Focus Areas for Visiting Students
The Visiting Student Programs offer hundreds of courses, many of which fall under four Focus Areas that are designed to help visiting students hone in on the areas of study that interest them the most. Each Focus Area unites distinct courses and subjects under a thematic banner paired with priority access to curated co-curriculars. Along with earning course credit, visiting students who complete at least two courses and attend co-curriculars under a Focus Area will receive a Certification of Participation and LinkedIn badges. Focus Areas also offer opportunities for on-campus housing and work-based stipends.
2025 Program Dates
Session A: May 26–July 4
Session B: July 7–August 15
Craft a curriculum that aligns with your interests and goals. Our unique interdisciplinary approach offers students the opportunity to take two courses and participate in curated co-curriculars within a thematic area.
Culture and History in NYC
Foundations of Pre-Medicine
Public Affairs and Sustainable Futures
Wall Street Prep: Economics, Finance & Analytics
Benefits Beyond the Classroom
Learning doesn’t end once you leave the classroom. Students enhance their academic experience through specialized co-curricular activities exclusive to New York City and its landmark institutions. Craft a curriculum that aligns with your interests and goals at the global destination for these disciplines.
Program Features
- Earn Columbia credit and a Certification of Participation upon completion of the program
- Participate in unique co-curricular activities curated for each Focus Area to potentially earn a LinkedIn badge
- Gain access to on-campus housing and an opportunity to apply for a student ambassadorship with a housing stipend
- Learn from Columbia’s esteemed faculty, and build a professional network
- Study alongside high-achieving Columbia students from around the world with similar academic interests, and make lifelong connections.
Housing
Visiting students have access to housing on Columbia University’s tranquil campus, where they can experience cultural and social engagement, a residential community among students from around the world, and the opportunity to live in New York City. In Summer Session B, students in the Public Affairs and Sustainable Futures or Wall Street Prep: Economics, Finance & Analytics areas have the opportunity to participate in Columbia’s Living and Learning Communities (LLCs). Be sure to check the program page for your Focus Area to get more information.
Focus Area Ambassadorship
The Focus Area Ambassadorship allows visiting students enrolled in Columbia University's Summer Session to share their student journey and become leaders in creating a vibrant student community. Ambassadors will play a central role in promoting Focus Areas, as well as helping to plan and execute engaging co-curricular activities in collaboration with our Student Affairs team. Beyond leading and participating in events, Ambassadors also capture their journey with us through photographs, videos, and social media posts, giving others a look into the student experience at Columbia. Ambassadors are eligible to apply for a housing stipend to cover the full funding for their on-campus housing or flex dollars to spend at participating business partners near the Morningside campus based on available funds. All admitted applicants will receive an invitation to submit an application to become an ambassador. Spots are limited and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025.
If you have any questions about this Ambassadorship opportunity, please contact Visiting-Office@columbia.edu.