Student experiences in Summer and Winter School
Read what past Summer and Winter School students say about their study experiences.
Hao Gu - International student in the Bachelor of Commerce
Hao (Howell) Gu is an undergraduate student from Shanghai, studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Commercial Law, International Business and CPA program. He took a subject in Summer School before starting his degree in 2004 and has since then taken language subjects in Summer and Winter School.
I realized that Summer School study could allow me to follow up particular interests for which I was unable to find time outside of full-time study. I decided to undertake Summer School subjects to spread out my work so that I have a more balanced workload throughout the year. Summer School provided me with a rich learning experience and was time well spent. I have found Summer School to be challenging and stimulating and taught in a relaxed learning environment.
Catherine Samways - Summer School Scholarship student in Bachelor of Arts
Catherine Samways won a Summer School Scholarship to complete her undergraduate degree. She took an Arts subject so that she could begin her Honours year in semester 1, 2005.
I enjoyed the intensive workload. It was suited to the particular course I did, keeping me at a steady pace. Because of the time constrictions it prevented me from procrastinating, which I am sometimes guilty of over the course of a normal semester.
Korey Gunnis - local student in Bachelor of Arts/Social Work
Korey Gunnis took Summer School to complete the Arts requirements of his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work, so that he can focus on Social Work in 2006 academic year.
I recommend Summer School to anyone wishing to complete their degree quicker, and especially if there is a subjects on offer they feel passionately about.
Korey recommends the Summer School because
- it helped him in achieving his goals academically in his chosen subject
- of the flexibility to focus in a particular subject of interest
- not having the pressure of other subjects during the normal semester period
Kristina Ljubicic - Summer School Scholarship student in the Bachelor of Arts
Kristina Ljubicic took two subjects from the Faculty of Arts after receiving a Summer School Scholarship. This enabled her to graduate from her Bachelor of Arts after semester one.
Summer School is fun! You develop really strong friendships in the smaller classes and there is a lot more interaction and sharing of ideas and this really makes it a much more enjoyable process.
Kristina recommends the Summer School because
- completed a whole semester of study in half the time
- the intensive nature of study helps you really understand the information
- Summer School really allows her to spread the work load across all areas of my life
Darawan Sombattawee - international student in the Master of International Business
Darawan Sombattawee took postgraduate subjects in Marketing in both the Summer and Winter School programs. She started her degree in second semester and was able to complete her Masters of International Business in one year - 6 months ahead of schedule. She was able to return home to Thailand sooner and begin her career with a postgraduate degree from University of Sydney.
I could continuously learn and concentrate more on the subject I took. Studying from day to day, rather than once a week, helped me finish the unit quicker and accelerate my Masters degree.
With 3 exemptions, I planned to take 4 subjects in the second semester, and then in the following year, 1 subject in Summer School and finish the last of my subjects in the first semester. After taking Summer School, I decided to take a unit in Winter School so that I could spread my workload in the final semester. By taking Summer and Winter School subjects to spread out my work allowed me to balance my workload throughout the year.
Lindsay Donnelly - Summer School Scholarship student in the Bachelor of Engineering/Commerce
Lindsay Donnelly received a Summer School Scholarship which enabled him to take chemistry and finance subjects towards his Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce.
There is the benefit of focusing more, by completing only one or two subjects... I feel I developed a greater understanding of the course.
Lindsay recommends the Summer School because
- I developed a greater understanding of the course
- you’ll be glad when your workload is much smaller than your friends the next semester
- the benefits outweigh the drawbacks
- you save a year or even 6 months by completing summer school
Paul Somers - local student in the Bachelor of Commerce
Paul Somers has participated in the 2005 and 2006 Summer School. Paul works full time during the year. Summer School helped him to complete his Bachleor of Commerce.
Summer School - a great educational experience, developed lasting friendships and be one step closer towards achieving your goal
Paul recommends the Summer School because
- facilitated my full time work commitments during normal semester – enabling me the opportunity to complete my degree in three and a half years
- personalised and highly regarded teaching
- fellow class mates who are all highly motivated