Pre-College Enrichment Courses

Have you ever thought about starting your own business? You will learn the fundamental tools and techniques necessary to launch your own company. After you review all the steps to create and maintain your own business venture, you have the opportunity to try your new skills and will develop and present a professional business plan.

This intensive hands-on entrepreneurship program focuses on all facets of business plan development. Learn to assess the competitive entrepreneurial environment, develop a venture concept and growth strategies, create marketing approaches, build a cohesive management team, launch operations and develop financial projections. During the program, participants work as a team to create a business and on the final day, each team presents their business plan and participates in a friendly “shark tank” type competition.

Combine a morning business course with an afternoon business course for an intensive full-day track.

This course combines lessons, group work and guest speaker presentations from leading companies on digital advertising and influence marketing. Students will be introduced to the digital marketing tools needed to develop successful strategies and explore the latest trends of marketing using real-life cases, diverse media including videos, apps, and state-of-the-art Internet tools. At the end of the course students will be guided to write a digital marketing plan for a company/brand of their choice.

The aim of this course is to engage students in the experience of entrepreneurial management for early-stage new ventures. In this class, students will learn and practice contemporary methods to identify and evaluate new business opportunities and to execute them into viable businesses. Students will progress through different methods for developing business ideas, the processes of starting a business, the acquisition of resources, and the key components of a business plan. Emphasis is placed on projects and activity-based learning.

Business leaders of the future are provided with an interactive and collaborative environment to learn in. Subjects include budgeting and finance, sustainability, public speaking, and personal growth. Students will have the opportunity to analyze successful business models and develop their practical understanding of business strategies through projects and group collaboration. Group projects, local company visits and guest lectures from leading businesses will enrich your in-class experience.

Examine the dynamic world of international business, globalization and how global markets work. You will learn about the international flow of goods and services, trade agreements, investment, foreign currency and regulation. You’ll be introduced to business problems and work on strategies to resolve them in the context of current events, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Although international business has been important for decades, its impact on our lives has been more visible in recent years. I am presently typing this syllabus in a computer manufactured by an American corporation (H-P), many of whose components are produced in Taiwan or mainland China. The computer was assembled in the Czech Republic and purchased from the Spanish HP subsidiary in an Internet Auction conducted by an American firm. A few minutes ago, a courier delivered me the latest International Business book I ordered a week ago from a UK Internet-bookstore. In order to understand the complexities of modern international business we shall start the course focusing on the economic foundations of international business. Next, we will consider the main forces that shape business across countries: political, economic, cultural and legal forces. The last part of the course will analyze the internal aspects of a firm oriented towards international business.

Great leaders are great negotiators. As the world becomes a more uncertain environment, the requirement for developing leadership as a skill instead of as a role is at a premium. This subject will benefit those who desire to develop their self-awareness as they learn about inspirational leadership and negotiation techniques to maximize their effectiveness and contribution to the world and to their own lives.

Videos are no longer just entertainment, they are rapidly overtaking traditional marketing techniques. “If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video has to be worth at least 1.8 million words.” (Forrester Research). This course gives you the key tools to plan and produce your own promotional video using the latest digital apps. You also learn how to promote your video via social media channels.

This course looks at the channels of marketing, advertising and communication that make up social media platforms, exploring how these tools fit into a company’s integrated marketing strategy. Using real-world examples from large corporations and small businesses, students explore how marketing professionals embrace online social networks, user-generated content and content sharing to create brand awareness. Learn tips and techniques to successfully leverage your own social media marketing.

This course looks at the channels of marketing, advertising and communication that make up social media platforms, exploring how these tools fit into a company’s integrated marketing strategy. Using real-world examples from large corporations and small businesses, students explore how marketing professionals embrace online social networks, user-generated content and content sharing to create brand awareness. Learn tips and techniques to successfully leverage your own social media marketing.

This course provides students with an overview of business for professional sports including finance, marketing and technology. Learn about professional sports entities that make billions of dollars entertaining people around the world. Through lectures, case studies and guest speakers, explore topics such as producing live events, broadcasting rights, athlete marketing, sponsorship, the fan experience, and sports law.

This course provides students with an overview of business for professional sports including finance, marketing and technology. Learn about professional sports entities that make billions of dollars entertaining people around the world. Through lectures, case studies and guest speakers, explore topics such as producing live events, broadcasting rights, athlete marketing, sponsorship, the fan experience, and sports law.

This course provides students with an overview of business for professional sports including finance, marketing and technology. Learn about professional sports entities that make billions of dollars entertaining people around the world. Through lectures, case studies and guest speakers, explore topics such as producing live events, broadcasting rights, athlete marketing, sponsorship, the fan experience, and sports law.

Before you invest in the stock market, it’s important you understand the basics of finance, the components of an investment portfolio and the underlying mechanics of the markets. This course gives you a detailed overview of investing in the stock market and offers you many tools and techniques needed to invest. Practice by investing in a simulated stock market competition.

Before you invest in the stock market, it’s important you understand the basics of finance, the components of an investment portfolio and the underlying mechanics of the markets. This course gives you a detailed overview of investing in the stock market and offers you many tools and techniques needed to invest. Practice by investing in a simulated stock market competition.

Improve your SAT performance by becoming a better test taker. Learn exclusive strategies in small classroom settings. Your instructor will help you master the test through in-class practice, drills and test reviews. You will better understand math, critical reading and writing concepts tested on the exams and your instructor will teach proven test-taking techniques. In addition to your course, you get the following materials and extras:

• Talented, dynamic instructor and proven methods and strategies
• Diagnostic Exams, with detailed computer analysis of the results
• Course Material and Workbooks

* A supplementary fee of $595 applies for SAT Prep.

This course introduces students to the analysis and interpretation of architecture and urban design as they learn to apply technical sketching methods and render architectural observational drawings. Students will also develop their understanding of the history of architecture and the visionaries who shaped the skyline of Florence.

From learning basic knife skills to creating succulent dishes, if you are a foodie, this course is for you! Whether gourmet entrees or delicious desserts, expert chefs in a beautiful, professional kitchen will inspire and help you develop skills in a hands-on culinary experience. You even get a book full of mouth watering recipes you have helped prepare!

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

From learning basic knife skills to creating succulent dishes, if you are a foodie, this course is for you! Whether you’re creating gourmet entrées or delicious desserts, this course is guaranteed to make you salivate. Our expert chef will help you develop technical skills in the kitchen in this hands-on culinary experience, where each class focuses on a different theme. You even get to take away a book full of mouth-watering recipes you helped prepare!

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

For students with an interest in Italian cooking, classes are interactive and hands-on, and focus on the different aspects of regional food in Italy and the preparation of dishes that distinguish traditional Italian cuisine. During practical cooking lessons, you are introduced to cooking methods, techniques and preparations utilized in Italian cuisine and learn how to use different ingredients to prepare Italian dishes.

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

Expert chefs at the Barcelona Cooking School teach you kitchen skills and develop your understanding of Spanish culture as shaped by culinary traditions. In each class, learn about a different region and how to prepare signature dishes, such as Valencian paella and tapas from Catalonia. The contemporary kitchen is located on Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas, steps from Boqueria Market, one of the most famous food markets in the world.

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

Capture the city of Barcelona from behind the lens. Learn to frame, light and compose photos in the inspiring surroundings of art, architecture and Spanish culture. The backdrop of Barcelona and all that you will learn culminates in your creation of a portfolio of your work.

*A DSLR or bridge camera with manual functions having at least a 12.0 megapixel sensor is required.

There are few better places to master the art of photography than in the bright and sunny city of L.A. With your digital camera in hand, this photography course will discuss fundamental operations, techniques, and critical vocabulary of digital photography. Students will learn about the camera’s basic and advanced settings in an effort to make beautiful photographs, all while having fun. The class will cover ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, image quality, and compositional methods to help students develop their vision as budding photographers. Two local field trips to the Getty and a traditional darkroom will also be arranged. The course culminates with post-production discussion and demonstration including digital printing and Adobe Photoshop, with each student walking away with at least one print of their best work!

*A DSLR or bridge camera with manual functions having at least a 12.0 megapixel sensor is required.

There are few better places to master the art of photography than Florence. With your smartphone or digital camera in hand, this photography course will teach various digital photography techniques including imaging scanning, color digital printing, printing digital negatives, basic darkroom techniques and Adobe Photoshop. Creativity mixes with practical skills and culminates in an individual final photography project completed by the end of the course.

*A smartphone or a traditional digital camera can be used for this course.

There are few better places to master the art of photography than in the vibrant city of Montreal. With your smartphone or digital camera in hand, this photography course will teach various digital photography techniques including imaging scanning, color digital printing, printing digital negatives, basic darkroom techniques and Adobe Photoshop. Creativity mixes with practical skills and culminates in an individual final photography project completed by the end of the course.

*A DSLR or bridge camera with manual functions having at least a 12.0 megapixel sensor is required.

This course offers you the chance to navigate the artistic process under the mentorship of teachers who will cover drawing, color theory and painting. You will find inspiration from the vibrant city around you, as well as from previous artists who have made Florence the artistic center it is today.

This course examines the city of Florence with themed walks offering a comprehensive approach to the city as an open-air cultural, historical, and artistic research site from its Roman foundation to its contemporary Zeitgeist. Students will learn the history of the city through its art: they will understand how buildings, streets, squares, and monuments can be mapped as living traces of multiple, overlapping layers of a complex past, and how to encode them in their personal appropriation of the city. Starting from learning how to decode the artistic environment of the city and to unveil its traces, both visible and invisible! The course aims at understanding the main social and cultural reasons underlying the existing shape of the city.

Develop an understanding of the cultural revolution of the Renaissance. Through on-site visits, you will become familiar with the Romanesque and Gothic styles in which the first Renaissance painters, sculptors and architects had their roots and from which they were dramatically to diverge. The focus will be on Florentine artists including Donatello, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Explore the vibrant city of Montreal through its art scene! Modern artists studied are known for a spirit of political revolt and artistic experimentation and include van Gogh, Picasso, Dalí and Warhol. Students visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art and a number of modern galleries.

Develop your creative writing skills by focusing on the genre of travel writing. There’s no better place to do so than in Florence! Students will read and discuss extracts from the great classics of travel writing as well as current travel journalism published in newspapers, magazines, and online. The focus is on developing an individual voice, and honing ideas through revision and drafting. Topics will cover how to write for different audiences and publishing formats. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine and newsletter of FUA's (Florence University of The Arts) campus press Ingorda.

Learn what it takes to successfully manage a fashion retail enterprise. Whether you’re trying to open a boutique business or a large-scale store, you’ll soon have the tools to get started! This course offers hands-on experiences working with industry professionals, drafting your own sketches and designs, and sharing new, creative ideas and business solutions for a real fashion enterprise. You’ll contribute to the fast-paced decision making inherent to successful merchandising; foster your own creative fashion solutions; brainstorm with experienced industry professionals; and more! Enjoy site visits to well-known Italian luxury brands in Florence like Ferragamo, Gucci, and Cavalli (companies may change according to availability), and special guest lectures from local prominent emerging designers.

This program is designed to increase your overall fluency through real experiences with American culture. Improve your vocabulary and pronunciation, review proper grammatical structures, and practice your writing skills. Beyond the classroom, guided field trips provide you many opportunities to practice your English in the real world. If attending a university in the USA is one of your future goals, then this is the program for you!

This program is designed to increase your overall fluency through real experiences with American culture. Improve your vocabulary and pronunciation, review proper grammatical structures, and practice your writing skills. Beyond the classroom, guided field trips provide you many opportunities to practice your English in the real world. If attending a university in the USA is one of your future goals, then this is the program for you!

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

Did you know Montreal is the second largest primarily French-speaking city in the world after Paris? Separate course levels from beginner to advanced are offered. Attention is given to grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing with the primary goal of enhancing your verbal skills. You will have many opportunities to practice French in this incredible city.

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

Develop your conversational, reading and writing skills. An equal focus is given to grammatical structures, vocabulary and conversational skills. Vocabulary is intended to engage in simple, but useful, everyday conversations to enhance and support your Italian experience.

While attention is given to grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing, the main emphasis and goal is enhancing your verbal skills. We don’t just want you to know Spanish, we want you to be able to use it.

*Open to students of all levels of Spanish, from beginner to advanced.

The city of Barcelona becomes your classroom while immersing yourself in “out-of-the-class” language activities (rather than formal classes) under the guidance of a Spanish teacher. Participate in real life Spanish interactions such as bargaining at a local market, interviewing local community leaders and other fun, learning activities.

* Open to students with at least two years of previous Spanish study.

This interactive course combines an introduction to the framework of the U.S. legal system with an exploration of special topics in public policy and legal debate. Students will explore the legal foundations of political decision-making by participating in discussions, case studies, evidence-based exercises, and simulations. Learn about the scope of laws, how they evolve, and apply these lessons to current legal debates.

Experience the world of forensic science through hands-on training exercises and theoretical lessons. Examine CSI procedures along with forensic anthropology, biology and bloodstain pattern analysis. A scenario is staged and you work in investigative teams to identify, collect and interpret the evidence before you act as a forensic expert witness and testify in a mock-court setting.

Experience the world of forensic science through hands-on training exercises and theoretical lessons. Examine CSI procedures along with forensic anthropology, biology and bloodstain pattern analysis. A scenario is staged and you work in investigative teams to identify, collect and interpret the evidence before you act as a forensic expert witness and testify in a mock-court setting.

In our increasingly complex world, gaining literacy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is more crucial than ever. Through engaging theoretical lectures, hands-on lab sessions, and exciting industry visits, this full-day intensive course will introduce students to a wide range of fields and careers within the STEM disciplines. Topics include: Astronomy, Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Neuroscience, Biotechnology, and more! Learn more about Exploring the World of STEM.

* A supplementary fee of $395 applies.

In our increasingly complex world, gaining literacy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is more crucial than ever. Through engaging theoretical lectures, hands-on lab sessions, and exciting industry visits, this full-day intensive course will introduce students to a wide range of fields and careers within the STEM disciplines. Topics include: Astronomy, Physics, Nutrition, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and more! Learn more about Exploring the World of STEM.

* A supplementary fee of $595 applies.

You can make a real difference to local communities in Montreal. Projects may include working with youth and families, sorting through donations for families in need, as well as serving meals to the homeless. A letter of completion recognizing the hours of service and detailing the projects accomplished will be issued after the summer. Westcoast Connection is a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Perform meaningful service in the communities in and around LA as a course option. Projects are finalized in the spring and currently planned is several days working with the children at a youth club. A letter recognizing the hours of service and detailing the projects accomplished will be issued after the summer. We are a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

For more than fifty years, Barcelona’s Martí- Codolar Youth Center has been providing disadvantaged children, young people and families a place to participate in educational and recreational programs after school and during the summer. You can make a real difference by facilitating programs, games, computer education and English classes for these children. Westcoast Connection is a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

21-day and 28-day program: a certificate for 27 hours of community service will be provided. 14-day program: a certificate for 17 hours of community service will be provided.

Students learn to understand differing worldviews that stem from varied cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. You will appreciate the shifting international balance of power; which regions assert hegemony in our time and in the future. Develop your understanding of how conflicts arise and modern issues of global concern.

Building effective communication skills are critical factors for future careers and everyday life. Learn essential skills including how to navigate difficult conversations, build trust, manage emotional reactions, negotiate solutions, and foster stronger relationships through clear, respectful dialogue. Through engaging activities, group discussions, and real-life scenarios, students gain the tools to tackle any conversation head-on and emerge with solutions that benefit everyone involved.

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop debate skills and an understanding of the fundamentals of competitive discourse. Through project work and live debate competitions, develop critical thinking, research and presentation skills. 

In a shifting landscape of journalism, find out how to adapt and prepare news to be broadcast in print and through digital outlets. Journalism abides by professional standards for gathering, processing, and disseminating information. Learn about these standards as you analyze selected pieces of news and apply strategies to write powerful stories that capture an audience. Hone your online and interviewing skills, sharpen your ability to write effectively, and deliver messages in your stories that will resonate with your readers.

Tom Peters, leadership author of ‘’In Search of Excellence’’ and nicknamed the ‘’Red Bull’’ of management thinking, wrote ‘’Success in business today is 15% technology and 85% Emotional Intelligence.” If this is true, what better way is there to prepare you for college and a future career than to improve your Emotional Intelligence skills? This course has been designed to increase your understanding of emotional intelligence and will empower you to use E.I. to increase your self-confidence, and guide your thinking and behavior. Using experiential exercises, discussions and group collaboration you will learn how to define personal goals and how to leverage your skills, knowledge and experience to create success in new situations both personally and professionally.

This hands-on course of workshops helps students become comfortable, confident and masterful presenters. The principles presented apply to business settings as well as other activities in daily life. Learn to focus, prepare and deliver a presentation. Students make brief presentations, receive constructive feedback and personal coaching to help them overcome emotional and mental blocks.

A “field trip” around Montreal to learn about the French-Canadian culture that makes this city so unique. Explore the “Place des Festivals”, the historic Old Montreal with its 17th century cobblestone streets, and the city’s Mount Royal Park which was designed by the same designer as New York’s Central Park. Uncover multiple museums and artistic venues. Discover Montreal’s unique culinary experience and indulge in their famous poutine and smoked meat.

This course introduces basic concepts in psychology including behavioral, cognitive and clinical psychology. Through the use of discussion, film and in-class activities, explore topics such as how to improve emotional intelligence, limitations in perception, cognitive distortions and how to improve memory. Other topics included are mental illness, stereotyping and prejudice.

This course introduces basic concepts in psychology including behavioral, cognitive and clinical psychology. Through the use of discussion, film and in-class activities, explore topics such as how to improve emotional intelligence, limitations in perception, cognitive distortions and how to improve memory. Other topics included are mental illness, stereotyping and prejudice.

This course introduces basic concepts in psychology including behavioral, cognitive and clinical psychology. Through the use of discussion, film and in-class activities, explore topics such as how to improve emotional intelligence, limitations in perception, cognitive distortions and how to improve memory. Other topics included are mental illness, stereotyping and prejudice.

Climate change, bans on religious freedoms, racial injustice, gender-based violence… the list of human rights violations, and social and ecological injustices are seemingly endless in the world around us.  Join this forum on social justice and human rights where we will explore a number of topics through a systems-thinking lens to examine why and how unequal distributions of rights and freedoms manifest.  We will also consider our personal identities, positions and power within these systems challenging our ideas of how to make positive social change in the world in which we live. This forum will involve participant discussion.

Climate change, bans on religious freedoms, racial injustice, gender-based violence… the list of human rights violations, and social and ecological injustices are seemingly endless in the world around us.  Join this forum on social justice and human rights where we will explore a number of topics through a systems-thinking lens to examine why and how unequal distributions of rights and freedoms manifest.  We will also consider our personal identities, positions and power within these systems challenging our ideas of how to make positive social change in the world in which we live. This forum will involve participant discussion.

This dynamic, workshop-style course empowers students to find their voice and communicate confidently and creatively. Whether speaking in class, on social media, or in a group setting, students will learn to craft and deliver communications that not only impress but also inspire. With a focus on building confidence and charisma, participants will develop skills to connect authentically with their audience and express themselves naturally and persuasively. Through interactive exercises, they’ll practice public speaking, overcome mental blocks, and receive personalized feedback and coaching. The course will leave them equipped to present ideas with clarity, passion, and a boost in self-confidence that extends into all aspects of life.

Enjoy access to the Canricart Fitness Center. Plan a workout regimen including weight training and cardio to help meet your fitness goals.

Plan your workout regimen including weight training and cardio to help meet your fitness goals.

Want to hang ten and ride the waves like a pro? This course heads to Santa Monica Beach where you learn how to improve balance and technique and perfect your form in no time. All levels of ability are welcome.

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

Choosing the right college for your academic and personal interests is the first step in the application process. It requires careful research and self-evaluation. This interactive workshop provides you with tools and resources to help you develop a list of criteria integral in choosing appropriate colleges. Explore the basic elements of the college application and learn the ins and outs of the Common Application. Develop your academic/co-curricular profile, learn how to craft a high caliber application and set up your timeline for completion of applications, supplements and essays.

Explore different essay topics and strategies to write a proper admission essay that distinguishes you. As one of the top qualitative measures in the admissions process, your personal essay is an integral part of your application. As a critical aspect of your first impression to an admissions officer, the essay is an opportunity for you to share your stories, adding greater depth and dimension to your application. This workshop includes an overview of fundamental writing skills using real examples of college essays. The focus is on practical tips for writing a great college essay, including finding your voice, brainstorming essay ideas, understanding the prompts, focusing on a theme and the importance of editing and proofreading.