International Summer Study

We regret to announce that the International Summer Study Program at Washington University in St. Louis is suspended in response to the pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Please address inquiries to the Summer School office.

Join students from around the world in the International Summer Study Program!

We are small, high-touch, and endeavor to know every student by name. We offer the rigorous coursework of a top 20 university, complemented by cultural programming during evenings and weekends. Finally, we organize optional information sessions with each of our graduate and professional schools and help you prepare strong applications for graduate school. Program alumni have been accepted for graduate study at institutions including the University of Southern California, Columbia, Washington University in St. Louis, Carnegie Mellon, Duke, UC San Diego, and Princeton.

Our program includes:

  • Six to seven units of academic credit chosen from a wide range of courses
  • An American student mentor who provides social and cultural support
  • Social activities and excursions that introduce St. Louis and the surrounding region
  • Optional tours of graduate and professional schools + application workshops

Eligible students must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older by July 1, 2020
  • Be a current university-level undergraduate student
  • Have completed one year of undergraduate study by July 1, 2020
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Submit English Language Test (ELT) Scores (additional details)
international summer study students outside of Brookings Hall

Alumni Testimonials

Hear from students in the International Summer Study Program. Participants reflect upon their academic experience and what they enjoyed most about their time in St. Louis.

Summer Spotlight: International Student, Yuchen Han

Summer Spotlight: International Student, Yuchen Han

Read More
Summer Spotlight: Contemporary Collage

Summer Spotlight: Contemporary Collage

Read More

Eligibility & Fees

Eligibility

  • Be 18 years of age or older by July 1, 2020.
  • Be a current university-level undergraduate student.
  • Have completed one year of study by July 1, 2020.
  • Be in good academic standing.
  • Have English Language Test* (ELT) results with:
    • a minimum score of 90iBt on the TOEFL**;
    • a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS**; or
    • a minimum score of Level B2 on the CAE or CPE**.
    • a minimum score of 115 on the Duolingo English Test***. 

* ELT is required of all international students for whom English is a second language.
** In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the ETS and the Chinese National Education Examinations Authority (NEEA) have announced that all TOEFL and IELTS tests in Mainland China have been canceled through the end of March 2020.  In light of this, we recommend that applicants who are affected by these cancelations take the Duolingo English Test online in order to complete their application materials.
*** The Duolingo English Test can be taken online at any time. The exam requires Google Chrome browser, a self-facing camera, and microphone. Testing session results are available within 48 hours.

Program Fees

Application Fee: To be determined
Program Fee: To be determined

The program fee includes:

  • Tuition and lab fees for two (2) undergraduate courses 
  • Housing in a secure air-conditioned residence hall on campus
  • $500 meal plan (for use on and off campus)
  • Weekly off-campus excursions
  • Private sessions with graduate deans, directors, and admissions counselors
  • Graduate school preparation workshops
  • Designated PEER Mentor, your own U.S. student host
  • Opening and closing dinner banquets
  • MetroLink light rail transportation pass
  • Health insurance coverage

View our comprehensive guide with pre-arrival, program, and post-program information.

For Admitted Students
students outside greeting a new student moving in to the residence hall

Events & Activities

Our International Program students have many opportunities to have fun both on and off campus. Washington University hosts free events all summer long, including jazz and classical music concerts, movies, yoga sessions, pool parties, and weekly socials. Program-sponsored excursions take students off campus to learn more about St. Louis and enjoy its favorite pastimes. The following activities are included in the program schedule*:

  • Gateway Arch "Journey to the Top"
  • Mississippi River sightseeing cruise
  • 10-story fun house, City Museum
  • Art Hill Film Series Movie Night
  • American Cooking with WashU Dining Master Chef
  • St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game
  • Winslow's Farm Excursion
  • Six Flags St. Louis Thrill Park
    *Additional events and trips may be planned. The above list is subject to change.

Additionally, there are many free concerts, farmer's markets, and festivals throughout the neighborhoods of St. Louis. Nearby museums and institutions are also free and accessible by walking or riding on the MetroLink Train.

 

The International Summer Study program is intended for undergraduate students currently pursuing a bachelors degree.