Join the league: Spend your time at home productively and take advantage of these free online courses at Ivy League schools.

 
by Aude Camus
 
There is no better time than now to go back to school. While a full-time programme might be too big a commitment to make, joining short-term courses allows you the flexibility and gives a way into skills and knowledge you’ve wanted to learn. 
 
As a response to the strange times we all find ourselves in, Ivy League schools are offering some of their most popular online courses to the public for free. Whether it is guided introspection or learning a programming language, there are plenty of opportunities for you to spend your time at home productively. 
 
Columbia University: The Age of Sustainable Development 
 
Led by Professor Sachs, a best-selling author, senior United Nation advisor and director of the Earth Institute, this course aims at giving you an understanding of the key challenges of sustainable developments. Through classes covering economics, social and environmental challenges ranging from  human rights and gender equality to food supply and the end of hunger, you will embark on a 14-week journey of discovery.
 
More info & registration
 
 
 
 Harvard: Introduction to computer science
 
Harvard’s entry-level course is perfect for people who want to grasp the basics of programming. A highly popular course offered by the prestigious university, it is known to be one the best beginner’s classes you can find. Learn to think algorithmically in this 11-week programme (10-20 hours per week) and familiarize yourself with major programming languages such as C, PHP, JavaScript, HTML, SQL and CSS.
 
More info & registration
 
 
 
Princeton University: Buddhism and Modern Psychology
 
A course which examines the connections between Buddhism and science and offer a scientific and scholarly approach to meditation. It will give you food for thoughts and might also bring a new light to the things you do: why do you do them? Could you be not just a happier but also a better person? Perfect for those who are keen to take some time for a little personal introspection in these challenging times.
 
More info & registration
 
 
 
University of Pennsylvania: Viral Content and How to craft Contagious Content
 
Ever wondered why some products become huge hits while others don’t; why some ideas take off while others languish? In this four-week course, you will get a glimpse of the mechanics behind viral marketing so you can apply these to better market yourself, your ideas, your brand or your products to build stickier messages. Ready to buzz?
 
More info & registration
 
 
 
Yale: The Science of Wellbeing
 
Launched in 2018, this course has quickly become the most popular class ever taught in the university’s 300-plus years of history. At this time, the science of wellbeing is relevant to everyone. In this structured 10-week programme, your instructor will cover the following topics: 

Many who took the course reported a general boost in moods and overall wellbeing. Just what the doctor ordered! 
 
More info & registration