Summer school: learning by doing

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By Mathias, fourth year student Civil Engineering MEng (Hons)

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a summer school programme in Caen, France, an experience that helped me grow both as a civil engineering student and as a person. I chose to take part in the programme to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and enhance my technical and professional skills.

Hosted by BUILDERS University, the summer school follows a strong learning by doing philosophy. I participated in a range of hands-on workshops focused on sustainability in the construction industry, exploring not only technical concepts but also the broader importance of responsible building practices.

One of the highlights of the programme was a group project based in Sacca Fisola, a man-made island near Venice, Italy. I was placed in a diverse team with 11 students from across Europe, and together we tackled the renovation of two aging buildings. Our goal was to adapt the structures to meet the evolving lifestyle needs of the local community, with sustainability as our focus. While the project presented numerous challenges, the experience of working collaboratively in a multicultural team was incredibly rewarding. We ultimately presented a sustainable redesign solution to a panel of examiners, who were very pleased with the outcome.

One of my biggest takeaways from the programme was learning to use Revit, a key modelling tool in the field of civil engineering. Before the summer school, I had no experience with it, but by the end, I was able to create detailed models that supported our project. Gaining proficiency in Revit has given me a lifelong skill that I’ll carry into future academic and professional work.

Beyond the academics, what I valued most was the opportunity to discover a new place, meet new people, and immerse myself in a different culture. Everyone I met, from fellow students to local organisers, were incredibly welcoming and open. Sharing stories, ideas, and experiences with peers from across Europe made the trip more meaningful.

If you’re considering a summer school like this, my advice is simple: say yes, even if it feels daunting. Pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone is one of the best ways to grow. And don’t skip the social events, they’re where the real connections happen. Summer school is about more than just learning; it’s about building friendships, discovering new perspectives, and gaining skills that will last a lifetime.