Special Report: Summer

After a steady period of recovery since the pandemic, enrolment numbers in summer language programs have stabilized for many schools, and are now reportedly on the rise. At Hello! Exmouth which specializes in junior groups and individual summer programs (for ages 11 to 17) in the South West of England, enrolment numbers are looking healthy this year. As School Director Laura Woodward-Drake reports, “We are seeing an increase in demand for summer centers with homestay accommodation for 2025, which is great! As cost is always top of mind for schools, parents and students, homestay programs offer a more budget-friendly option.”

A similar positive trend can be seen at the Academy of Languages by F+U International which offers summer programs in the picturesque and historic city of Heidelberg in Germany. Deputy Head of the Academy, Carolin Kemen, says, “We’re already seeing an increase in enrolments this summer — not only for our German summer courses but also for our English summer program, which runs until the end of August. We’re proud to welcome a mix of new students and many returning learners who grow with us year after year, progressing from kids to teens. This loyalty, along with the interest from new students, speaks to the quality and experience our program offers.”

At Mander Portman Woodward- MPW , where students can take part in six-week summer programs in both Cambridge and London, enrolments have also “seen an increase compared to this time last year”, according to Erin Neil, Summer School Director at MPW.

In Malta, summer programs remain exceedingly popular. Rebecca Bonnici, CEO of BELS, Malta , says, “Our Family Program, which offers courses in the morning for both adults and children simultaneously, and our English for Children courses, which are standalone courses for children aged seven and above in the mornings, have been resounding successes during the summers of 2023 and 2024. Each time, they have shown a growth of over 50 per cent compared to the previous summer.”

California School of English , which offers summer programs as well as year-round junior programs and short-term English with sports courses, also reports a strong recovery in enrolment figures. School Director Chris Cullen notes, “Bookings are up from last year; we’ve totally recovered and expanded post-pandemic.”

Image credit: Mander Portman Woodward

Organizations that offer international language immersion programs are also experiencing positive enrolment numbers. Isabella Sayger, Assistant Director at West Coast Connection, elaborates, “Each year, we find that programs and courses are filling up earlier and earlier. Due to this increased demand, we have seen international students enrolling earlier as well to secure their spot. Compared to last year, our enrolment of students residing outside North America has increased 225 per cent to date.”

Summer school providers have also noted increased demand for specific elements and provisions. Natasha Littleton, Director of Sales and Marketing at London School of English , which offers summer courses for young adults (ages 15 to 18) at The University of London, says, “We’ve observed a significant demand for enhanced accommodation options, particularly en suite bathrooms. In response, we’ve ensured that every student this year will have a private single room with an en suite bathroom, a feature we expect to be a key draw.”

Image credit: West Coast Connection

Responding to the heightened interest in summer programs, language schools have been expanding offerings for summer 2025, including new courses, new locations, and other exciting updates. At MPW, Erin reports that the school is launching a new MPW developed life skills program called My Path; My Way, with some exciting new courses such as ‘Navigating the Noise: Media Literacy for the Digital Age’ and ‘Mind over Matter: Emotional Intelligence and Self-Leadership’. The school is also launching a new University Preparation Workshop for all students for summer 2025, which will include information on Oxbridge and personal statement writing.

Expanding on immersive language travel options, West Coast Connection has announced a new Spain Language Immersion travel program, adding to their current offerings of French and Italian immersion courses, which are offered on select Pre-College Enrichment programs.

There is also growing interest for specific summer plus sports programs, which has led Queen Ethelburga’s International Summer School, in the UK to launch a new intensive football residential launching July 2025. Course Director Justine Langford explains that the program will be launched in partnership with Mike Phelan Coaching and will “provide advanced training, immersive sessions, and exclusive access to world-class coaching from former Manchester United coaches”.

She adds, “The Intensive Football Residential is so much more than a training camp; it’s an immersive experience into the professional football world, giving aspiring young football players a unique perspective on elite player development.”

At Niagara College in Canada, new summer options are also on the horizon for international students, with the college putting an emphasis on flexibility and adapting summer offerings to students’ needs. Charles Voth, Associate Dean of Niagara College’s School of English Language Studies says, “We are committed to evolving alongside our students to offer accessible, flexible and dynamic learning experiences. New this year, we have streamlined the August intake of our four-week English Language and Culture Program (ELCP) into a three-week format. This adjustment aims to better align with diverse academic calendars and expand opportunities.”

Image credit: St Brelade’s College

Regarding expansions and new locations, Hello! Exmouth have also announced exciting updates. Laura elaborates: “We are expanding sites for 2025, with a third school building in the town, to offer new student spaces to relax and allow for more classrooms and a group leader lounge.”

Around the world, it’s clear that summer is back on track for international language students, and with schools responding to ever-increasing demands with new program offerings, the summer language training sector is sure to have many more exciting developments on the horizon.