Learning about The Beatles, football and film in Liverpool: My summer well spent

• By: Yilin Li, MSc Cultural and Creative Industries (Year Two), Academy of Film and Creative Technology, XJTLU
• Summer Experience: University of Liverpool International Summer School
• Nationality: Chinese

This summer, I was fortunate enough to apply for and participate in the summer school programme at the University of Liverpool. When I was an undergraduate student at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), majoring in BA Filmmaking, my four-year programme was based entirely in Suzhou. However, I’ve always been curious about the academic environment and lifestyle in Liverpool. Therefore, even before summer arrived, I started keeping an eye on the summer school application information on XJTLU’s website. Luckily, I was awarded a free spot in the programme, and at the end of June, I travelled to the University of Liverpool for a three-week summer school experience.

With friends. I'm on the left

During the summer school, I selected three modules, covering Liverpool football culture, The Beatles, and Liverpool film culture. Although the modules were not particularly difficult, they were incredibly engaging and filled with rich content. For example, in the football culture module, our professor took us to visit the Liverpool Football Club and Coventry City Football Club museums and training facilities, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture behind British football.

In the Beatles module, we visited the iconic Cavern Club, where the Beatles once performed, and we explored the Strawberry Field museum, which immersed me in the legacy and influence this legendary band had on Liverpool. The most unforgettable part of the film culture course was a guest lecture by a man who was an extra in a Marvel film, arranged by our teacher. It gave me a rare opportunity to learn about the practical and creative processes behind international film production.

Learning about The Beatles

Beyond the academic experience, I made many friends from different countries. We worked out together at the gym, shared dishes from our home countries, and travelled to other cities in the UK on weekends. The University of Liverpool also organised a trip to the Lake District, a breathtakingly beautiful place. This experience not only enhanced my learning but also became a cultural journey, allowing me to experience the charm of British life firsthand.

More importantly, this experience greatly improved my communication skills in English. Through conversations with students from various countries, I learned how to better express myself in English and gained a deeper understanding of the differences and similarities among diverse cultures. This kind of cross-cultural exchange has boosted my confidence in pursuing future international studies and work opportunities.

At the gym

For those considering applying to a summer school, I have the following advice:

• Firstly, plan ahead and keep an eye on application deadlines. Many excellent summer programmes have limited spots, and the application process can be competitive. Securing a free spot like I did is definitely an opportunity worth pursuing.
• Secondly, choose courses that genuinely interest you, rather than just for academic credits or other practical reasons. Summer school programmes often offer a wide range of courses, giving you the chance to explore your passions and develop your personal interests.
• Lastly, take full advantage of your time outside of class to experience the local culture. Summer school isn’t just a platform for academic learning; it’s also a great opportunity to build friendships with peers from around the world and broaden your horizons. Whether it’s visiting local landmarks or interacting with classmates from different cultural backgrounds, every experience will be invaluable.

Overall, this summer school not only enriched my academic and practical knowledge but also allowed me to experience the unique culture of the UK. If you are interested in a similar experience, I highly recommend applying for such programmes – it will add a vibrant chapter to your academic journey.

Getting our certificates