FGS'26 Summer Program

FGS Core Curriculum 

Core Curriculum, according to the Collins Dictionary is “a curriculum in which all or some of the subjects or courses are based on a central theme in order to correlate the subjects and the theme”. 

Here, we would like to show you all the necessary components to “graduate” from the FGS Summer Program. 

FGS 2025

Our motto, "Scientia ipsa potentia est," reflects our belief in the transformative power of knowledge. Translating to "Knowledge itself is power," it underscores our commitment to intellectual exploration and discovery. Unlike mere accumulation of facts, true knowledge equips us with the understanding and skills to navigate and shape the world. This phrase celebrates the journey of learning as a path to empowerment, encouraging our students to see knowledge not just as academic achievement, but as a potent tool for personal and global change.

Application deadline: 2026 June 20th 23:59 CEST

Date of the program: 2026 July 6 - July 17

What is our goal at FGS? 

FGS is a labour of love, not a business plan. Everyone who teaches, mentors, or organises the summer program does so unpaid, united by the conviction that knowledge shared freely can change a life—and a constellation of changed lives can shape the world.

We’ve set the bar high:

• Help students find what sticks. Short, hands‑on sessions—philosophy one hour, bioethics the next—let everyone road‑test interests instead of guessing.

• Take the world apart and see how it works. We dissect live stories—energy shocks, vaccine roll‑outs, AI regulation—tracking the money, the numbers, and the moral trade‑offs. No quick‑fix activism, just sharper questions and better answers.

• Get the idea across. We hammer out lean writing and straight‑to‑the‑point presentations until a thought can stare down a sceptical audience and hold up.

Because barriers to top‑tier education still track passport stamps and bank balances, we built FGS as a border‑crossing, tuition‑free summer program. In short, FGS exists to prove that when passion outruns resources, communities can still craft world‑class education and launch young people who will, in turn, craft a better world.

Eligibility and Requirements

1. Language Proficiency:

• Minimum B2 level of English.

2. Educational Status:

• Be a high school student. This includes incoming high school students and students currently on a gap year.

3. Global Application:

• Open to applicants from all countries.

4. Open-Mindedness:

• Be an open-minded person, ready to learn about various fields, including potentially unfamiliar ones.

5. Academic Performance:

• Be a good performing student.

6. Recommendation Letter:

• A recommendation letter from a teacher or mentor is highly recommended, though not compulsory.

7. Financial Requirements:

• No financial requirements, as our program is fully funded for all accepted participants.

8. Privacy Policy:

• Acceptance of our privacy policy is required.

9. Availability:

• Ensure availability during the camp period. If you have school commitments at the time, contact us so we can provide a supporting letter to your school.

Application process

Begin your journey with us by completing our application form. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
Our form is carefully designed to assess your English proficiency and academic potential, aligning with our program's standards. This process ensures that we select candidates who are well-suited for the dynamic and engaging educational experience offered at the FGS Summer Program.

Code of Conduct 

Please read our Code of Conduct here.  

Completion Requirements

To be eligible for certification, accepted students are required to attend all program sessions and actively engage in the group project. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise; in cases of emergencies or illnesses, please promptly inform Zsófia or Sviatoslav. Additionally, if you require an official letter for your school or teacher to facilitate your participation in the program, do not hesitate to let us know. We are committed to supporting your educational journey with us.

Group work

In the FGS Summer Program, the group work section is designed to enhance collaborative skills and global perspectives. Students will be grouped with peers from different countries, fostering a diverse team environment. Prior to starting their project, a workshop on team dynamics will be conducted, covering essential skills such as workload division, conflict resolution, and dealing with issues like free-riding or absenteeism.

This group work is an invaluable opportunity for students to enhance their communication skills and gain practical experience in teamwork, which are essential in both academic and real-life settings. The task involves creating a comprehensive report on a current global event, analyzing it from both policy and STEM perspectives. This encourages an interdisciplinary approach, blending humanities and STEM to provide a well-rounded analysis.

The culmination of the group work is a presentation where each team will showcase their findings and ideas. This not only reinforces their research but also enhances their public speaking and presentation skills. This experience is designed to prepare students for the collaborative and diverse nature of college and professional environments, making them adept at navigating complex global issues through teamwork.