Summer High School Abroad Programs for 2024

From volunteering with sea turtles in Costa Rica to studying art history in Italy, there are plenty of international summer programs for high school students looking to study, travel, and grow during their summer break! Teens can join cultural immersion programs, service learning projects, or even attend a language school. Go for a few weeks or a few months – the perfect program is waiting!

Spain

Summer abroad programs for high school students can take you to popular cities in Spain like Barcelona and Madrid. There you can learn about the history of the country first-hand by visiting the many museums and historical sites. If culture is your passion, participate in flamenco dancing in Seville and or learn how to make paella in Valencia.

Italy

Italy is famous for its art, history, and iconic food scene. Students can traverse iconic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, explore ancient ruins, and learn about Renaissance art. Practice your Italian during the day and reward yourself with homemade pizza and pasta at night.

France

France offers a blend of history, art, and picturesque landscapes. Students can take French lessons and get a glimpse into French culture by learning about the country’s history and touring famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.

Japan

Japan provides a unique cultural experience with its ancient traditions and modern innovations. Students can stroll the busy streets of Tokyo, visit historic temples, take part in traditional tea ceremonies, and learn about Japanese art, anime, and technology.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers breathtaking natural beauty and a focus on environmental conservation. Students can trek through rainforests, get to know the diverse wildlife, and engage in outdoor activities such as surfing and zip-lining – all while learning about sustainability and ecological preservation.

Summer travel programs for high school students offer more than just classroom learning. Whether it's volunteering your time or dedicating a month to improving your language fluency, the possibilities for experiential learning are endless.

Cultural immersion

Experience dynamic teen travel programs that transform classrooms into global adventures. These multi-city tours combine hands-on learning with excursions, museum visits, language classes, expert talks, and other diverse cultural activities.

Popular in Europe, teen travel programs are finally expanding to destinations like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and East Africa. Broaden your horizons and create lifelong memories with a transformative summer program. Embrace the world as your classroom!

Service learning & volunteering

If you're seeking to make a positive impact while growing as an individual, the ideal approach is to participate in a service learning project. Contribute to projects like building local infrastructure, conserving animal habitats, or assisting in English language classes. If required by your high school, you may be able to use these hours to fulfill graduation requirements.

Language learning camps

During the summer, language schools offer specialized language camps tailored for high school students. Living in a foreign country and embracing a new culture is an extraordinary experience that belongs on everyone's bucket list. Whether you choose to practice Arabic in Morocco or Spanish in Argentina, you can find language camps all around the world!

When considering joining a summer program for international high school students, it's important to be aware of the potential costs involved. Knowing the costs upfront allows students and their families to plan effectively and make informed financial decisions.

Average program costs

While prices can vary depending on the program provider, destination, and program duration, here are a few examples of cost ranges for some popular HS abroad program types:

• Language learning programs: Language immersion programs typically range from $2,000 to $6,000 USD for a 2-4 week program. Prices may include tuition, accommodation, meals, and cultural activities.
• Service learning programs: Volunteer programs abroad can range from $1,500 to $4,000 USD for 2-6 weeks. Costs often cover accommodation, meals, project materials, and on-site support.
• Cultural immersion and educational travel programs: Cultural exchange programs typically range from $3,000 to $8,000 USD for a 2-8 week program. Prices may include accommodation, meals, cultural activities, and local transportation.

It's important to note that these cost ranges are approximate and can vary depending on several factors. It's recommended to research and compare different program options to find one that fits your budget and offers the experiences you seek.

Scholarships

When planning a high school summer program, it's essential to explore available scholarships and financial aid options, regardless of your budget. Nearly every organization offers opportunities to help make your dream program more accessible.

Extra expenses

When planning your summer abroad, it's important to factor in additional expenses. Take the following into account:

• Meals (if not included)
• Housing (if not provided by your program)
• Additional fees for course books or internship placements
• Airfare, medical coverage, and any necessary immunizations
• Extra spending money for incidental expenses (a general rule of thumb is to budget a minimum of $30 per day)

Planning ahead will help you have a worry-free and fulfilling experience!

It's crucial to begin your planning process early to ensure everything runs smoothly. Start your journey on the right foot by preparing ahead of time.

• Research the cultural norms and etiquette to avoid any faux pas (think greetings, dress, and nonverbal communication).
• Get to know the climate and average temperatures to guide your packing.
• Make a budget and be prepared to stick with it.
• Get an idea of how much walking you may have to do through your program. If it’s more than what you’re used to, fit some morning or evening walks into your day before you leave to prepare.
• Don’t overpack! You’ll want to do some shopping abroad so leave space in your suitcase.

Why spend a summer abroad in high school?

Spending a summer abroad in high school offers invaluable benefits. These include but are not limited to embracing a new culture, improving language skills, expanding global awareness, and enjoying enriching educational experiences. Broaden your horizons, gain independence, and create lifelong memories during this transformative journey.