International Summer School
University of Memphis International Summer School 2027
The Center for International Education Services (CIES) at the University of Memphis is pleased to present this proposal to host high school students for a short-term summer program in 2027 for your consideration. The International Summer School program has been designed to provide participants with an academically enriching, immersive and authentic campus experience.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the summer program students will be able to:
- Show measurable growth in reading/writing and presentation skills on various topics on a pre/post assessment given
- Write and revise an 800-word personal statement in the style of a US college application essay
- Deliver a 5-minute presentation on their elective project
- Describe key features of US academic culture and history
- Become familiar with UofM undergraduate admission and IEI's conditional-admission process for their future academic planning.
Program Description
The proposed dates for the International Summer School at the University of Memphis are June 14-July 5, 2027. The program is open to high school students aged 14-17 years.
Courses will be offered by the University’s Intensive English for Internationals (IEI) program. Classes will be conducted Monday through Thursday from 8-4:30pm and from 8:30-12pm on Fridays.
All program participants are required to enroll in an English for Academic Purpose class and select one of four available electives. The English for Academic Purpose class will be in the morning, and electives will be offered in the afternoon. Electives require a minimum enrollment of 5 participants. Electives that do not meet the minimum enrollment requirements will be canceled, and students may have to select an alternative elective.
English for Academic Purpose (Offered by IEI): This is a required course for all program participants. The course is designed for participants who want to attend a US university and need help improving their SAT English score and or writing their Common Application Essays for university admissions.
Explore USA (Offered by IEI): This course is designed to familiarize students with various aspects of living and thriving in academic and social environments in the USA. Throughout the course, students will explore key topics that will help them navigate cultural differences, adapt to academic expectations, and build the skills necessary for success in their new surroundings.
Suitable for students who are curious about American culture, history, and want to experience life in the U.S. beyond the classroom. This elective is ideal for students who enjoy new perspectives and connect with people of different backgrounds Course projects may include hands-on intercultural projects such as interviews with UofM students, a mini documentary or a campus or neighborhood study. Participants will be paired with US conversation partners to engage in authentic and meaningful intercultural interactions.
Memphis Music: Participants will explore Memphis’ rich musical legacy and its significance in US history and culture. Major landmarks and museums will serve as your classroom as you learn about the different forms of music that have shaped this city such as blues, jazz, soul, gospel, rock and rap music. Field trips for this course will include Graceland, the Stax Museum, the Rock and Soul Museum, and Sun Studio.
Suitable for students who enjoy music, arts, history, and exploring how culture shapes society. This elective is ideal for students who are curious about American music and its global influence, regardless of their musical background. Course projects may include creating a music-themed digital story, interviewing local musicians, exploring the historical connections between music and civil rights, or developing a multimedia presentation about Memphis music.
Field Research Experience: To broaden their exposure to applied research, students will tour the Earth Science and Civil Engineering laboratories. They will have the chance to engage with principal investigators, discuss research methodologies, and explore how scientific questions are translated into field studies and lab experiments. Students will join field trips led by CAESER affiliated faculty and their research groups.
Suitable for students who are curious about science, technology, engineering, the environment, and how research helps solve real-world problems. This elective is especially appealing to students considering future university studies in STEM fields. Activities may include guided laboratory demonstrations, environmental observations, discussions with university researchers, and collaborative projects. No advanced scientific background is required.
American Sports: Participants will examine issues of global sport business, marketing and media, tourism, event management, popular culture and policy. The course includes formal lectures, experiential learning and site visits to companies involved in the management of global sports products. Memphis is an ideal location to examine American sports. It is home to several professional sport teams including the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, the MiLB Memphis Redbirds and the USL 2 Memphis FC.
Suitable for students who enjoy sports, teamwork, physical activity, or are interested in the business and cultural aspects of American athletics. Students do not need to be competitive athletes to participate. This elective is ideal for those interested in sports management, marketing, or experiencing American sports culture firsthand. Activities may include attending sporting events, visiting athletic facilities, meeting university athletes or sports professionals, and developing a team project such as designing a sports marketing campaign or organizing a mock sporting event. Opportunities for recreational sports may also be incorporated.
University Facilities: Participants will have access to the University’s computer lab, library and recreational center. A University ID card will be issued during the first week of orientation to enable participants access these facilities. In addition, the Center for International Education Services has a student lounge area and computer lab that can be used by the students as a study area.
In addition to course work, we will organize some cultural excursions and industry site visits for the group. Possible field trips for the program include the National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum, Rock and Soul Museum, Graceland, FedEx Forum, and AutoZone Park, Agricenter International, Amazon, Memphis Botanic Garden, Shelby Farms Park, Memphis Museum of Science and History, Clinton Presidential Library and more.
Visa and Travel Documents: Participants will be issued a Form DS-2019 to enable them apply for a J-1 exchange student visa at the U.S. Embassy in their home country. To issue the Form DS2019 we will require a copy of the biographical page of each participant’s valid passport. Participants may also opt to travel on a visitors’ visa as the program is not for credit. CIES will issue an invitation letter to support participant’s visa application.
Arrival and Airport Pick Up: Participants will be met at the Memphis International Airport on arrival by staff of the Center for International Education Services.
Housing: Participants will be housed in university housing that is located across the street from the International Center. These are double occupancy rooms with communal bathrooms. Laundry facilities are available in student housing. Participants will stay in the dorms from arrival till July 3rd. Each dorm floor will have a Resident Assistant who will monitor student activities and report on any issues.
Meals: Participants will be signed up for a meal plan to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the university’s dining halls.
Insurance: Insurance is included in the program cost. Participants will receive insurance that meets J-1 visa requirements and will include the following coverage:
- Up to $50,000 medical coverage per illness or injury
- $50,000 for emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and return of mortal remains
- Worldwide coverage with 24/7 emergency assistance
Orientation: The CIES office will organize orientation for all program participants. Orientation will be geared towards preparing students for their experiences at Memphis. It will also provide participants with an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. Topics that will be discussed at orientation include safety and health care, finances, things to do in Memphis, an emergency action plan, cultural adjustment. Participants will be given a handout at orientation that will provide them with step-by-step instructions on whom to contact in an emergency.
Participants will be introduced to their Residence Advisors at orientation. Resident Advisors are trained to ensure the program meets the University of Memphis guidelines for having minors on campus. All Resident Advisors will undergo a background check before they are hired.
Cancellation: Program costs are fully refundable until May 1, 2027. Cancellation made by university due to low enrollment is fully refundable. Cancellations made by participants 2-4 weeks before the program start date will incur a charge of 10% of the program fee. Cancellations made a week or less before the start date will incur a charge of 50% of the program fee to cover unrecoverable expenses. Withdrawals after the program start date will not receive a refund.
Timeline
March 1, 2027 Receipt of copies of participant passports to issue Form DS2019
March 15, 2027 Mail Form DS2019 to participants to apply for J-1 Exchange student Visa
May 1, 2027 Confirm participants visas and attendance. Pay 50% deposit and review cancellation terms
June 1, 2027 Final Fee Payment
June 11, 2027 Participants depart home country for Memphis, TN, USA
June 12, 2027 Program Participants Arrive
July 3, 2027 Participants Depart Memphis for home country
Program Personnel
Administration of the International Summer School at The University of Memphis will be directed by Rebecca Laumann, Executive Director at CIES. The University of Memphis has the expertise and resources to create, administer and sustain short-term study programs. CIES will be responsible for providing onsite orientation, making travel and housing arrangements for the program participants and managing the teaching faculty to ensure success of the program
Rebecca Laumann, Executive Director
Center for International Education Services
Dr. Balaji Krishnan, Vice Provost
International Affairs
Dr. Fareed Bordbar, Director
Intensive English for Internationals Program
Wing Chow, Director
International Student Services
Jingjing Li, Student Support Coordinator
Center for International Education Services
Kayla Tunstall, Student Support Coordinator
Center for International Education Services
Grace Thazin, IEI Instructor
Intensive English for Internationals Program