When people ask what a typical day looks like as a Grade 11 or 12 student on a Global Summers Academy double-credit program to Europe, I never quite know how to answer. The truth is, there really isn’t such a thing as a typical day: every single one is different, exciting, and full of surprises. But if I had to describe what a more “normal” day looked like, one without excursions, transfers, or tours, it would probably go something like this.
We’d wake up around 7:30 a.m. and head down for breakfast at the hotel we were staying in. Depending on where we were, that might mean croissants in France, yogurt in Greece, or espresso in Italy. After breakfast, we’d start morning classes until about 11:00 a.m. The schedule was flexible; sometimes we finished early, sometimes later, depending on what needed to be done. And when I say “classroom,” I don’t mean your typical setup. Classes were held in hotel lobbies, conference rooms, or even outside by the pool. There’s nothing quite like writing an essay while overlooking the Mediterranean!
After morning classes, we’d head out for lunch, usually exploring nearby cafés or grocery stores. Ordering in another language became part of the adventure. Afternoon classes were often independent work periods, giving us time to get assignments done at our own pace. Some people liked studying by the pool, others in quiet corners of the hotel or local cafés.
Once the work was done, it was free time until our nightly meeting and dinner around 8:00 p.m. On weekdays, we could explore until 11:00 p.m., and on weekends, until 12:30 a.m. Whether it was exploring, shopping at local markets, or getting a little lost on the metro, there was always something new to discover.
Of course, not every day followed that routine. Some days were transfer days, when we moved from one destination to another. These days were long; buses, trains, ferries (that occasionally ran late), but they were filled with lessons in real-world travel. My advice: don’t waste them! You can get work done while waiting and still make memories navigating European transit with your friends.
Then there were excursion days, which were always a highlight. On these days, there were no classes, just adventure. We’d head out early for a full day of sightseeing, walking tours, and exploring. After a morning tour and lunch, we’d often get free time to wander on our own, take photos, or grab gelato before heading back. And if you decided to stay behind, there was always plenty to do: swim, shop, relax, or catch up on schoolwork.
No matter the day — class day, transfer day, or excursion day — one thing was always true: there was never a dull moment. The staff encouraged us to make the most of every opportunity, and we did exactly that. We explored, learned, got lost, and made memories that will last a lifetime.
If you ever get the chance to join a Global Summers Academy summer program, take it — and remember, you can sleep when you get home.
Thank you to Student Ambassador Maggie A. for writing this blog!
