Testimonials

Alumni

"Columbia Summer Program offers the kind of experience you wish lasted forever, the kind that makes you challenge yourself in ways you never expected but it also molds your view of the world… Not only did I meet the most interesting people but I also felt like I was one too. I think I've never been so inspired!"

- Gabriela Guilarte, 2012

"Although I was not a resident student in the summer program, I was still able to experience the intensity of Columbia academics as well as appreciate the inspiring environment within the campus grounds and the bustling excitement of the Upper West Side of New York City."

- Kellie Heom, 2012

“The social atmosphere was relaxed and everybody was so open and fun to be with. The staff was the best--they made the academic program and social events informative and fun, and the campus was absolutely beautiful. Even though it was a lot of work at times, it was so much fun and interesting that it didn’t feel like work.”

- Marissa Grieco, 2012

"Columbia's campus and the surrounding blocks of the city were extremely University-oriented, and I felt like any other student walking around a college town, but with New York City at my fingertips."

- Rosalind Shinkle, 2012

"This camp offers a perfect combination of a vibrant and dynamic city life and a calm and relaxing environment to learn and study in. The courses open the mind and help the students grow personally and academically. The numerous international students show the unimaginable diversity at HSP."

- Eric Duan, 2012

"Over the three weeks, I could see that I'd grown more as a student, artist, and person at a school, than I had in my previous years at high school. My teacher opened my eyes to new things that I hadn't even thought of looking at before."

- Vanessa N. Todd, 2012

"I never expected to make friends with people from every corner of the globe. In the world's most diverse city, I witnessed what it is like to study in New York City, with an enthusiastic professor and a wealth of resources to boot."

- Robert Adelson, 2012

"While the entire program is amazing, the best parts include the social and cultural experience, preluding to life in college and a great window to the culture of New York."

- Casper Neo, 2012

"During the three weeks I was in New York I actually became part of something stronger than a community, more like a family… Also, all the classes, the activities, the facilities were amazing!"

- Marta Alvarez Rubio, 2012

"I learned so much and still had an awesome time in the best city in the world!"

- Nikita Ekman, 2012

"The program staff as well as the administration support team was awesome; I always had help from entry to the program till its conclusion."

- Neha Khosla, 2012

"I made unforgettable memories and priceless friends. This program is one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had!"

- Cynnie Teinowitz, 2012

General

"It was a valuable opportunity for my daughter to engage in international culture exchange and effective knowledge learning through the comprehensive and well-planned curriculum. In addition to enjoying college life, she loved exploring and discovering New York City. It has been an enriching and enjoyable experience for her, especially making acquaintances with many new friends from different countries of varying cultural backgrounds."

- Diao Ya Chen, parent

“The Columbia program was a well-constructed mix of inspirational classroom instruction combined with an exploration of college life and New York City that my daughter thoroughly enjoyed.”

- Scott Medberry, parent

“I have seen my student grow in confidence when participating in class and having a broader perspective about the world, which has greatly helped her in successfully working in the International Baccalaureate program since she attended your summer program.”

- Ana Rojas, English Teacher at the British School of Costa Rica

“I was very pleased that my son had the chance to attend your summer program in 2012. He was inspired by the instructors, empowered as an individual, and enriched his writing abilities. He is doing very well in his junior year. I hope he will have the opportunity to attend another session at Columbia.”

- Samya bushnaq Bouari, parent

“So far, three of my sons have participated in the program in diverse topics including marketing/ economics, stem cell science in biomedical engineering, and aspects of trial preparation. Each experience has given them unique insight into their chosen area of interest, and as a result fine-tuned their career directions. The faculty was uniformly engaging and supportive. It was for all three of them an important educational milestone.”

- Alain Borczuk, parent

“My daughter had the most incredible experience last summer! She loved all of her teachers. She said her classes were interesting and time flew by. Her teachers were helpful and provided personalized attention. The RAs were also attentive and helpful and she met students from all over the world.”

- Jenny Goodenough, parent

“I profoundly believe that the Summer School Programs at Columbia University provide a substantial contribution to the personal development of the young individuals in many aspects, and more importantly an esteemed cultural exchange - with the help of which we can improve the feeling of understanding and tolerance towards differences, and therefore constitute the sense of unity and solidarity among the citizens of the same world for a better future."

- Hayriye Yılmaz, English Department, Bornova Anatolian High School, Izmir, Turkey

“I sent two children last summer… My son was in the creative writing workshop, and my daughter did a course before entering freshman year. Both found their courses fulfilling and rewarding. They loved their experience, and it has really helped them mature. I am grateful that they had this opportunity.”

- Anita Prabhat, parent

"All of my students who have done a Columbia summer program have really enjoyed the experience. I will continue to recommend your programs."

- Kathy Kaminski, School Counselor at Hall High School in West Harford, CT, parent