Summer Academy
Due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) Linnaeus University has made the decision to cancel the Summer Academy 2022 also. Please contact summeracademy@lnu.se if you have any questions.
Linnaeus University Summer Academy offers an international, intercultural and interdisciplinary study environment – unique of its kind in Sweden. As a student participating in our summer academy you will get the opportunity to obtain unique academic experience that will enhance your CV and your future career. You gain cultural insights together with a mix of international and Swedish students, while also getting to enjoy the Swedish summer in one of the most attractive summer cities in the country.
The location of Linnaeus University Summer Academy is the beautiful medieval city of Kalmar, one of our study sites, voted "Summer City of the Year" in a national travel guide competition.
The courses within our summer academy originate in Swedish culture and an innovative mindset. They are workshop-oriented and have a strong student focus. Courses are offered on undergraduate and graduate level. All courses are 7.5 credit full-time courses, taught in English and many have general entry requirements.
The combination of lectures and workshops within the student's own course and weekly interdisciplinary sessions for all participants at the academy, provide opportunities for new contacts and cultural insights – both from other students and from local and global business representatives.
Our extensive social programme will give you enhanced knowledge about Swedish culture and society as well as about the city and its surroundings. It will also serve as a great opportunity for you to get to know your fellow students at the Summer Academy. The programme offers organised day-trips and weekend excursions as well as outdoor and sports activities, and cultural events. We also offer optional excursions in the weekends.
Student testimonials
"It has been the best summer of my life so far"
"The reason I applied to Summer Acadamy was because I wanted to meet people from different countries and at the same time have a fun summer. I wanted to study entrepreneurship especially in Sweden because they're known as the innovation center of Europe.
The classes were incredible interesting and played a big role in my great experience of Summer Academy. The relationship between students and professors is informal which motivates you to ask questions and participate in discussions. Moreover, the classes are incredibly creative with different forms of teaching. Studying Entrepreneurship in Swedish Context was an eye-opening experience. It made me realize what I want to study and focus on for my Master's. Studying with students from so many different countries was amazing not only because it widened my worldview, but also because it made me realize how important it is to consider intercultural aspects in business.
I absolutely fell in love with Kalmar and Sweden! I will miss having fika (cultural tradition of having coffee with friends) and having picnic by the Kalmar Castle. Every second has been memorable. Swimming in the Baltic Sea, the sun and going to the local clubs and pubs. It has been the best summer of my life so far."
Farah Mirboboeva, Russia and Tajikistan.
Course taken: Entrepreneurship in Swedish Context
"The field trips allowed us to better understand what we were learning in the classroom"
"Studying here at Linnaeus University is more relaxed and informal than the classroom experience back home in the United States. Class is often more conversional and involved as compared to a more traditional lecture. I have thoroughly enjoyed my course Sustainability and the Baltic Sea. We took trips to a cement- and waste disposal plant. These trips allowed us to better understand what we were learning in the classroom. It was also really special to go collect data from the bays to help address problems with eutrophication in the Baltic Sea.
One thing I especially enjoyed was out time at the housing's common areas. To be able to eat dinner with students from South Africa, Israel, Canada and Spain all at once is a life time experience. Also, spending my summer in Kalmar has been wonderful! The warm weather made swimming in the Baltic Sea into an awesome experience and a great way to cool off together with my new made friends!"
Mitchell Malak, South Carolina, USA.
Course taken: Sustainability and the Baltic Sea
"Linnaeus University feels new and fresh, with focus on sustainability and being on the forefront"
"I really liked the fact that we were a small group on our course. Five participants from five different countries. In addition, most of my course mates were well-travelled which contributed further to us having interesting discussions with many different viewpoints and experiences being presented. Also, I think that our teacher Sven was really good, it was evident that he had a lot of experience from around the world. Another thing that exceeded my expectations for the course was the fact that we were invited on study visits to the municipalities of Nybro and Kalmar. The guest lecturers were very prominent persons, and interesting to listen to. The course in general held a high level, and yet we were allowed to work together to give the course our own personal touch.
Kalmar is a nice city, and we've enjoyed good weather during most of our stay and done a lot of sporting activities – and it's so close to nature! I also like the fact that Kalmar is quite small; it's easy to meet people and to enjoy quiet and easy summer life, without too much going on. Before I came here I had never heard of Linnaeus University, and I must admit that I was a bit skeptical when I looked it up and realised that the university was only a few years old. But then I read some more and it seemed to be a modern university. This turned out to be true; it feels new and fresh, with focus on sustainability and being on the forefront. The course in itself drew me here because to me it sounded like the perfect course, a mix of language and political science".
Niels Back, Netherlands. Course taken: The Nordic welfare model in a Swedish context
"Studying together with people from a number of different countries really gives you perspective"
"I really feel that the international, intercultural and interdisciplinary classroom was something that was evident during the Summer Academy. The great mix of students – I was the only Swedish student on my course – makes it possible to do all these very interesting comparisons between countries, societies and experiences. For me, being a Swede, it's easy to get so used to the Swedish society that I stop noticing what is good and bad and what could be different. Studying together with people from a number of different countries really gives you perspective; I've been able to see myself in a much larger context, both in time and space. I wasn't particularly familiar with Linnaeus University before, I come from up north, but instead it was the course in itself that was attractive to me, the main reason for my coming here this summer. The title and the content of the course truly spoke to me and felt just right in time". Alexander Zens, Swedish. Course taken: The Nordic welfare model in a Swedish context
"I really like the location, the surroundings are truly beautiful and I like being close to the sea."
"I have a positive overall impression of the Summer Academy, I've really learnt a lot from my peers. The course in itself has also been good; I like the format with kind of two courses in one. Also, I really like the location, the surroundings are truly beautiful and I like being close to the sea. I also managed to get an apartment quite close to where we have our lectures which has been great. I found out about the Summer Academy by a member of staff from Linnaeus University visiting my college to recruit students. I then looked up Linnaeus University on the web and it seemed nice. I got help from my department chair to select a course, to make sure I picked a course that would be a good complement to my studies in the US. My time here in Sweden has also meant big culture clashes, most things are so different from how things are done back home – but it's been a positive learning experience. My experience of Swedes is that they are friendly and speak excellent English". Naolani Hendricks Cedar Crest College, USA. Course taken: Globalisation, social media and politics
Application and Admission
The application and admission process varies depending on whether you are an international student, exchange student or Swedish student. Mind the following when making your application:
* Only one course can be chosen among the Summer Academy courses. The schedule for all courses runs in parallel.
* A course can be cancelled if the number of admitted students do not reach the required minimum of course participants.
* There is no drop/add period at the beginning of the Summer Academy
Please find more information on the general entry requirements here. For further information regarding admission please contact admission@lnu.se.
More information about the courses
Accommodation
Accommodation for students participating in our summer academy varies depending on if you are a:
- fee-paying student (i.e. student with citizenship outside EU/EES or Switzerland,
- exchange student (i.e. student who take part in an exchange programme and whose studies are regulated by agreements between Linnaeus University and the home university),
- or a non-fee-paying student (e.g. student with citizenship from EU/EES or Switzerland).
Social activities
As a student at our summer academy, we think you should have as great experiences in your social life as with your studies. Our social programme will give you both enhanced knowledge about Swedish culture and society as about the city and its surroundings. It will also serve as a great opportunity for you to get to know your fellow students at the summer academy. The programme offers organised day-trips and weekend excursions as well as outdoor and sports activities, and cultural events. We also offer optional excursions in the weekends.
Practical information
Moving to another country or city, even for a short period of time, requires a great deal of preparation and planning ahead. Administration processes usually take some time, which means you will have to start early.
The City of Kalmar "Summer City of the Year"
Kalmar with its surroundings truly is the perfect place to be if you want to enjoy the Swedish summer. Kalmar has been voted "Summer City of the Year" in a national travel guide competition. There are numerous places to visit and events to attend – from culture, history and music to nature, recreation and sports. Did you know Kalmar is one of few cities in the world hosting the Ironman Triathlon?
Kalmar is a town dating back to the Middle Ages, situated on the beautiful southeast coast of Sweden. Although Kalmar today is a modern town, with more than 60,000 inhabitants, it has been able to keep its old charm. The university buildings and student accommodation in Kalmar are spread throughout the town and are well integrated with the historical surroundings – making students feel part of the town.
The close proximity to the Baltic Sea leaves its impression on life in Kalmar. Smaller beaches and places to go swimming are dotted around the town centre. The island of Öland offers spectacular nature reserves and top class beaches with miles of white sand and is well worth a visit.