The Chinese Learning School and the Chinese Minor Programme at VUB organise an annual summer school to China. This gives all students of the VUB and the Chinese Learning school at VUB the opportunity to explore China at a reasonable price and with the safety and comfort of a group. Two summer schools are organised. This website is regularly update as the organisation of these summer schools progresses.
Because Chinese universities provide these summer school programmes at a faverable price for what they define as 'students', participation is generally limited to students of 35 years or younger.
SCU-UIP
The Sichuan University University Immersion Programme (SCU-UIP) is a longstanding international summer school project. It takes place at the end of June and the first week of July in Chengdu, Sichuan. Visiting professors from all over the globe gather in Sichuan University to teach a wide variation of courses in the fields of engineering, sociology, physics, philosophy, chemistry, history and many more. Each participating student can choose two topics from a list communicated in May or early June.
The SCU-UIP organisation also strongly encourages students to explore Chinese culture and society while residing in Chengdu. With panda's, ancient temples and districts, hotpot & Sichuan cuisine, tea culture, Tibetan influences and scenic spots only a day-trip away, the city has much to offer.
Moreover, Sichuan University asks no tuition fee for its summer school programme. Instead the university may offer free hotel accommodation to participating students and provides financial aid for domestic flights to Chengdu (unconfirmed for the upcoming summer school).
At present, we estimate that the SCU-UIP summer school will be available for a maximum 10 students. If the number of registered students exceeds that threshold, a competitive selection will be held. More information to come.
Language summer school
The VUB also organises a customised Chinese language learning summer school with a partner university in China. For this summer school there are no limitations on student numbers. Although unconfirmed for the upcoming year, this summer school usually takes place in the second and third week of July, following the SCU-UIP.
For the upcoming summer school we are hoping to cooperate with a partner university in Xi'an. Just like Chengdu, Xi'an is a city with immense historical value and a variation of cultural influences. Think Terracotta army, city walls, pagodas and temples, sacred mountains and Buddhist grottoes. Xi'an is also the city of delicious noodles in all shapes, sizes and tastes.
The registration fee for this summer school is estimated (based on previous experiences) at 400 EUR per person. This includes the language learning programme, on-campus accommodation and a number cultural excursions. Language courses can be organised at all levels from absolute beginner to advanced, on the condition of a minimum of 15 students per level.
Registration
The summer schools for summer 2026 are still in the initial stages of planning. Registration for any of the summer schools is currently closed as a result.
Can't wait to join? You can already pre-register! We use these data to plan and negotiate our upcoming summer schools more effectively.