Best Most Unusual Summer Courses for 2025

Explore the Unconventional: Unique Summer Courses for the Curious Mind

Step off the beaten path this summer with courses that challenge the norm and spark curiosity. From cutting-edge science to imaginative literature, these programs offer a unique blend of learning and adventure. Perfect for those eager to discover new passions and explore unconventional fields, each course promises a summer filled with innovation and inspiration.

Jane at OSCG

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Categories: Uncategorized

February 21, 2025

Unlock the Extraordinary: Summer Courses That Redefine Learning

Dive into a summer of unique educational adventures! From the strategic challenges of a Mini-MBA in the UK to the creative whirlwind of Fashion in New York, and from cosmic explorations in Cambridge to literary quests in Oxford, this selection of summer courses promises exhilarating experiences. These programs are crafted to ignite passions and open new horizons for students in vibrant and inspiring settings. Get ready to explore, learn, and transform with these exceptional courses designed for the curious and adventurous young mind!

Mini-MBA

What it is:

The Mini-MBA summer course at UK Boarding Schools, offered by Summer Boarding Courses, is a concentrated two-week program designed to introduce teenagers to the essentials of business management and administration. The course covers a wide range of key business concepts such as accounting, entrepreneurship, global sustainability, and marketing, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary for real-world business scenarios.

Why it is special and unusual:

This course stands out due to its early introduction of complex business topics to a younger audience, typically reserved for graduate-level study. The immersive experience combines theoretical learning with practical projects like preparing business plans and delivering pitches, giving students a taste of an MBA curriculum. Integrated with sports and cultural activities, it also ensures a well-rounded educational experience that is both intellectually stimulating and engaging.

What students say:
SBC staff is very profesional and friendly with the students. The facilities are great. The courses and activities are well organized and allow the students to live the experience in a safe and fun way at the same time. Students can make friends from all over around the world and learn from different cultures. Also the staff encourage students to speak english all the time so they can practice during this weeks. I like that students never went alone in the campus, either during activities, they are always watched by the staff so there were no risk of having a lost student. (Summer Boarding Courses)

Mini-MBA

Fashion in New York

What it is:

The Fashion summer course in New York, hosted by Oxbridge Academic Programs at Barnard College, immerses students in the fashion capital of the U.S. Participants journey from concept to the catwalk, visiting flagship stores and their suppliers in the Garment District. The course covers brand strategy, consumer experience, and the fundamentals of clothing and accessory design, culminating in a student-organized fashion show.

Why it is special and unusual:

This course is unique because it places students in the heart of New York City, where fashion is an integral part of the city’s culture and economy. The hands-on approach allows students to experience the industry up close, interacting with professionals and gaining insights that are usually accessible only to industry insiders. The course’s highlight is its end project—a fashion show, giving students a real-world platform to showcase their creations, a rare opportunity for young learners.

Fashion in New York

Story Explorers (12 year olds)

What it is:

Story Explorers is a creative writing summer school designed specifically for 12-year-olds, hosted by Oxford Summer Courses. It focuses on developing storytelling skills, including character creation, plot structuring, and engaging an audience. The course encourages creativity through various mediums like comic strips, photos, podcasts, and is inspired by Britain’s renowned authors.

Why it is special and unusual:

What makes Story Explorers exceptional is its tailored approach to fostering literary skills in pre-teens, an age where imagination is rich and malleable. It goes beyond traditional writing classes by incorporating modern digital storytelling methods, making it a unique blend of the old and new narrative forms. This course not only enhances writing skills but also builds confidence in young storytellers, preparing them for more advanced levels of writing and analysis.

What students say:Im a returning student cause its has been an amazing course each time. The people in charge there are really nice and will help you as best as they can. You learn a lot from your course which some of the things you will still use later on in life. The lessons, the people and the activities made it a wonderful summer course!

Story Explorers

Think Global!

What it is:

Think Global! is a summer course at UK Boarding Schools that combines language learning with global citizenship education. It follows UNESCO’s Four Pillars of Learning—learning to know, to do, to be, and to live together. The program is designed to enhance language skills while instilling a deep sense of global responsibility in students.

Why it is special and unusual:

This course is particularly unique because it integrates language development with ethical and global education. Students are not only taught language skills but are also encouraged to think critically about global issues and their roles as global citizens. The experiential learning model, which includes discussions, group projects, and community engagement, makes it an innovative program that prepares students to be thoughtful and informed world citizens.

Think Global!

Astronomy and Astrophysics

What it is:

The Astronomy and Astrophysics course, part of the Oxbridge Academic Programs at Cambridge, offers students a deep dive into the universe’s mysteries. From the Big Bang to galaxy formation and the future of time, the course covers a wide array of cosmic phenomena, all taught in the historical and academically rich environment of Cambridge.

Why it is special and unusual:

This course is extraordinary due to its comprehensive coverage of advanced topics in astronomy and astrophysics, which are rarely available to high school students. It takes place in a city with centuries of contributions to science, enhancing the academic journey with a historical perspective. The use of Cambridge’s facilities and resources provides students with an authentic experience of studying complex scientific concepts in a world-leading academic setting.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Oxford and the Rise of Fantasy

What it is:

Oxford and the Rise of Fantasy, offered at Lady Margaret Hall by Oxford Summer Courses, explores the development of the fantasy genre in literature. The course examines the influence of Oxford and its writers, from medieval times to contemporary works, analyzing the works of authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and others who have shaped fantasy literature.

Why it is special and unusual:

This course is unique in how it connects the historical and cultural context of Oxford to the evolution of the fantasy genre. Students not only study literature but also delve into the city’s profound impact on this genre, making it an immersive educational experience. The course’s focus on how fantasy adapts to modern media such as cinema and video games also highlights its relevance and application to current entertainment industries.

Oxford and the Rise of Fantasy

As the summer approaches, these standout courses offer more than just a break from the ordinary; they promise a full-on immersion into new and exhilarating worlds of knowledge. Whether you’re strategizing in a Mini-MBA, stitching up the runway in New York, decoding the cosmos in Cambridge, or journeying through the fantastical landscapes of Oxford, each program is designed to spark immense growth and unforgettable experiences.

Featured Courses

Featured Programs

Oxford16 -18

EPQ Bootcamp in Oxford

An exciting summer programme offering the opportunity to gain a qualification worth half an A-level in just four weeks.
Options from £5,200 / 4 weeks
Oxford12-18

Exciting International Summer Programme in Oxford

846 reviews
Experience the history, culture, and architecture of Oxford while studying on one of Oxford Scholastica Academy's transformational, future-focused courses.
Options from £6,995 - £13,690 / 2 or 4 weeks
Gold
Toronto16-18

Canada Summer School in Toronto

358 reviews
Immerse's Toronto Summer School blends subject exploration with Canadian culture for students aged 16-18.
Options from £4,495 / 2 weeks
Gold
London9-12

Junior Summer School for Ages 9-12 in UK Boarding Schools

318 reviews
The Junior Summer School with Oxford Summer Courses offers diverse academic experiences for younger learners aged 9-12, hosted in prestigious UK boarding schools.
Options from £2,165 / 1 week