Summer is never too far away when you’re a college student. Anticipation for our future careers spark questions about the three free months we have between spring and fall semesters. For many Hope students, it’s a time to relax, explore new opportunities, or dive deeper into personal growth. Some students hope to spend their summers at home, while others want an adventure. Being near the lakeshore, many students opt to enjoy their summers where they spend their alternate seasons — in Holland. The ways college students spend their summers are often unique due to the nature of the American college format. The free months are long, but not long enough to take on a permanent job. Here are some ways that I and other Hope students I know spend their summers.
Summer Camp
Midwestern summers on the lake…what isn’t there to love? These past three summers have been my time to make friends, grow in my faith, and play with children. Summer camp jobs offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while making a meaningful impact on the lives of kids and young adults. If you love adventure and want to work with kids (or not, there are non-counselor positions open at camps such as health officers!), then working at a summer camp may be right up your alley. Camp Geneva, a popular choice for many Hope students, is located in Holland on Lake Michigan. The camp is Christian and decent in size for a summer camp. You can expect to “make lifelong friends” and “deepen your relationship with Christ” while working at Geneva. The camp’s serene location provides not just a peaceful work environment but a community atmosphere that fosters both spiritual and personal growth.
There are many other summer camps — Christian or not — in the West Michigan area and across the country that provide similar opportunities for college students. I have worked at Camp Beechpoint, located in Allegan, Michigan, for the past three summers, and it has changed my life! With part of its mission being to cater to low-income families, Beechpoint provides eight scholarships for every ten campers who attend. This aspect of the camp has shown me firsthand the powerful impact it can have on families who otherwise might not have the opportunity for such an experience. Like Beechpoint, each camp has its niche — whether it be sharing the gospel, catering to special needs individuals, or both. And if you’re unsure where to start, Hope College hosts job fairs that make it easy for staff connections to be made.
Summer Jobs on Campus
If the sunsets at Holland State Park are too awesome to depart from, look into staying on campus for the summer. Hope runs camps, campus tours, and other events all summer long. They rely on student workers to help these events run smoothly. These roles provide a blend of work and leisure for students who want to stay local but still be involved. You can help organize events, lead tours for prospective students, or assist in administrative duties — all while staying on campus and maintaining your connections within the Hope community.
Additionally, many Hope professors conduct their research in the summer months. The SHARP program at Hope allows students to get involved in these various summer research opportunities. SHARP pairs students with professors in their fields of interest to participate in research. This is a fantastic way for students to gain hands-on experience and potentially even contribute to ongoing projects that could shape future developments in your field of study. Summer research provides pay to each student who participates in the program, making it a rewarding opportunity both professionally and financially. So consider staying on campus — build your resume, take a summer class, and explore Holland for the summer!
Internships
Internships are an essential part of college life. They allow students to get a taste of the professional world while still in school. The Boerigter Center for Calling and Career at Hope offers free help to make this a reality. Internships look great on resumes and serve as great networking opportunities. Many Hope students land internships in industries such as business, healthcare, education, and technology, but opportunities exist in almost every field. Whether you’re looking to stay local in Holland, explore opportunities in your hometown, or travel to another city, internships offer the perfect way to gain professional experience and build your career portfolio.
Having an internship during the summer months gives you a competitive edge post-graduation. It’s also a chance to build relationships with professionals in your desired industry. Most internships offer mentorship, training, and networking events that allow you to make lasting connections with other students and professionals. So, don’t hesitate to apply for one in your hometown or in Holland — or even both!
Whether you choose a mixture of these or none of them to do during your break, summer is a time to grow, relax, and have fun outside of school!
Study Abroad
The Hope College Off-Campus Study Office works with organizations across the world that provide summer classes and internships! Summer off-campus study is a great way to travel while fulfilling credits. Whether you’re studying in a tropical location or exploring Europe, the chance to study abroad is an enriching experience that offers academic growth and cultural immersion. Fun fact: the Vienna summer school is the longest-running Hope-affiliated summer study program, dating back to 1977. So, go get those extra credits while immersing yourself in another culture!
For many students, studying abroad during the summer is an opportunity to expand their worldview, make lifelong memories, and develop language skills. Plus, the summer semester abroad tends to be more affordable than a traditional semester-long program. As a Hope student, you’ll benefit from a supportive network and faculty who can guide you through the process of selecting the best program for your academic and personal goals.
Whether you choose a mixture of these or none of them to do during your break, summer is a time to grow, relax, and have fun outside of school! It’s a season for self-discovery, new experiences, and making memories with friends. For Hope students, the summer offers countless opportunities to expand their experiences. Get involved in the community, take time to recharge for the upcoming school year, and have fun. No matter how you spend your summer, it’s a time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what lies ahead.