2 Week vs 3 Week Summer School: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right summer school isn't just about where to go. How long your son or daughter spends away from home can be just as important.

For summer 2027, families joining ISSOS will have more choice than ever. For the first time, our Cambridge summer school will offer two 2-week sessions, while our St Andrews summer school will continue to offer two 3-week sessions for students aged 13–18.

So, which option is right for your son or daughter? Here's what to consider when choosing between a 2-week and 3-week summer school.

You Asked, We Listened: Introducing 2 Weeks in Cambridge

For years, families have asked us the same question: “Do you offer a two-week summer programme?”

For summer 2027, we're excited to finally say yes.

We know that family holidays, sports, school commitments and other plans can make summers busy. For some families, finding three free weeks simply isn't possible.

We also know that for some students, particularly those attending an international summer school or travelling independently for the first time, two weeks can feel like the perfect amount of time away from home.

That's why, for 2027, ISSOS Cambridge will run as two 2-week sessions, giving families greater flexibility and giving more students the opportunity to experience an ISSOS summer.

A shorter programme still offers everything that makes an ISSOS summer special.

Students joining us in Cambridge will still experience everything that makes ISSOS - The Experience of a Lifetime: a varied academic and elective programme, an exciting schedule of activities and trips and evening programmes, the ISSOS clan system, life on a historic, world-renowned university campus and the opportunity to make friends with students from around the world.

The new format simply gives families another way to make ISSOS part of their summer.

Why Choose a 3-Week Summer School in St Andrews?

For students looking for a longer summer school experience, our 3-week St Andrews programme isn't going anywhere.

ISSOS will continue to run two 3-week sessions in St Andrews in summer 2027, giving students the time to fully settle into life at ISSOS.

One of the benefits of a 3-week programme is the additional time students have to explore their academic and elective subjects in greater depth. Across the three weeks, students can build on what they learn, explore additional topics and develop their skills as the programme progresses.

This is particularly valuable in electives, where the extra time gives students more opportunity to practise, develop and see real progression in their chosen area. Whether they're developing their photography skills, working on their tennis technique or building confidence in theatre, students have time to see how far they can progress over the course of three weeks.

The additional week also gives students more time to grow in confidence and immerse themselves in our international community. As the weeks progress, friendships become stronger and St Andrews quickly begins to feel like a home away from home.

The longer programme gives students plenty of time to enjoy the balance that makes an ISSOS summer so special: learning, activities, trips, social events and time spent with new friends from around the world.

And 2027 will be an especially exciting summer to experience St Andrews, with The Open returning to the Home of Golf.

For students who have three weeks available and want more time to develop their skills and fully immerse themselves in the experience, St Andrews continues to offer the 3-week programme that ISSOS families know and love.

2 Weeks vs 3 Weeks: What's the Difference?

There isn't a right or wrong choice. It comes down to your son or daughter, what they're looking for from their summer and what works best for your family's plans.

Here's how the two ISSOS experiences compare for summer 2027:

A 2-week summer school in Cambridge could be a great choice if your son or daughter has other plans during the summer, would prefer a shorter period away from home or is attending an international summer school for the first time.

A 3-week summer school in St Andrews gives students more time to settle into campus life, develop their skills and enjoy everything that comes with being part of the ISSOS community for three weeks.

Whichever option you choose, your son or daughter will be joining an international community of students aged 13–18 for a summer that combines learning, adventure, independence and friendship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is two weeks long enough for a summer school?

Absolutely. Two weeks gives students time to experience life away from home, take part in their academic and elective programmes, enjoy activities and trips and build friendships with students from around the world.

For some students, it can also be an ideal introduction to attending an international summer school for the first time.

Is three weeks too long for a student's first summer school?

Every student is different. Some students are ready to spend three weeks away from home on their first summer school, while others may feel more comfortable starting with two.

It's worth considering your son or daughter's previous experience of being away from home, their confidence and what they want to get from their summer when deciding which option is right for them.

What are the ISSOS 2027 summer school dates?

In 2027, ISSOS will offer two 2-week sessions in Cambridge and two 3-week sessions in St Andrews.

St Andrews – 3 weeksSession 1 : 30th June - 21st July                                                                            Session 2 : 25th July - 15th August 

Cambridge – 2 weeks

Session 1: 5th July - 19th July

Session 2: 22nd July - 5th August 

Your Summer. Your ISSOS.

For years, you've asked us for a shorter ISSOS programme. In 2027, we're excited to give families that choice for the first time.

2 weeks in Cambridge. 3 weeks in St Andrews.One unforgettable ISSOS summer.

Whichever option is right for your son or daughter, they'll have the opportunity to learn, explore, grow in confidence and make friendships with students from around the world.