Uppsala International Summer Session

The UISS is Sweden’s oldest and largest summer language program. With 60 years of experience, we offer a well-developed curriculum. Nowhere in Sweden will you find such an intensive summer program with such a rich choice of courses.

But we offer so much more than courses alone: Each Friday we organise a cultural excursion, as well as optional trips to Lapland and Finland! Our program is diverse, for all levels & ages from the age of 18, and above all: a lot of fun! Still have some questions? Please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!

Our Courses

On this page you can find all the information about our courses; different language levels, course literature and afternoon classes. We offer a wide range of Swedish language courses (9 different levels), as well as 13 different cultural and other classes. Think that’s all? Think again! Each Friday we offer a cultural excursion, as well as optional trips to Lapland and Finland! Our program is diverse, for all levels & ages, and above all: a lot of fun! Still have some questions? Please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!

Course Levels

We adhere to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages, learning, teaching and assessment (CEFR) levels, which rank from A1 (complete beginner) to C2 (practically fluent). In addition to the six CEFR levels, the UISS also offers A2+, B2+ and C1+. We have at least one class at every level.

At any given time during the summer program there will be between 90 and 115 students taking courses at the same time. This number of participants enables the UISS to differentiate to such an extent that participants will be assigned to fairly homogeneous classes. Also differentiation within the levels is possible, which makes classes even more homogeneous.

Afternoon Classes

The afternoon classes are taught in English or in Swedish. The language of description will also be the language of instruction, except for Swedish Pop Music which will be taught in a mixture of English and Swedish. The afternoon classes provide a unique opportunity to learn about Sweden from within. For example, learning about Swedish history, while you’re leaning on a runestone, is totally different from learning about it in a classroom setting. The students who take the Swedish spoken afternoon classes will not only learn about the subject they choose, but also increase their vocabulary and conversational skills. 

The great thing about our afternoon courses is that they are interactive, often include study visits and allow you to try something completely different and doing things you maybe thought you’d never do. For example, some of our students loved the theater and förbättra din svenska courses, not only for improving their Swedish, but also for the possibility to step outside of their comfort zone. Another example: the film class will provide you with insights about (Swedish) film and Swedish society that will stick with you and make you watch films from another perspective. For more courses, please take a look at the overview below.

Those who have questions about Swedish grammar can attend an open hour session at 16.30 on class days.  These sessions are intended to provide additional support in grammar that is taught during the morning classes. 

Students who take afternoon classes for credits will be assessed by means of a written paper and continuous attendance and contributions to the class.