About Short Courses

Since 1987, UWC Short Courses have empowered young people worldwide to experience the transformative power of a UWC education. These intensive programmes, available in in-person, online, or hybrid formats, reflect UWC’s core mission: to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
Spanning approximately 200 short courses and 7,000+ participants since 1987, UWC Short Courses are rooted in experiential learning and designed for people aged 5 to 99 years old. Each course offers participants the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of peers, explore pressing local and global challenges, develop transferable changemaking skills, and build communities that last a lifetime.

UWC Short Courses distill the essence of a UWC education into one to five weeks of immersive learning. Without the constraints of an academic curriculum, participants focus on topics such as:

UWC Short Courses are organised by UWC National Committees, UWC schools and colleges, alumni, current staff and students, and external partner organisations. Anyone with a brave idea aligned with the UWC mission and values can apply to receive UWC endorsement to organise an official UWC Short Course.
Courses are hosted locally, regionally, or internationally, in up to 30 locations worldwide each year. Online formats ensure even greater accessibility, allowing UWC Short Courses to reach participants in regions where in-person opportunities are limited.
Each graduate of a UWC Short Course officially becomes part of the UWC alumni network of 60,000+ changemakers, reinforcing their connection to a global community committed to building a better future.

All UWC Short Courses align with the UWC Short Course Framework, reflecting five of the six core elements of the UWC educational model:

Since their inception, UWC Short Courses have empowered over 7,000 participants to become changemakers, embodying UWC’s mission to foster peace and sustainability. These intensive experiences leave a lasting impact on participants, facilitators, and their communities, shaping future leaders equipped to tackle global challenges.

What Participants Gain

Transformative Experiences:
At least 90% of participants each year state they would recommend UWC Short Courses to others of their age.
“This short course gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for social justice and global change.”
– Anonymous Participant, Building and Crossing Bridges (UWC Belgium), 2023

Leadership and Skills Development:

In 2024, 89% of participants reported significant improvement in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
“I gained leadership skills I never thought I had—it’s helped me make a bigger impact at school and in my community.”
– Anonymous Participant, UWC ISAK Japan Summer School, 2022

Global Alumni Network:

All graduates become official members of the UWC alumni network, joining 60,000 changemakers worldwide committed to advancing the UWC mission.
“Being part of the UWC Short Course was an eye-opening experience, and becoming a UWC alumni has connected me to a global network of changemakers who are all committed to making the world a better place.”
– Anonymous Participant, Global Leadership Forum 2023 (UWC USA, online)

Grassroots Initiatives:

Alumni from UWC Short Courses have launched numerous impactful grassroots projects that address pressing local issues such as intercultural understanding, policy advocacy, and sustainable development. These initiatives span various regions and themes, with notable examples focused on youth empowerment, social justice, and climate action, reflecting the values and skills developed during their short course experiences. Through these efforts, alumni continue to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond, embodying UWC’s commitment to nurturing leaders who make a positive impact.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that makes you think and challenges you to grow, while connecting with amazing individuals.”
– Anonymous Participant, Diversity in Action (UWC Cyprus), 2022

Expanding Horizons:

Families frequently report seeing their children’s confidence and global perspectives grow through their participation in UWC Short Courses. Parents highlight the courses’ role in developing key life skills such as emotional intelligence, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving, which are crucial during formative years. These courses empower young people to engage with diverse perspectives, build resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of the world, preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

“My daughter has grown in maturity and confidence in just two weeks. She now has the tools to action change and realizes that this can be done on a small scale by an individual and potentially have a significant impact.”
– Parent, Action x Change (UWC Spain)

Since 2018, UWC Short Courses have been guided by a centralised evaluation framework, which highlights annual achievements and provides actionable insights for improvement.
Explore our reports to see how UWC Short Courses have evolved and the impact they’ve had:

The UWC Short Course Development Initiative (SCDI) was established in 2019 to expand the scope and accessibility of UWC Short Courses worldwide. A collaborative effort led by UWC International’s Education Team and the UWC National Committee of Spain, this initiative plays a critical role in ensuring short courses embody UWC’s mission and uphold consistent standards. Led by Faima Ramirez Hirschauer as the General SCDI Coordinator and supported by Sylvia Wirtjes, Academic Coordinator for UWC International’s Education Team, the initiative provides strategic oversight and practical support for short course organisers.

Explore this year’s courses and find the one that speaks to you. Check out course themes, locations, and eligibility criteria. Applications typically open in mid-January — join a growing movement of young people changing the world, one short course at a time.