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Get Ready for American University Life: English, Culture, and Campus Immersion

This program is designed for international high school students with strong English skills who are preparing to pursue undergraduate studies at American universities. It equips you with refined language abilities, cultural insights, and firsthand campus experiences to ensure a confident and successful transition to college life in the U.S.

  1. Refine Spoken and Written English Skills
    Improve your English communication abilities to succeed in an American university setting.
  2. Understand U.S. Academic Culture & the Application Process
    Gain insights into the expectations, customs, and academic life of U.S. colleges to help ease your transition.
  3. Prepare for College Life & Campus Experience
    Develop essential skills for thriving in college and explore university campuses to get a real sense of American higher education.

All participants will live with other pre-college students attending Yale Summer Session, creating a vibrant and supportive community.

Program Dates:

June 29 - July 31, 2026

The 2026 application will open in mid-January 2026.

Pre-College students who wish to apply to Yale Summer Session:

  • Must be entering the senior year of high school (summer after junior year) or freshman year of college (summer after senior year).
  • Must be 16 years of age or older by their program start date.

University Preparation Courses

Build your academic skills, sharpen critical thinking, and explore U.S. college life through our immersive summer program for high school students.  Explore the courses here.

Living on Campus

Immerse yourself fully in the Yale experience by living on campus. Stay steps away from classrooms, libraries, and dining halls, and enjoy convenient access to all program activities. Living on campus allows you to connect with fellow participants, form lasting friendships, and experience daily life at one of the world’s most renowned universities. 

Participants may choose to stay on campus in one of Yale’s residential colleges for an additional fee. Housing includes breakfast, lunch, and access to evening and weekend activities. You may select on-campus housing when completing the program application.

Tuition and Fees

ItemAmount
Tuition - University Preparation for International High School Students$6,780
Application fee (nonrefundable)$80
Visa processing fee$125
Medical insurance fee for 5 weeks$140

For other fees and residential costs, please visit our Tuition and Fees page. All tuition and fees, including room and meal charges, must be paid in full three weeks before the program start date.

Financial Assistance

Yale Summer Session only offers financial assistance to Yale College students. Financial assistance is not available for visiting students at this time. Visiting students should contact the financial aid office at their home institutions to discuss their options for financial assistance.

Application Information

To apply, review the application requirements for international students and fill out the Yale Summer Session application. The English Language Institute programs are offered under Yale Summer Session B course listings. Proof of English proficiency is not required for this program.

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