Summer University FAQ 2010
I’m not a AEGEE member, can I still apply for a summer university?
Yes, you can, but you need to join AEGEE. Please fill in the membership form. Applying to a Summer University does not require being active in AEGEE, but the fees have to be paid.
How well do I have to speak French/German/Italian/Spanish… to enter a language course?
The language courses are divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The Summer University might offer all levels, or just one level. Some Language Courses offer school like lectures, in others it’s just about speaking the language in the group. But remember, even if some Summer Universities offer lectures by professional teachers, the main idea of a SU is to get to know people from different countries and have fun. If you just want to attend an intensive language course, an AEGEE Summer University is not for you.
Which are the most difficult Summer Universities to get into?
In our experience, Summer universities in the end the summer (August-September) are more popular than ones in the beginning of the summer. Geographically, summer universities in Italy and Spain are quite popular.
These were the most popular Summer Universities by the number of applications in 2008. Each of them received more than 100 applications.
- Barcelona
- Palermo
- Paris
- Valencia
- Valletta
But as there are not that many applicants from Finland (around 50 from AEGEE-Helsinki compared to hundreds from e.g. Italy or Spain) it is easier for Finns to get selected because SU organizers usually take participants from all countries.
On what basis are the participants selected?
The pre-selection is made with a computer program. All applicants are placed in one of their three choices of SU.
The final selection is made by the organizers of the SU. They usually look at the motivation letters, and also try to pick people from as many countries as possible.
What can I do to get selected?
Write a good motivation letter. Remember that you are applying for two weeks of fun organized by students, so don’t make your motivation letter sound like a job application. If you are applying to a language course it might be good to write your motivation letter in that language.
You can of course also email the organizers directly and tell them what a great person you are.
When applying you can’t choose your nationality, sex, age or how many others apply to the same Summer University from Finland. The only thing that you can affect when it comes to your chances to be preselected is to which SUs you apply.
If you apply to only one SU, you will be preselected to that one. In really popular SUs this might be your only way to get your name to the preselection list. If you also have other, less popular choices in your application the computer is likely to prefer those over a popular SU.
So: if you really, really want a place in one particular Summer University, you should:
- Put that SU as your only choice when applying
- Write a good motivation letter
But notice that many others will do the same, and the pre-selection list of the SU can get very long, and maybe the organizers end up choosing 20 participants out of 100 pre-selected applications. So the chance of not getting selected on the second round is very high.
If want to go to a SU, any of them, choose some of the less popular ones, and you will be selected with almost 100% certainty.
What is a good motivation letter like?
Take time to fill in the form, especially your motivation letter. The SU-organisers spend a lot of time organising, so it is only fair that you spend to some time on your motivation letter. Anyway, the motivation letter is what sets you apart from the other applicants. Show in your letter that you have taken the effort to write your motivation!
Example of a bad motivation letter where the writer doesn’t tell anything about him/herself: “Spain is so great and I really, really want to come. I want to see Barcelona and Valencia and drink a lot of Sangria.” A good motivation letter: Description about yourself, your interests, why should we pick you etc. Originality is also good (unless it’s far too original…) Being an active member of AEGEE is also likely to improve your chances. And remember that this isn’t a job application, so don’t make it too serious, you are coming here to have fun…
We recommend: Choose something different!
Think about going to a place, where you would never go alone.
The SU’s in Italy and Spain are popular and you will face tough competition to get in. But why go to Italy or Spain when you have options like Cyprus, Latvia or Romania.
I didn’t get selected, is there something I can do?
SU organizers usually have a waiting list. If you get selected on the waiting list you will get selected if a participant cancels. If you get selected for the waiting list, you should be actively in contact with the organizers so they remember you when free places open.
Also, some summer universities get so much cancellations that they announce free places for anyone who wants to join. We will send you information of these free places during the summer.
How is the lodging?
According to the type of event and its relative philosophy sleeping conditions may vary considerably. Options range from “tents” and “gym” (sleeping bags on the floor) to more luxurious “youth hostels”. Please consider lodging descriptions carefully as you evaluate the events! Also consider that the price you will be charged is quite low, and this is the only way to concretely allow as many and different people as possible to apply.
What does it mean being on the waiting-list for a Summer University?
A small number of potential participants is suspended in the “waiting list”. Should you be in this number be ready to pack, in case some people cancel their participation. Organisers will keep you informed. However it does no harm for you to contact yourself the organisers, from time to time, to inquire about your chance to get a place.