Tech hosts international students in summer programs

Education doesn’t stop for the summer in many parts of the world, and that definitely includes Michigan Technological University. Its summer youth programs are welcoming both domestic and international students in search of a summer camp that boosts their academic goals.

Students in Grades 6 to 11 come to Tech for hands-on Mind Trekker and career camps that often mix outdoor recreation and local culture with academic pursuits like forensic science, aerospace engineering or even digital photography.

This year, attendees come from at least ten countries, including South Korea, Turkey, Haiti, Argentina and Russia. Often, students in other countries have just one month off in the summer, and are required or encouraged to do something academic with their break. A summer camp at a U.S. university can fit that bill nicely, with the added benefit of cultural and language experience.

“Another big benefit international students receive is by being engaged in our English-speaking culture,” says Stephen Patchin, director of youth programs. “They really sharpen their verbal communication skills during their adventure here. Our domestic students also pick up on some Mandarin, Russian, Korean, French and Spanish as they create new friendships.”

International students participate in weekend excursions to places like Lake Superior beaches or local mountains, when they’re not problem-solving in a computer programming lab or building model planes and test-flying them.
    
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Stephen Patchin, Michigan Technological University