10 Summer Language Immersion Programs for High School Students
In the tapestry of educational experiences, language immersion programs are vibrant threads that weave profound understanding and cultural connections. For high school students, these programs are not just about learning a new language; they're about immersing in a world different from their own, helping them unlock new experiences and perspectives. The ability to communicate in another language opens doors to diverse cultures, perspectives, and opportunities, making you a standout candidate in the college admissions arena. Colleges look favorably upon students who challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones, and language immersion is a testament to such initiative and resilience.
How Can Language Immersion Elevate My College Application?
Embarking on a language immersion program demonstrates to college admissions officers that you're curious, adaptable, and culturally sensitive—qualities that are highly valued in today's globalized world. It's an experiential learning adventure that shows you're not just learning a language; you're living it. This commitment to understanding and engaging with different cultures signals that you're prepared to contribute meaningfully to the diverse college community and beyond.
Now, let's explore 10 summer language immersion programs that could be your gateway to a world brimming with languages and cultures:
Locations: France, Spain, Germany, China, and more.
Cost Range: $2,000 - $6,500 depending on location and program length
Eligibility: High school students, ages vary by program
Application Deadline: Varies by program, typically early spring
Duration: 2-8 weeks programs available
Nacel International distinguishes itself by offering a diverse array of language immersion programs designed to enrich and expand the linguistic and cultural horizons of high school students. Students have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the daily life and language of their host country, facilitated by homestays with local families, language classes tailored to various proficiency levels, and a plethora of cultural activities and excursions that bring the language and its cultural context to life. Cohort sizes vary by program but are typically kept small to ensure personalized attention and an intimate learning environment, fostering deeper connections among students and between students and their hosts.
One of the standout features of Nacel International's programs is the emphasis on real-world language use and cultural engagement. Beyond the structured language classes, students are encouraged to apply their language skills in everyday situations, from navigating local markets to interacting with community members, thereby enhancing their conversational abilities and cultural understanding. Projects and topics covered during the immersion experience may include regional history, culinary traditions, local art and music, and community-based projects, all designed to provide a comprehensive and hands-on approach to language learning and cultural immersion.
Location: Minnesota, USA
Cost Range: $1,000 - $4,500 depending on duration and language
Eligibility: Ages 7-18
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions, early registration recommended
Duration: 1-4 week sessions
Concordia Language Villages, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Minnesota, is a beacon of language immersion that brings together students from diverse backgrounds to join together on a linguistic and cultural journey. With a commitment to fostering global citizenship, Concordia offers a range of programs in over 15 languages, including Spanish, French, Mandarin, and more. Each village is crafted to provide an authentic experience of the target culture, from the architectural design of the camp to the meals served. High school students can expect to join cohorts of approximately 100 peers, ensuring a community that's large enough to offer a rich tapestry of experiences yet intimate enough for personalized learning.
Within this vibrant village setting, students dive deep into language learning through a curriculum that emphasizes practical communication skills and cultural fluency. The immersive experience is heightened by a plethora of culturally specific activities, ranging from traditional cooking classes to folk dancing and international sports, all conducted in the target language. This approach allows learners to actively apply their language skills in real-world contexts, making the learning process both effective and engaging. Additionally, the program offers special projects like cultural presentations and community events, where students get to showcase their newfound linguistic abilities and cultural knowledge.Â
Locations: Spain, Japan, France, Italy, Morocco, and more.
Cost Range: $5,000 - $8,000
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Duration: 4 weeks
CIEE High School Summer Abroad offers a distinctive blend of educational and cultural immersion tailored to high school students eager to explore the world beyond their borders. With programs set in various enchanting locations around the globe, from the historic streets of Seville, Spain, to the bustling urban landscapes of Tokyo, Japan, CIEE crafts each experience to provide students with a comprehensive dive into language learning and cultural understanding. Cohorts typically range in size from 10 to 20 students, fostering a close-knit learning environment that encourages personal growth and peer connections. The program duration varies, usually spanning four weeks in the summer, perfectly designed to fit into a high schooler's busy schedule.
Within this immersive framework, students engage in a variety of language-focused projects and activities that aim to enhance linguistic proficiency while providing real-world context and application. From language classes led by experienced instructors to cultural workshops and community engagement projects, every aspect of the CIEE program is structured to offer a balanced mix of academic rigor and cultural exploration. Participants might find themselves participating in cooking classes to learn about local cuisine, collaborating on community service projects to deepen their connection to the host culture, or enjoying guided excursions to significant historical and cultural sites.
Locations: Morocco, India, Korea, Russia, Taiwan, and more.
Cost Range: Free, fully funded by the U.S. Department of State
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
Application Deadline: Typically in the fall for the following summer
Duration: 6-8 weeks
The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is a prestigious and transformative program designed to propel high school students into the fascinating world of critical languages deemed essential for national security and economic prosperity. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, NSLI-Y offers fully-funded scholarships to U.S. high school students for participation in immersive summer and academic year programs. The initiative focuses on languages such as Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, and Turkish. With cohort sizes typically ranging from 15 to 30 students, the program fosters an intimate learning environment conducive to deep cultural exchange and language acquisition. Participants undergo a rigorous journey, engaging in intensive language classes, cultural workshops, and community service projects, all aimed at achieving fluency and a profound understanding of the host country's culture.
Beyond language instruction, NSLI-Y immerses students in the daily life of their host communities, often through homestays with local families, which enables a genuine experience of cultural immersion and facilitates the practical application of language skills in real-world contexts. This immersion is complemented by excursions and activities designed to deepen students' understanding of the historical, cultural, and political landscapes of their host countries.Â
Locations: France, Spain, Italy, Japan, and more.
Cost Range: $2,500 - $7,500 depending on the country and duration
Eligibility: Ages 15-18
Application Deadline: Varies by country and start date
Duration: 1-3 months, including summer programs
Greenheart Travel High School Abroad program is a beacon for high school students seeking an authentic dive into language and culture through educational travel. Offering both semester and summer programs, Greenheart Travel places students in a variety of countries including France, Italy, Spain, and Japan, where they not only learn a new language but also live it. Cohort sizes vary depending on the destination and time of year but tend to be small to ensure personalized attention and a more intimate cultural experience. Each participant becomes part of the local fabric through homestays with vetted host families, attending local high schools alongside native peers, and engaging in community activities. This immersive environment is ideal for rapid language acquisition and offers a unique perspective on daily life in another culture, far removed from the typical tourist experience.
Beyond the language skills, Greenheart Travel High School Abroad programs emphasize personal growth and global awareness. Students might find themselves working on local community projects, participating in environmental conservation efforts, or assisting in educational activities, depending on their location and interests. These experiences are designed to deepen the cultural immersion and provide meaningful interactions with the host community.Â
Locations: More than 50 countries including Germany, Brazil, Japan, and Egypt.
Cost Range: $5,000 - $10,000
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
Application Deadline: Varies by destination
Duration: 4-8 weeks
AFS Intercultural Programs stands as a pillar in the world of student exchange, offering high school students from around the globe the chance to dive deep into a new culture and language through its immersive study abroad opportunities. With a legacy that stretches back over a century, AFS has honed a model of cultural exchange that emphasizes intercultural learning, global citizenship, and language proficiency. The organization facilitates programs in over 50 countries, with cohort sizes varying to ensure a personalized and impactful experience for each participant.Â
In an AFS program, students are more than just learners; they're active participants in their host communities. They might engage in projects that range from environmental conservation efforts to community development initiatives, depending on the host country and the specific interests of the student. Their program philosophy not only enhances language skills but also develops a sense of global responsibility and intercultural competence. Applicants to AFS programs should be prepared for a competitive selection process that looks for adaptability, curiosity, and a genuine interest in fostering intercultural connections. Once selected, students undergo comprehensive pre-departure training, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of cultural immersion and make the most of their transformative journey abroad with AFS.
Locations: Over 40 countries including Sweden, South Africa, Thailand, and Argentina.
Cost Range: $2,000 - $8,000
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Duration: Summer programs typically 4-8 weeks
Youth For Understanding (YFU) Study Abroad is a cornerstone in international student exchange, offering high school students the invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture and language through its array of study abroad programs. YFU's mission revolves around fostering intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and social responsibility through educational exchanges. With programs spanning over 40 countries, YFU creates a global learning environment, tailoring experiences to fit the diverse needs and interests of its participants. The cohort sizes are intentionally kept small, typically ranging from 5 to 15 students per group, to ensure a deeply personal and enriching experience for each individual
YFU emphasizes not just academic learning but also personal growth and global engagement. Students participating in YFU programs might find themselves involved in community service projects, local environmental initiatives, or cultural workshops, depending on their host country and personal interests. These activities are designed to complement the language learning experience, providing practical contexts in which students can apply their new linguistic skills while making meaningful contributions to their host communities.Â
Locations: Costa Rica, Spain, France, South Korea, and more.
Cost Range: $4,500 - $7,500
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Duration: 2-6 weeks
The Experiment in International Living provides high school students with immersive cultural experiences that go beyond traditional language learning. Established with the vision of fostering peace through mutual understanding, The Experiment offers summer programs in more than 20 countries, focusing on themes such as language and cultural discovery, sustainability and the environment, arts and social change, and leadership and community service. Cohort sizes are kept small, usually between 10 to 16 students, to ensure personalized learning experiences and deeper cultural immersion.Â
Participants in The Experiment's programs engage in a variety of projects and activities tailored to the program's focus, from environmental conservation efforts in Costa Rica to exploring the intricacies of French language and culture in France. Students are expected to apply their learning in real-world contexts, enhancing language skills and cultural understanding through direct engagement and experiential learning. Each program includes homestays, language training, and thematic workshops, designed to challenge students and expand their global perspectives. Prospective participants should be prepared for an immersive and dynamic learning environment, where they will be encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and engage deeply with different cultures and ideas. The application process for The Experiment is holistic, considering each student's readiness for the challenges of cultural immersion and their commitment to engaging respectfully and openly with diverse communities and viewpoints.
Locations: Rural and urban settings across Spain
Cost Range: $5,000 - $7,000
Eligibility: High school students with at least two years of Spanish study
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Duration: 4-6 weeks
LITA offers a distinctive approach to language immersion in Spain, tailored specifically for high school students with a passion for the Spanish language and culture. Unlike more traditional programs, LITA focuses on immersive experiences in less-visited regions of Spain, providing a deep dive into the local customs, traditions, and daily life. With cohort sizes typically ranging from 10 to 15 students, LITA ensures a highly personalized and intimate learning environment.Â
During their time with LITA, students engage in a variety of projects and activities that are both educational and enriching. These may include working on local farms, participating in artisan workshops, or contributing to community-based projects, all conducted in Spanish to maximize language immersion. Additionally, LITA emphasizes experiential learning through travel, with excursions to both well-known cities and off-the-beaten-path locations, offering students a comprehensive view of Spain's diverse cultural landscape. Prospective applicants should be prepared for an immersive and academically challenging experience, ideally having completed at least two years of high school Spanish.Â
Locations: Cities across China
Cost Range: $2,888 - $3,690, depending on length of program
Eligibility: 8 and 18 years old students, no language requirements
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Duration: 2-3 weeks
RISH Chinese Learning Center offers a comprehensive summer camp in China tailored for kids and teenagers, emphasizing a well-balanced development of Mandarin language skills including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The program, crafted by experienced BLCU language professors, adjusts its focus based on the student's proficiency level, enhancing beginners' conversational skills and advancing intermediate/advanced students in character recognition and fluent conversation. Beyond language lessons, the camp engages students in various language skill-building activities like workshops, debates, and group projects, coupled with 1-on-1 tutoring sessions for immersive practice in a Chinese-speaking environment.
The summer camp fosters a supportive learning atmosphere with small class sizes ensuring individual attention from qualified teachers holding Master's degrees in teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Cultural immersion is a significant component, with traditional culture courses designed to deepen students' interest in Chinese culture, complementing language learning. The program includes diverse after-class activities and educational excursions to famous attractions and museums, providing a well-rounded experience that balances learning with fun, cultural insights, and outdoor exploration.Â
Our Thoughts
It's clear that summer language immersion programs offer high school students a unique and enriching opportunity to deepen their linguistic abilities and cultural understanding. These programs, with their emphasis on small cohort sizes, personalized learning environments, and hands-on projects, go beyond traditional classroom-based language learning. By immersing students in the daily lives of their host communities, engaging them in local projects, and encouraging exploration of both renowned and off-the-beaten-path locations, these programs foster a profound connection to the language and culture being studied. This immersive approach not only enhances linguistic proficiency but also cultivates adaptability, global awareness, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, preparing you for a future in our interconnected world.
Additionally, you could take a look at our blog on research ideas in linguistics for high school students!
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in doing university-level research in linguistics or other related fields, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Lydia is currently a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.
Image Source: NSLI-Y logo