How Attending a British Summer School Changed Nikita’s Life
By Al Gibson
When Nikita Piazenko came on his first British summer school, he was a 14-year-old student from Lithuania with a passion for ice hockey. Fluent in Lithuanian, Italian and Russian, his parents recognised the value of him mastering English as an international language and he seized this opportunity to enhance his skills.
Attending Academic Summer Camps in London was a new and slightly scary challenge for Nikita. Arriving on his own, he had no idea that this experience would not only improve his English but give him many new connections that would help him prepare for his future.
Nikita with a team of international students enjoying their first British summer school at the prestigious David Game College in London
Today Nikita is a talented sportsman who plays for the University of London ice hockey team, the London Dragons. He has a BSc from, Birbeck, University of London and is doing a Masters in Maritime Operations and Management at City, University of London.
At 24, he is also a role model for the students at Academic Summer, where he works part time managing our camp counsellors and guiding young learners through the same exciting journey he once experienced. His story is an extraordinary reflection of how attending a British summer school can help students build their confidence, develop life skills and make connections, and also have a great time and loads of fun.
An international experience like no other
Reflecting on his time as a teenager at Academic Summer, Nikita describes it as an eye-opening encounter. He arrived alone, having never flown solo before, and was greeted by an international community of students from all over the world. The atmosphere at camp made it easy to make new friends as everyone was welcomed.
“I was happy,” he says. “I met people I still talk to now, and it was really nice because the camp was so international. It was my first flight alone, and I became more comfortable being independent. I felt prepared for the next stage of my life.”
The camp offered him a balance between academics, an amazing London experience and adventure. This was a welcome change from his usual environment and gave him a fresh perspective. The mix of nationalities and cultures exposed him to new ways of thinking, which he believes helped him grow as a person.
Nikita Piazenko is a talented and dedicated ice hockey player who began his journey in the sport at the age of four. By the time he was 11, he was already honing his skills across multiple countries, a testament to his passion and commitment. His prowess on the ice earned him a place on the Lithuanian U20 national team, where he proudly represented his country in two World Championships.
Nikita’s career continued to flourish as he progressed to the Denmark U20 league and the 1st Division, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable player. Currently, he plays as a right winger for the London Dragons, the University of London's ice hockey team, showcasing his versatility and unwavering dedication to the sport.
One of Nikita’s key takeaways from his first British summer school was how much his confidence grew, particularly in speaking English and he saw his communication skills develop. He found that the structured yet relaxed learning environment at Academic Summer allowed him to practice English in a real way while exploring subjects he enjoyed like business. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) used by Academic Summer means students study various academic subjects in English while improving their language skills at the same time.
“I was already multilingual, but this was a great opportunity to get better at English. I could communicate with more people, and that was really important for me, as I was going to live alone the following year at an International Ice Hockey academy, Okanagan, in Austria,” Nikita explains.
Nikita at Sidcot School in Bristol with Ferit, a student from Türkiye, highlighting the strong bonds between our British summer camp counsellors and students.
From British Summer School student to a member of staff for Academic Summer
Fast forward to today, and Nikita now works for Academic Summer, as a Summer Manager on our London team. His sister also followed in his footsteps, joining us as a staff member. Nikita shares that working at our summer camps gives him the opportunity to contribute to the positive experiences of young people, just as he once benefited.
“I really enjoy working with the students now,” he says. “It’s a chance to give back and help them grow in the same way I did. Academic Summer Camps are not just about improving English or learning academic subjects. It’s about becoming more independent, learning responsibility and being open to new cultures.”
But why choose a British Summer School as opposed to a holiday camp in another country?
“London is an international hub where so much is going on,” says Nikita. “You have seen many of the sights on TV or in movies and now you experience them firsthand. As well as all the top brands from fast foods to all kinds of shops. It also inspires you to see people rushing to work in the morning, giving you a picture of what your future could look like. You can see what it feels like to live in the centre of London not just visit. Whether you want to be a lawyer, trader, banker or work in business or as an entrepreneur, this is a place where it is all happening. There is so much potential here!”
Nikita at David Game College in London congratulating British summer school students, on completing their CLIL syllabus, along with other camp leaders.
Why you shouldn’t hesitate to join an Academic Summer School
Nikita’s message to young people considering joining Academic Summer is clear: “You should absolutely go for it. You’ll learn new things, meet people from all over the world and come away with memories that last a lifetime. The experience really prepares you for the future, whether that’s studying abroad, working internationally or just becoming more confident in yourself.”
Academic Summer offers a unique blend of education and adventure. Students from around the globe have an unprecedented opportunity to enhance their English skills while exploring subjects or career pathways that interest them, all within the supportive and engaging environment that Nikita describes. With experienced teachers and a focus on both academic and personal growth, it’s no wonder students leave with lasting friendships, improved language skills and a greater sense of independence and confience.
A life-changing journey
For Nikita, attending Academic Summer was a pivotal experience, one that opened doors to future opportunities. Whether you’re looking to improve your English, prepare for university, or simply explore a new country a British summer school offers an unforgettable experience.
As Nikita says, “It’s not just about learning, it’s about growing as a person, making lifelong friends and gaining the confidence to face the future.”
Children 7-17 can join us at DLD College in London Westminster in 2026 to experience London or join one our career pathways (Get Ready for Entrepreneurship, Medicine, Engineering and Future Gen Study). We also welcome 7-17 year-olds to our summer camp in the British countryside at Sidcot School, near Bristol