowing what to expect during my first time living in a foreign country. I returned to the United States having fallen in love with Australian culture and knowing I would return. I would not trade my time at the University of Sydney for anything, and I know it was a life-changing experience."

Wenying Xiang - International Undergraduate Student in Bachelor of Commerce

"The Summer School helped me to accelerate my study. It gave me the opportunity to focus on one subject at a time, so that I could get a better understanding of the knowledge taught. Additionally, the class size is smaller, which provides me with more chance to interact and communicate with the lecturer and other students. The Summer School is not only a place to learn knowledge, bu also a platform to develop friendship with people from different backgrounds. Studying at Summer School is a fantastic and unforgettable experience."

Shyah Tjing Loi - Local Undergraduate Student in Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science

"One of the best things about the course I did at Summer School was that for the first time in a maths subject I have done, lectures began at 9am rather than the usual 8am (indeed a luxury). In addition, the fact that Summer School is held at a time when campus isn't overrun by huge crowds meant that the atmosphere was more relaxed, peaceful and carefree."

Christine Ji-Hae Kang - Local Undergraduate Student in Bachelor of Science

"Studying at the University of Sydney Summer School was a highly rewarding and enjoyable experience as it allowed me to explore my interests outside of full-time study. Summer School was especially ideal for learning a new language as the small class sizes allowed more time for students to interact with each other and receive feedback from the teacher, who was very experienced and helpful. The intense three week course also allowed me to fully immerse myself in the learning without having to worry about other subjects as in a normal semester. I would especially recommend it to those keen on learning a language."

Christopher Zhao - International Undergraduate Student studying Economics

"Summer School at Sydney University was an incredible experience. Not only were we in the middle of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, we were supported by a helpful staff, distinguished professors, and friendly fellow students. I wish the two months hadn't gone by so quickly!"

Korey Gunnis - local student in Bachelor of Arts/Social Work

Korey Gunnis took Summer School to complete the Arts requirements of his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work, so that he can focus on Social Work the following year.

I recommend Summer School to anyone wishing to complete their degree quicker, and especially if there is a subjects on offer they feel passionately about.

Korey recommends the Summer School because

• it helped him in achieving his goals academically in his chosen subject
• of the flexibility to focus in a particular subject of interest
• not having the pressure of other subjects during the normal semester period

Kristina Ljubicic - Summer School Scholarship student in the Bachelor of Arts

Kristina Ljubicic took two subjects from the Faculty of Arts after receiving a Summer School Scholarship. This enabled her to graduate from her Bachelor of Arts after semester one.

Summer School is fun! You develop really strong friendships in the smaller classes and there is a lot more interaction and sharing of ideas and this really makes it a much more enjoyable process.


Kristina recommends the Summer School because

• completed a whole semester of study in half the time
• the intensive nature of study helps you really understand the information
• Summer School really allows her to spread the work load across all areas of my life

Darawan Sombattawee - international student in the Master of International Business

Darawan Sombattawee took postgraduate subjects in Marketing in both the Summer and Winter School programs. She started her degree in second semester and was able to complete her Masters of International Business in one year - 6 months ahead of schedule. She was able to return home to Thailand sooner and begin her career with a postgraduate degree from University of Sydney.

I could continuously learn and concentrate more on the subject I took. Studying from day to day, rather than once a week, helped me finish the unit quicker and accelerate my Masters degree.

With 3 exemptions, I planned to take 4 subjects in the second semester, and then in the following year, 1 subject in Summer School and finish the last of my subjects in the first semester. After taking Summer School, I decided to take a unit in Winter School so that I could spread my workload in the final semester. By taking Summer and Winter School subjects to spread out my work allowed me to balance my workload throughout the year.

Lindsay Donnelly - Summer School Scholarship student in the Bachelor of Engineering/Commerce

Lindsay Donnelly received a Summer School Scholarship which enabled him to take chemistry and finance subjects towards his Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce.

There is the benefit of focusing more, by completing only one or two subjects... I feel I developed a greater understanding of the course.

Lindsay recommends the Summer School because

• I developed a greater understanding of the course
• you’ll be glad when your workload is much smaller than your friends the next semester
• the benefits outweigh the drawbacks
• you save a year or even 6 months by completing summer school

Paul Somers - local student in the Bachelor of Commerce

Paul Somers has participated in two Summer Schools. Paul works full time during the year. Summer School helped him to complete his Bachleor of Commerce.

Summer School - a great educational experience, developed lasting friendships and be one step closer towards achieving your goal


Paul recommends the Summer School because

• facilitated my full time work commitments during normal semester – enabling me the opportunity to complete my degree in three and a half years
• personalised and highly regarded teaching
• fellow class mates who are all highly motivated

Matthew Jaukovic - Elite Athlete

Matthew Jaukovic is an Elite Athlete and is able to overcome his sports commitments by studying at Summer School

"The Summer School is one of the best things Sydney University has to offer - not only that you fast track your degree, but you also enjoy the superior style and quality of teaching, as well as the ultimate social experience"

Matthew recommends the Summer and Winter School because:

• the program attracts many international and cross-institutional students, making it an unparalleled social experience
• my sporting commitments often overlap with the academic ones