Top Study Abroad Programs for High School Students

Have a curious tween or teen who’s already talking about crossing the pond for a college semester? They don’t have to wait! Many study abroad programs are tailored to tweens and teens. These are some of the best study abroad programs for high school students. 

1. Council for International Exchange: The Council for International Exchange (CIEE) offers several study abroad programs for high school students, including summer and semester sessions. Summer themes include Language & Culture, in which students experience foreign destinations such as Japan, Morocco, and Germany; Service & Leadership, where they focus on the environment, children’s rights and education; and Global Discovery, where students can pursue their interests in everything from marine science to filmmaking. The summer programs last either three or four weeks. Semester-long programs allow students to fully immerse themselves in the culture and language in destinations across the globe, including Australia, South America, and Europe. Students are eligible for scholarships through these programs.

2. Youth for Understanding: Youth for Understanding offers a diverse roster of study abroad programs for students between age 15 and 18. They include Summer Programs, Classroom Excursions (two- to three-week sessions), and Specialty Programs that focus on the following themes: Art, Music, Film, and Theatre; Language and Culture, and Sports and Outdoors. Scholarships are available. 

3. Putney Student Travel: The programs offered by Putney Student Travel aren’t limited to high school students. Putney actually offers programs for elementary school students (grades four through six), middle school students (grades six through eight), and high school students (grades nine through 12), with summer itineraries including Costa Rica, France and Holland, and Ecuador and the Galapagos. Themes for high school students include Pre-College, Community Service, Exploration, and Languages, offered in exciting destinations worldwide.

4. National Geographic Student Expeditions: Kids as young as 13 can participate in the programs offered by National Geographic Student Expeditions. Teens are given the opportunity to study abroad in exotic destinations such as Bhutan, Bali, Botswana & Victoria Falls, Namabia, and Patagonia, with most itineraries spanning two to three weeks. Program themes focus on community service, wildlife preservation, photography and more.