Is this Harvard?
Yes, these are Harvard courses, led by Harvard faculty, carrying Harvard credit. The credits will automatically roll onto your transcript if you are a Harvard College student. See Study Abroad Credit Information. If you are not a Harvard College student, Harvard Summer School courses and credits are accepted toward degrees at most colleges and universities, but you are advised to obtain transfer credit approval from your home institution beforehand.
Does the Summer School have financial aid for studying abroad?
The Summer School does not offer financial aid. Harvard College students have opportunities to apply for funding through centers on campus. See How to Pay for more details. Students at other Harvard or non-Harvard universities may be eligible for financial aid from their home institution’s financial aid office.
Can I apply to more than 1 program?
Yes, but before applying it is important to carefully consider the structure of the program and program prerequisites and also to familiarize yourself with the country of interest. Program staff can answer any questions you may have. While second applications are permitted, we encourage students to make informed decisions about the program best suited to their interests. To apply for 2 programs online, select a secondary choice on the application menu. Please note there is a $50 application fee per program and you must submit a personal statement and request a transcript for each program you apply to.
Is there an age requirement?
Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed 1 year minimum of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply. Admission criteria are outlined in each program description.
Why do some programs have special application procedures?
Because our programs are offered in a wide range of disciplines, some programs may place different demands on students. In these cases, program directors may need additional materials to properly evaluate applicants. See individual program pages for details.
Can I just take part of the program?
No. All students must participate in all aspects or courses of the program.
Can I make my own living arrangements?
No. All students must live in the program-sponsored accommodations.
How will I know if I am accepted?
The program director will inform you of your status, generally within a few weeks of the application deadline. They can also answer any questions you may have about a program.
What if I am waitlisted?
The program director can give you a sense of the waitlist and will confirm with you whether you wish to remain on it. If you have applied to 2 programs and have been waitlisted in your first choice but accepted to your second, you will need to think carefully about your available options and make a reasonably quick decision so that you do not hold a spot that someone else might take.
Can I take a course pass/fail?
In most cases, Harvard College students may request to take a course pass/fail. Prior approval is required. Non-Harvard students do not have the pass/fail option.
How do I make a payment?
Harvard Summer School online services allows enrolled students to make deposits and full payments with a valid credit card. See How to Pay.
I have a conflict. Can I arrive late to the program or leave early?
No. Program directors have worked hard to create an entire program that immerses students in the local environment, as well as meets Harvard’s curricular standards. Arriving late or departing early may cause you to miss important information or aspects of the course and is therefore not permitted.
Do study abroad participants receive a transcript?
For Harvard College students, the course(s) will roll directly onto your college transcript. Any student who completes a study abroad program can submit a written request for a transcript to Academic Services according to the instructions outlined on Transcripts.
What programs are running in 2011?
Most programs run every year. But you can preview programs not running in 2010 but expected to run in 2011, including ones in Ghana, Peru, Turkey, Brazil, and Paris (la Femis). See Programs in 2011 for a look at these programs. The 2011 program information, including a full list of programs, will be available online in the fall of 2010.