Each summer, our most dedicated and proactive students are rewarded with something extraordinary - two weeks at our partner summer schools in the UK and USA.
Dozens of students have experienced these unforgettable trips since 2023. Placements are provided free of charge thanks to the incredible generosity of our summer school partners, and we cover the cost of travel and visas.
Our students take part in exciting activities, make friends from all over the world, develop new skills, improve their English and immerse themselves in enriching new cultural experiences.
Summer school is a chance for students to feel safe and recharge, form lasting international connections and create memories that will help them stay positive through the challenging winter ahead in Ukraine.
Each summer, our most dedicated and proactive students are rewarded with something extraordinary - two weeks at our partner summer schools in the UK and USA.
Dozens of students have experienced these unforgettable trips since 2023. Placements are provided free of charge thanks to the incredible generosity of our summer school partners, and we cover the cost of travel and visas.
Our students take part in exciting activities, make friends from all over the world, develop new skills, improve their English and immerse themselves in enriching new cultural experiences.
Summer school is a chance for students to feel safe and recharge, form lasting international connections and create memories that will help them stay positive through the challenging winter ahead in Ukraine.
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Svitlo summer schools are an investment in Ukraine’s future. Our aim is not to encourage young Ukrainians to leave the country to study or work abroad. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
We are nurturing the next generation of Ukrainian social, political and business leaders. Our students are growing into skilled, confident global citizens, equipped to rebuild Ukraine as a modern, democratic country.
For many, these summer school trips are the first (or among the first) time they have left Ukraine or met someone from a different country in person. Summer school gives Svitlo students real-world experience of international teamwork, debate, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking.
Our students bring these experiences back to Ukraine - sharing knowledge, inspiring others and demonstrating the impact of being global citizens in an inter-connected world. Summer school helps our students grow as mentors, buddies and role models, creating a ripple effect across the whole Svitlo community.
Many of our students live under constant threat. Summer school offers our students the security and peace they have lost from everyday life since the full-scale invasion of 2022.
Two peaceful weeks at summer school provides the children a safe space to have lessons without sirens and evenings without blackouts.
They can see a plane in the sky and sleep soundly through the night. Summer school lets them be children again - have fun, explore and make memories that last a lifetime.
Oleksandra stayed with MPW
This opportunity means to me that I'm worthy of something more that I have right now.
I can change my country for the better and I can be a great example for my peers.
I want to show others that even if you're not from a wealthy family all doors are still opened for you, you just have to search for opportunities.
Gordiy stayed with BSC
I would never have thought that at 15 years old I would be able to go to London and make new friends from different countries.
There were so many wonderful moments at the camp that I will never forget.
Now I understand that everything is possible!
Kira stayed with BOSS UK
I’ve never swum in an ocean before. It was really beautiful. I loved it.
I became more confident and better at English. At the end we did a test and my English skills improved so much that I got B2.3 as my test result.
I will always remember this wonderful trip. I came back feeling energised and inspired, and want to show what I learned to my friends in Ukraine.
Yuliiya stayed with IH
After this trip, I want to continue meeting new people from all over the world.
It’s very interesting to learn about the worldviews of completely different people.
Before, I was very afraid of making new connections and talking to people, but now I look forward to it.
David stayed with ISSOS
As Dan Harmon says: “Prove that you are a bad writer,” meaning that instead of fearing imperfection, one should embrace it and simply write.
I used this idea to give myself permission to perform in the theater and to participate in leadership lessons. I’m going to carry this mindset into the future.
Stacy stayed with ISSOS
From this trip, I’ll carry forward a deeper confidence in myself and my ability to adapt to new situations.
I learned how valuable it is to step outside my comfort zone, whether that meant trying new activities or meeting people from different backgrounds.
I’m bringing back a more open mind and a willingness to embrace challenges.
Ulya stayed with Discovery Summer
For the first time in a long time, I finally felt truly safe. It was a completely different world—no sirens, no shaheds, no explosions, no constant fear. That sense of peace and security was everything.
The incredible experiences we shared truly motivated me to keep living, to move forward, and to strive for a better life. It reminded me what I'm working towards and showed me that a brighter, peaceful future is possible.
Dariia stayed with MPW
I really needed this, because back in Kyiv, there hadn’t been a peaceful night for two months.
My experience was all about trying new things. I had never been to karaoke or bowling or played Monopoly or tried Chinese food.
I developed my empathy and openness to everything, whether it was the diversity of cultures or personal experiences.
Melania stayed with St Giles
The trip had a very positive impact on my wellbeing. I felt happier, more relaxed, and full of energy, pending time with friends, learning new things, and enjoying the camp atmosphere.
I felt truly happy, inspired, and supported every single day.
From this trip, I will bring many valuable lessons into the future, but the most important one for me is that you should always be kind.
Oleksandra stayed with MPW
This opportunity means to me that I'm worthy of something more that I have right now.
I can change my country for the better and I can be a great example for my peers.
I want to show others that even if you're not from a wealthy family all doors are still opened for you, you just have to search for opportunities.
Kira stayed with BOSS UK
I’ve never swum in an ocean before. It was really beautiful. I loved it.
I became more confident and better at English. At the end we did a test and my English skills improved so much that I got B2.3 as my test result.
I will always remember this wonderful trip. I came back feeling energised and inspired, and want to show what I learned to my friends in Ukraine.
David stayed with ISSOS
As Dan Harmon says:
“Prove that you are a bad writer,” meaning that instead of fearing imperfection, one should embrace it and simply write.
I used this idea to give myself permission to perform in the theater and to participate in leadership lessons. I’m going to carry this mindset into the future.
Stacy stayed with ISSOS
From this trip, I’ll carry forward a deeper confidence in myself and my ability to adapt to new situations.
I learned how valuable it is to step outside my comfort zone, whether that meant trying new activities or meeting people from different backgrounds.
I’m bringing back a more open mind and a willingness to embrace challenges.
Dariia stayed with MPW
I really needed this, because back in Kyiv, there hadn’t been a peaceful night for two months.
My experience was all about trying new things. I had never been to karaoke or bowling or tried Chinese food.
I developed my empathy and openness to everything, whether it was the diversity of cultures or personal experiences.
Melania stayed with St Giles
The trip had a very positive impact on my wellbeing. I felt happier, more relaxed, and full of energy, pending time with friends, learning new things, and enjoying the camp atmosphere.
I felt truly happy, inspired, and supported every single day.
From this trip, I will bring many valuable lessons into the future, but the most important one for me is that you should always be kind.
Summer school is an opportunity for Svitlo to recognising and rewarding our most dedicated students.
There is a thorough and methodical process of allocation taken each year by the Svitlo leadership team, in collaboration with teachers.
The requirements we look for are:
Good attendance across a variety of lessons
Active participation in lessons, such as asking and answering questions, giving thoughtful opinions, contributing to class discussions
Contributing to Svitlo School life, such as becoming a prefect, buddy or student council member, taking part in projects or competitions, helping to organise house events
Demonstrating kindness and helpfulness, such as supporting fellow students, respecting and listening to teachers, being generous with knowledge, helping new students feel welcome
In the spring of each year, the allocation process takes place and students are announced in plenty of time to arrange for visas and transport.
I believe Svitlo gave me this opportunity because they saw my passion to learn, grow and represent our community with heart.
I’ve always tried to give my best—whether helping others, taking part in projects, or simply showing up with kindness and curiosity.
I think Svitlo gave me this opportunity as I've been a very active student and participated in different projects and initiatives.
I've attended a lot of lessons and I improved my English from a weak B1 to a strong B2.
I think it’s because of my dedication to Svitlo and the strong desire to contribute to our mutual mission of making Svitlo the best place for Ukrainian children to grow, to learn, to have an escape from the harsh reality.
I always strive to help and bring new ideas.
Are you an educational institution which could provide summer school places for Ukrainian children? Or perhaps you know someone in your network and could introduce us? We would be delighted to hear from you.
Contact us at hello@svitloschool.com to begin the conversation.
