Columbia University Columbia College Summer Academic Program

Summer Academic
Times Top 100
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Single Term

About the Program

As the oldest institute of higher education in New York, Columbia University, Columbia College has a long history of fostering academic excellence. Since its foundation in 1754, it has educated Founding Fathers, Nobel Prize winners, and award-winning artists, writers, and musicians. Study here to experience firsthand the history and prestige of this distinguished university and discover everything the iconic Big Apple has to offer. Opportunities abound.

Alum: Alexander Hamilton, Sara Just, Barack Obama, Art Garfunkel

The oldest, most prestigious university in New York state

Central Park, Times Square, Broadway: The city that never sleeps

Get tailored feedback and attention in classes of fewer than 20 students

Program Advisor

Saffy Winter
SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
Schedule a Consultation

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
3.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate, Graduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology, Biological & Physical Sciences, Computer Science & Math, Engineering, Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
On-campus dormitory
Visa Required:
Maybe
Credits:
6 units

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Doyeon Kim

Living and studing in the upper west side is great--it's the perfect location for exchange students. Columbia is small compare to most American schools, so it's easy to get to know.

Columbia University SAF Alumni

Dohyeon_Kim_student_13

About the University

Columbia University

As the oldest undergraduate college in the oldest institute of higher learning in the state of New York, Columbia College at Columbia University has a long history of fostering academic excellence. Since its foundation in 1754 has educated Founding Fathers and modern presidents, poets, musicians, and politicians. Among its notable alumni and faculty are 82 Nobel Prize winners, each one a champion of knowledge.

The abundant diversity of New York is an exquisite setting for being open to new experiences and enviable opportunities the Big Apple has to offer. From Wall Street to the headquarters of the United Nations, from Broadway to the Village, the city is alive with adventures and memories waiting to happen.

Learn more at Columbia University's official website.

Academics

Columbia University's Academic Approach

Two core strengths of Columbia College are the rigorous academics and world-renowned reputation. When you attend Columbia, you find themselves surrounded by high-achieving peers and learning from distinguished faculty.  Over 80% of classes contain fewer than 20 students, so you will have more opportunities to engage individually with professors than at other institutions.

Courses

After admission, you register for classes during an online registration window. To be fully registered, your immunization forms must be approved by the university immunization compliance office (including 2 MMR doses after your first birthday). You must meet all prerequisites to register for a course.

Course & Departmental Restrictions

You can take any SPS course offered during the summer session. Courses change between terms, so you should make sure your preferred courses are in your term. You’re not allowed to take courses from other schools at Columbia.

Graduate courses are available to graduate students only. As a graduate student, you may take any offered graduate or undergraduate level course at the School of Professional Studies during your summer session.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:

  • Duolingo: 120
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 100
  • TOEFL Home Edition is accepted

Learn More About Language Requirements

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Housing Information

Off-campus-apartment_Homestay_03

Off-campus apartment

SAF housing for this program is an off-campus apartment with roommates.

*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.

About New York City

Why New York City

The Big Apple is a thriving, vibrant, iconic city. It's a place of global go-getters and some of the most recognizable sights in the world with adventures and memories around every corner: think Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park. From Broadway to the Village, Wall Street to the headquarters of the United Nations, Pfizer, and American Express, New York truly leads the business world, too.

Learn more about New York City

The Student Experience

View All Blogs

Student Health & Safety

We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization in the United States, we have set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. We plan for the ‘what if’, so you can get on with the experience of a lifetime.
International Health Insurance

International health insurance included in the cost of your program

24/7 Emergency Phone Support

Total coverage to support you while traveling and in your new city

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information prepared based on your destination

Health In Your Language

Highly trained multilingual staff to connect you to healthcare providers

Secure Housing

Quality, safe, secure housing within close proximity to your classes

Dedicated Expertise

Protection by a Dean of Students Office advocating for your interests

Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure!

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs

Student Blogs

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

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