exploring summer learning opportunities: how to choose programs that actually strengthen a study abroad profile

by iris madeira, team madhavi desai, counselling students since 1986 and helping families navigate international university admissions for nearly four decades.

every summer, one question comes up again and again:

"which summer program will look best on my child's university application?"

it's an understandable question but it's not the one that leads to the strongest applications.

after guiding more than 29,000+ students to universities across 35+ countries, i've found that the most impactful summer experiences aren't chosen because they sound impressive. they're chosen because they genuinely interest the student.

admissions officers read thousands of applications every year. they quickly recognize the difference between a student who pursued something out of curiosity and one who simply tried to build a résumé.

a meaningful summer doesn't have to be expensive or overseas. it simply needs to help a student learn, grow, and discover more about themselves.

here are four ways we encourage students to think about summer learning.

1. art, writing and design: let the work speak for itself

students interested in creative fields don't need a long list of certificates.

they need work they're proud of.

whether it's writing a collection of short stories, designing a product, creating an animation, building a photography portfolio, or producing a research-based design project, the outcome matters far more than the name of the programme.

admissions officers appreciate students who can demonstrate creativity through tangible work rather than simply listing activities.

at team madhavi desai, we encourage students to choose opportunities that allow them to create something meaningful, something they can later discuss in essays, interviews, or portfolios.

2. coding and robotics: build something that solves a problem

coding isn't impressive because a student attended a camp.

it's impressive when they build something that reflects curiosity, persistence, and problem-solving.

perhaps they designed a simple app, programmed a robot, developed a website, analyzed data, or collaborated with others to solve a real challenge.

projects rarely work perfectly the first time and that's often where the best learning happens.

the stories behind the obstacles, improvements, and iterations frequently become the experiences students write about in their university applications.

when choosing technical summer programmes, we encourage students to look beyond introductory courses and seek experiences where they'll actively build, experiment, and learn.

3. public speaking, business and leadership: learning to communicate with confidence

not every student is drawn towards science or technology.

some enjoy ideas, discussion, leadership, and working with people.

debate programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, leadership workshops, and public speaking experiences can help students develop confidence in expressing their thoughts and defending their ideas.

these skills often become especially valuable during university interviews and while writing personal statements.

more importantly, they prepare students to contribute confidently in classrooms and communities long after they begin university.

4. the most important rule: choose what's genuine

the category of the programme matters far less than the reason a student chose it.

one student may spend the summer researching climate change.

another might learn filmmaking.

someone else may volunteer locally while exploring psychology through reading and independent projects.

there isn't a single "right" summer activity.

what matters is that the experience reflects genuine curiosity and contributes to the student's growth.

that's why our first conversation with students isn't about finding the most prestigious programme.

it's much simpler.

"what are you genuinely excited to spend your summer doing?"

the answer to that question usually leads to the strongest applications.

summer learning is about growth, not just admissions

students often assume every summer needs to produce another certificate.

in reality, universities are looking for students who have explored their interests with purpose, reflected on what they've learned, and continued to grow over time.

a thoughtful summer experience can strengthen communication skills, build confidence, inspire future academic interests, and create stories that naturally find their way into essays and interviews.

at team madhavi desai, we help students identify opportunities that align with who they are, not simply what they think universities want to see.

because the best applications aren't built by collecting activities.

they're built by discovering genuine interests and pursuing them with commitment.

frequently asked questions

1. does a summer programme need to match a student's intended university major?

   not necessarily.

   students who pursue an interest with genuine enthusiasm and depth often make a stronger impression than those who choose activities simply because they seem relevant to a future major.

   universities value curiosity, commitment, and authenticity. a meaningful experience outside a student's intended field can be just as valuable if the student can reflect on what they learned and why it mattered.

   
   

2. how does team madhavi desai help students choose summer opportunities?

   rather than recommending the same programmes to every student, we begin by understanding each student's interests, academic goals, and long-term aspirations. we then help identify opportunities that support their growth, complement their university profile, and encourage exploration beyond the classroom.

   our goal isn't simply to help students build stronger applications, it's to help them make choices that contribute to their personal and academic development.