Birmingham International Summer School Returns to Revive Cultural and Academic Exchange

Reporter: Rei Tedoco

University of Birmingham campus

BIRMINGHAM, England- The University of Birmingham hosted an immersive three-week summer program for international students to gauge them for real-world multicultural and academic connections.

The Birmingham International Summer School (BISS), hosted by the University of Birmingham’s International Academy, is making its comeback since COVID to provide for over 50 students from different countries.

“We are delighted to run the summer school for students from a large range of countries to share subject specialities whilst allowing students to gain a varied experience of Birmingham and the UK,” Esther Reeves, education support team manager for Birmingham International Academy, said.

University of Birmingham crests

This year, BISS offered three programs for students to choose from, including biomedical, film and British cultural heritage. Students spent their three weeks learning about their fields of interest and applying them to the real world with their final presentations. Outside of classroom time, BISS provided trips to different sites to keep students engaged in learning about England’s cities, humanities and commerce. 

Student Stories: A BISS Experience

“I wanted to immerse myself in other people’s cultures and stories, and explore how what I observe and experience could make me a better designer for the people I serve,” Chloe Lu, a rising sophomore who studies architecture at Ohio State University.

Lu is also a Stamps Eminence Scholar and Fulbright U.S.- U.K. Scholar and  took advantage of all the learning from the British cultural heritage program.  She attended different social events such as the British Afternoon Tea, trips to Liverpool and London, and to Bournville's Cadbury world.

Another student in the BISS program was Rudy Pinter of the University of Birmingham-Dubai campus. With interests in finance, he was eager to learn more about British Cultural Heritage.

“I have grown up watching the incredible stories of Guy Ritchie, whose movies were able to capture British culture, humor and lifestyle in a truly captivating way,” Pinter said, which led his interest in understanding British cultural heritage. 

BISS helped provide programming that allowed students to experience it all, from day-trips to major cities such as Liverpool, London and Oxford to seeing Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford or attending Cadbury World in Bournville. 

For Lu, the London day trip stood out. She called it “an unforgettable day with the best people,” highlighting stops at Victoria Tower (Big Ben), Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. Lu mentioned that she next time she visits the capital she " hopes to see the London Bridge with the same friends."

Victoria Tower in London, United Kingdom

Pinter’s favorite was the class trip to Oxford, where students learned more about the academic history. “I loved our trip to Oxford, where we could get to know a very prestigious and elegant town and its history,” he said, adding that spending time with classmates was a highlight of his experience.

The Impact of Abroad Academia

Photo from BISS: Afternoon Tea Event

Over the three weeks, students explored Birmingham and other crucial sites, building cultural awareness, academic knowledge and personal connections.

“Every place has its own stories and things you can’t learn from a book or class,” Lu said. The experience opened her to the possibility of graduate school abroad or living overseas.

Studying abroad, Pinter said, allows “you to step out of your comfort zone and acquire practical skills. No matter where we are coming from, more things connect us than those which tear us apart.”

After this year’s program, the Birmingham International Academy hopes to continue inspiring students to pursue study abroad opportunities.

While working in the Birmingham International Academy, Reeves finds value in supporting students who are interested in abroad opportunities. She said,“ It allows students to experience a new culture and to make lifelong friends from across the globe.”

Students interested in studying abroad at the University of Birmingham can connect with the Birmingham International Academy for program information.