15 Study Abroad Art Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 11 min read
For high school students, studying art abroad provides an opportunity to learn in a different cultural and creative environment while continuing their education. A semester-long art program allows you to focus on studio practice, art history, or design while living in another country and observing how local traditions, materials, and everyday life shape art. Rather than learning only from textbooks or classrooms at home, you gain experience by working, sketching, and creating in new settings.
Why should I attend a study abroad program?
Participating in an international art program can enhance your future academic prospects. Colleges often appreciate students who undertake challenging experiences and thoroughly explore their interests. A semester abroad focused on art provides tangible examples for your applications, such as how your perspective shifted, how you adapted to different teaching styles, or how exposure to diverse artistic methods influenced your work.
To help you consider your options, we’ve compiled a list of 15 study-abroad art programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for free online summer internships, check out our blog here.
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
The Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. The Fine & Digital Art Track in London is designed to explore the fundamentals of fine art, including traditional techniques in drawing, painting, and sculpture, while discovering the tools and software used to create impactful digital art and graphic design. Participants engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. You can find more details about the application here!
Location: Venice, Florence, Rome, Sicily, Naples
Cost: Varies by program; more details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Dates: 2- to 4-week sessions in July and August
Eligibility: Students aged 17–22
In an Art History Abroad program in Italy, you study the country’s artistic and cultural development through a structured travel format that includes cities such as Florence, Venice, Rome, and Naples. Over a period of two to four weeks, you examine key art historical periods — including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical — by viewing works in the places where they were originally made or displayed. Your learning combines on-site lectures, museum and architectural visits, and small-group discussions. This approach helps you practice analyzing artworks directly, rather than only through images or readings. You focus on observing visual elements, understanding how historical and social conditions influenced artistic production, and tracing how styles and ideas changed across different periods and regions.
Location: Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing, Aix-en-Provence, France (with day-trips to the Mediterranean Coast, Lac de la Bonde, and Arles/Saint-Rémy)
Cost: $8,950 (includes room and board, orientation, all intra-program travel, student insurance, books, and art supplies; airfare not included); $1,000 enrollment deposit required upon acceptance; scholarships available.
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Maximum enrollment of 20 students (first-come, first-served).
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: June 13 – July 18
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older; no prior art or French experience required; all courses taught in English.
This five-week interdisciplinary art program immerses you in painting and drawing, both in the studio and the landscape of southern France. You will participate in weekly seminars, creative writing classes, and introductory French sessions, with complementary activities such as day trips to coastal towns and sites associated with Cézanne and Van Gogh. The program integrates museum studies, peacebuilding, and collaborative learning, connecting all activities into a cohesive process designed to deepen your understanding of art and yourself. You will live with a host family and engage in both individual and group projects, culminating in a final exhibition. The program emphasizes full participation, with structured daily schedules and group critiques.
Location: Cow House Studios, O’Gorman family farm, Wexford, Ireland
Cost: €7,200 (includes registration, tuition, accommodation, meals, art supplies, studio equipment, field trip transportation, entrance fees, airport transfers, laundry, and bed linens); €2,200 deposit required upon acceptance; two full scholarships available. Airfare and medical insurance are not included in the cost
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 20–24 students per session; rolling admissions; fully refundable €150 deposit for waitlist
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; applications close when full
Dates: June 25 – July 22
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17; no prior art experience required; taught in English
This four-week program immerses you in drawing, painting, and photography, guided by experienced artists in a rural Irish studio setting. You will participate in daily drawing exercises, workshops in your chosen medium, and group critiques, with opportunities to develop both technical skills and personal expression. The curriculum is project-based, encouraging experimentation with different materials and media, and includes research, gallery visits, and lectures by visiting artists. You will be paired with a mentor in the final weeks for individualized guidance. You will live on the farm, sharing meals and accommodations with peers, and participate in excursions to Dublin, Cork, and the Irish southeast. The program emphasizes self-directed learning and creative growth, with structured days that balance studio work, field trips, and free time.
Location: Parsons Paris Saint-Roch campus, Paris, France
Cost: $9,999 (includes tuition, housing, and excursions); students provide their own art supplies (estimated $400).
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: April 10 (final payment due two weeks after confirmation).
Dates: June 27 – July 18
Eligibility: High school students entering junior or senior year, or recent graduates; ages 16–18
This immersive summer program offers you the opportunity to study design, painting, drawing, and photography in Paris, taught in English by Parsons Paris faculty. You will attend classes at the Saint-Roch campus and complete a curriculum that includes courses such as the Business of Fashion, Portfolio Preparation for Art and Design Schools, Introduction to Design, Fashion Photography, and Explorations in Painting, among others. Each course provides hands-on studio work, research, and portfolio development, with field trips to museums, galleries, and industry sites. The program is designed to help you build a competitive college application portfolio and earn college credits.
Location: The American University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Cost: $7,500 (includes tuition, standard housing, SAI 360° Services, 2 meals per day, airport pickup and return, student health insurance, 24-hour on-site supervision, orientation, excursions, and daily activities); $120 application fee; $500 enrollment deposit (applied toward program fee); $300 refundable security deposit; optional US transcript $235; additional fees may apply.
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: March 31 (rolling basis; accepted after closing as space permits)
Dates: June 29 – July 17
Eligibility: Ages 15–18; currently enrolled in high school or recent graduate; minimum GPA of 3.0; non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL 500+, IELTS 5+, or OOPT 50+
This program offers you the opportunity to earn six college credits while studying arts and humanities alongside college students in Florence. You will enroll in two elective courses from a wide selection, including fine arts, art history, fashion, interior design, Italian studies, and more. The curriculum emphasizes experiential and field learning, integrating classroom instruction with real-world projects, cultural excursions, and direct engagement with the local community. All courses are taught in English, and you will participate in guided city walks, sports nights, music clubs, art openings, and journalistic collaborations. The program includes accommodation in Florence with 24-hour supervision, airport transfers, health insurance, and a comprehensive orientation. You will have access to extracurricular activities designed to help you experience Italian culture and connect with peers.
Location: Les Tapies, France
Cost: €6,100
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 4 – 25 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates
Les Tapies offers a summer program in the arts and architecture, focusing on creative exploration and technical skill development. The program includes studio work, field trips, and collaborative projects. You will live and work in a historic French estate, engaging with a community of artists and educators. The program targets students passionate about architecture and visual arts. It includes a curriculum that explores different media and promotes experimentation.
Location: University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury, UK
Cost: £2,690
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: July 13 – 27 | August 3 – 17 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students
This two-week summer school offers intensive courses in the creative arts, including visual arts, design, and media. You will engage in studio work with professional artists to enhance both their technical and conceptual skills. The program features workshops, critiques, and collaborative projects, all designed to help students develop their portfolios and explore new media. Located in Canterbury, a city rich in history and a lively arts community, the university offers an inspiring setting for creative growth.
Location: Franklin University Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
Cost: 4,000 CHF, 3,500 CHF if registering before January 15
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Early-Bird deadline: January 15 (rolling basis after)
Dates: July 13 – July 24
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18; no specific GPA requirement mentioned
This pre-college program allows you to earn 3 university credits while studying art or sustainability in Lugano, Switzerland. You will attend classes alongside international students in a supportive, multicultural environment. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking and creative skills through hands-on learning and real-world projects. You will reside on campus, gaining access to university facilities and engaging in cultural activities. All courses are conducted in English, and the campus features a lively international community.
Location: University of the Arts London, London, UK
Cost: Varies by course; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: June – September; from 2 days to 4 weeks
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18; no prior art experience required
This summer school provides intensive courses in art, design, and fashion at UAL’s London colleges. Participants learn from industry experts, hone creative skills, and develop a portfolio. The program features practical workshops, critiques, and access to London’s vibrant art scene. Courses range from 2 days to 3 weeks, offering flexibility to fit your schedule. The program focuses on experimentation and personal development, with chances to present your work. You'll interact with peers and instructors in a lively, multicultural setting.
Location: Browne School of Art, Auckland, New Zealand
Cost: $235 – $650 per course
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: January, check individual courses for specific dates
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18; no prior art experience required; taught in English
This summer school offers a range of art courses, including painting, drawing, and printmaking. Participants will collaborate with experienced artists, enhance their technical abilities, and explore their creativity. The program features hands-on workshops, group critiques, and chances to display your work. Courses are designed for students of all skill levels and emphasize experimentation and personal growth. You will engage with peers in a supportive environment and have access to Auckland’s vibrant art scene.
Location: Emily Carr University, Vancouver, Canada
Cost: $2,513.20 CAD (Early Bird, domestic) | $2,921.20 CAD (Early Bird, international) | $2,713.20 CAD (Regular, domestic) | $3,121.20 CAD (Regular, international)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Early Bird registration by February 28; regular registration open until full
Dates: June 29 – July 24 (4 weeks; no class July 1)
Eligibility: Ages 16–18 or who have completed Grade 10 by July 1
This month-long program provides practical training in art and design, including courses in painting, illustration, animation, and game development. You will work with expert educators and creative practitioners, exploring new perspectives, mediums, and methods to challenge your thinking and expand your creative horizons. The program is designed for both beginners and those advancing toward art school, providing a supportive environment where your ideas are taken seriously. You will engage in collaborative projects and culminate the program with a public exhibition of your work in the university’s Michael O’Brien Exhibition Commons. All classes are held on campus, and the curriculum is tailored to diverse learning styles.
Location: Canadian Contemporary School of Art, Toronto, Canada
Cost: $300 – $400 per week (includes tuition and materials).
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: July – August, with each week focusing on a different school of art
Eligibility: Students aged 11–17; no prior art experience required
This week-long summer camp features intensive workshops in drawing, painting, and mixed media. You will learn from professional artists, experiment with different techniques, and build a portfolio. The program emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. All courses are conducted in English and are open to students of all skill levels. You'll have chances to present your work and engage with peers within a learning community.
Location: Utrecht Summer School, Utrecht, Netherlands
Cost: €1,200 (includes tuition and course materials).
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: July 20 – July 31
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18; offers 4 EC credits
This two-week summer course explores the art, history, and culture of the Dutch Golden Age. You will examine masterpieces in museums, analyze painting methods, and produce your own artwork inspired by Dutch masters. The program includes lectures, studio sessions, and visits to galleries and historic sites. The program is designed for students interested in art history and practical art, with opportunities to build a portfolio and deepen their understanding of Dutch art. All courses are taught in English, and students receive personalized feedback on their projects
Location: MADE, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
Cost: €3,900 (for 4 US credits, includes tuition and housing) | €5,500 (for 7 US credits, includes tuition and housing)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: May 29 – July 4
Eligibility: High school students; courses taught in English
This five-week summer program offers immersive, hands-on learning in the arts and humanities, inspired by Sicily's Mediterranean setting. You will choose from a variety of courses, including molding and casting, Roman mosaic, graphic design, puppet-making, live drawing, and more. Each course emphasizes practical skills and cultural context, allowing you to create original projects and develop your portfolio. The program includes excursions, guided tours, and opportunities to engage with local traditions and communities. All courses are taught in English, and students receive US semester credits upon completion.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1–1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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