International Cultural Experience

Enhance your global competencies through this immersive three-week course (06 to 24 July 2026).

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Lancaster University students studying on campus outside in the sunshine

Tab Content: Programme overview

This is the flagship summer school programme offered by Lancaster University. As well as learning through lectures, seminars and workshops, you’ll have the chance to experience Lancaster life through activities related to business, culture, social issues and political matters.

Through this three-week programme, you’ll develop key skills to boost your future academic and career prospects; not to mention gaining a fulfilling global experience. You’ll be taught by distinguished, research-led academics at a global university consistently placed in the top 15 in major UK league tables, and study at a beautiful parkland campus in the north-west of the UK.

Who is this course designed for?

If you’re an undergraduate student aged 18 years or over who is studying at a university outside of the UK, you could be eligible for this course. Please see the entry requirements for full details.

Tab Content: Programme schedule

This programme is organised around a series of lectures, seminars, fieldtrips, and workshops.

Week 1

  • There will be lectures and seminars covering leadership and sustainability; social, cultural and environmental issues facing Britain; and language barriers.
  • You’ll attend a Community Engagement Field Trip where you’ll be able to see the inner workings of British culture in action.

Week 2

  • There will be lectures and seminars covering British popular culture and global cultural communication.
  • You’ll attend an Industry Engagement Field Trip where you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local business and see first-hand the social and economic impact on small to medium enterprises.

Week 3

  • You’ll attend an academic writing workshop to help prepare you for your final written assessment.
  • You’ll attend a postgraduate and careers workshop which will provide you with valuable information about how you can apply all your summer school learning to your future studies and career opportunities.
  • Your tutor will run through the requirements of the group poster preparation, and you’ll have dedicated time to work on your poster before presenting to your peers.

Tab Content: Credits and assessment

Students who complete this programme are awarded 10 LU / 3 US / 5 ECTS credits.

This summer school will be assessed through three methods:

  • 30%: Poster/presentation
  • 40%: Reflective report
  • 30%: Written assessment

Upon completion of this summer school, you’ll receive an official transcript and earn Lancaster University academic credit. This will help you to stand out against the competition and enhance your future prospects

Applications now open

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Intercultural and social experience

It’s not just British culture that you’ll learn about through this course – you’ll meet a whole network of students from all over the world.

By spending a summer at our welcoming and well-facilitated university, you can experience student life at a beautiful parkland campus, near a thriving historic city, right in the middle of the UK.

An important part of your experience will be the diverse group of friends that you’ll make. Our friendly Student Ambassadors have a terrific schedule of social activities and weekend trips planned for you that will help you to make the most of your time here. And, with free time on the weekends, you’ll be able to go out and explore more of the UK – we have great transport links from Lancaster to major cities and places of interest. If you want to travel as a group, we can arrange a coach service for you to buy a space on.

Social programme
Global Summer School students cheering
Group of students walking in Lancaster city centre

Student experiences

Find out what previous students have said about their experience of the International Cultural Experience (ICE) Summer School programme:

''I think the courses and activities in the summer school are well arranged. My English proficiency has greatly improved, and I have also gained a better understanding of British culture'' - Beijing Jiaotong University student, ICE programme 2025.

''I loved it, I became more independent, made so many friends, learned a lot, I feel really lucky'' - McMaster University student, ICE programme 2025.

''I enjoyed the interactive sessions, cultural exchange and the chance to collaborate with students from different backgrounds. Moreoever, over the three weeks, I developed my communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills'' - Sunway University student, ICE programme 2025.

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Got a question?

If you have any questions, our friendly team will be happy to help.
Send us an email at globalschools@lancaster.ac.uk