14 Summer Camp for International Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you are an international middle school student, joining a summer camp in the U.S. can be a great way to experience both academics and life in a new country. These camps give you the chance to explore subjects you’re curious about, practice new skills, and meet students from around the world. You get to learn from experienced mentors, helping you develop a strong foundation in your fields of interest. They also let you see what education in the U.S. feels like, which can be useful if you’re thinking about studying there later.Â
Even if studying in the U.S. isn’t your long-term plan, these camps still give you valuable exposure. You can try out advanced topics, take part in activities that build teamwork and problem-solving skills, and even get a look at how certain fields or industries work. Summer camps are also more affordable and shorter than many other international programs, which makes them easier to fit into your plans. You can choose an option that takes place on campus in the U.S. or, in some cases, join virtually from your home country.Â
To help you choose the right fit, we’ve put together a list of 14 summer camps for international middle school students!
14 Summer Camp for International Middle School Students
Location:Â Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type and cohort; Financial aid is availableÂ
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Varies by the cohortÂ
Deadline:Â Varies by the cohortÂ
Eligibility: Middle school students  (grades 6-8)
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an eight-week virtual research mentorship designed for middle school students in grades 6 through 8. You work one-on-one with a PhD mentor from top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford to explore academic topics that interest you. During the first four weeks, you’ll study four different subjects within your chosen track, which helps you discover what excites you most. In weeks five and six, you narrow your focus and dive deeper into one area, building a strong foundation in that topic. By the final two weeks, you’ll begin crafting your own research project with continued support from your mentor.
Location:Â UC Berkeley campus
Cost: $995 per session for non-residential participants
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 23–27, July 7–11, July 21–25
Deadline: Registration opens in February and continues until sessions fill
Eligibility: Middle school students entering grades 7–12
The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen Research Program at UC Berkeley gives you a chance to experience real scientific research in a university setting. If you're entering grades 7 through 9, you can spend a full week working on hands-on projects in one of four focused tracks. In the Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations track, you’ll explore how engineers and scientists develop tools to diagnose and treat medical conditions.Â
If you choose Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites, you’ll build and program a model satellite for space exploration using block-based coding. The Solar Energy and Electrical Engineering track lets you design solar-powered devices and learn about circuitry and energy systems. In Designing and Engineering Bridges, you’ll apply structural engineering principles to build and test bridge models.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:  Varies by program type and cohort; Financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: 25 hours over 10 sessions
Deadline:Â Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students  (grades 6-8)
The Veritas AI Trailblazers program is a beginner-friendly online course designed for middle school students in grades 6 through 8. You’ll spend 25 hours learning the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning, either over 10 weekends or in a two-week summer format. The curriculum includes Python programming, data analysis, regression techniques, classification problems, image recognition, neural networks, and discussions on AI ethics. Each session begins with a short lecture and is followed by a hands-on group activity, where you work closely with mentors in a 5-to-1 student-to-mentor ratio.Â
Location:Â Emory University, GA
Cost: $200 per student per week
Acceptance Rate: NA
Program Dates: July 7–11 and July 14–18
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 6th-8th graders can apply
Emory University’s Middle School Summer Debate Workshops are held in partnership with the Atlanta Urban Debate League (AUDL) and offer a weeklong, in-person experience for rising 6th to 8th graders. You’ll learn how to build strong arguments, analyze evidence, and speak with clarity and confidence. If you’ve already participated in AUDL tournaments, you can join advanced sessions that offer more challenging material and deeper engagement with debate strategy. The curriculum includes daily practice rounds, feedback from experienced coaches, and opportunities to collaborate with other students who share your interest in public speaking and advocacy. More information about the curriculum is here.Â
Location: Atlanta, GA (in-person)
Cost: $600 for a 3-week session; $1,000 for a 6-week research track
Dates: June 2 – June 27 (varies by track)
Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders for summer sessions; younger students (grades 4–8) may apply for fall/spring Saturday academies
The MSM STEAM Academy at Morehouse School of Medicine is a hands-on summer program that introduces middle and high school students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics with a strong focus on health and medical sciences. If you're in middle school, you’ll take part in interactive projects and experiments designed to make science and math exciting and accessible. Activities might include building models, exploring robotics, or learning how the human body works through creative, inquiry-based exercises.
Location:Â S. Dillon Ripley Center, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $495 for non-members, $425 for Smithsonian Associates members
Acceptance Rate: First-come, first-served registration model
Program Dates: June 16 to August 15
Deadline:Â Rolling. Applications open in FebruaryÂ
Eligibility: Open to middle schoolers
The Smithsonian Summer Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings middle schoolers into the heart of the Smithsonian’s museums for a full week of immersive learning. You’ll explore themes like space exploration, digital art, video game design, ocean ecosystems, and historical reenactments through hands-on projects, games, and group challenges. Each camp is built around a unique topic, and many include visits to actual museum exhibits where you can see the science, history, and art you’re learning about come to life. You’ll work with expert instructors who design age-appropriate activities that spark creativity and curiosity.Â
Location:Â Stonehill College, Easton, Massachusetts, USA
Cost: $1,100 per session
Acceptance Rate: NA
Program Dates: Session 1: July 7 – July 25 and Session 2: July 28 – August 15
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students currently in Grades 4-8
College Gate’s College Academy is a hands-on summer enrichment program for students ages 6 to 15 who thrive in fast-paced learning environments. If you're a middle schooler who enjoys STEM, you’ll find courses in marine biology, robotics, rocketry, science discovery, and graphic design that let you explore real-world concepts through creative projects and experiments. Class sizes are kept small, with a 10-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio, so you’ll get plenty of personal guidance and support. You’ll also have the chance to customize your schedule by choosing courses that match your interests.
8. NASA Camps
Location:Â U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama
Cost: $1,799
Acceptance Rate: first-come basis
Program Dates: Week-long sessions (6 days, 5 nights) are offered for various age groups, from Space Camp to Advanced Space Academy programs.
Deadline:Â Rolling
Eligibility: Space Camp: For ages 9–11 (must have completed 4th grade by camp time)
NASA Space Camp is an immersive STEM experience held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. If you're a middle school student, you’ll spend a week training like an astronaut through simulations that mirror real NASA missions. You’ll build and launch model rockets, pilot spacecraft in mock missions, and take part in underwater exercises that simulate microgravity. You’ll learn about robotics, propulsion systems, and space science through interactive lessons and hands-on challenges. Each day is packed with activities that build your problem-solving skills and boost your confidence. You’ll work in teams to complete mission objectives, explore the physics behind space travel, and even use astronaut-style gear and simulators.
Location:Â Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Cost:Â 2-week residential: $5,995 and 2-week day (commuter): $3,695, 4-week day: $6,950
Acceptance Rate: Low student-to-staff ratio (5:1)
Program Dates: June 29–July 12 or July 13–July 26 or a 4-week session in summer.
Deadline:Â Rolling
Eligibility: Designed for students entering grades 7–9 in the fall
EXPLO’s two-week summer program at Wellesley College is designed for middle school students ages 12 to 14 who want to explore new interests in a vibrant and supportive setting. You’ll get to choose from over 50 workshops and electives, including engineering-focused options like robotics, architecture, codebreaking, and game design. Each day is packed with hands-on projects, creative challenges, and group activities that help you build practical skills while having fun. You’ll also take part in evening events like concerts, glowstick parties, and movie nights, and enjoy weekend trips to places like Six Flags, the Museum of Science, or Boston Harbor.Â
Location:Â Northwestern University, IL
Cost:  Day Camp: $2,970, Residential Camp: $5,375, and Partnership Courses: an Additional $650
Acceptance Rate: NA
Program Dates: Multiple 1, 2, and 3-week sessions across June 23 – August 2, depending on course and format
Deadline: June 22
Eligibility: Middle school students entering grades 7–12, with international applicants should ensure they can meet visa and travel requirements for participation.
The Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University offers a wide range of summer programs for students in grades 6 through 12 who are ready to take on advanced academic challenges. You can choose from enrichment, honors, AP, and college-level courses in subjects like engineering, mathematics, computer science, and technology. Whether you’re interested in robotics, biomedical science, or leadership and service learning, the program gives you a chance to dive deep into topics that match your interests and strengths. You’ll work with expert instructors and mentors who guide you through hands-on projects, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world applications.Â
Location:Â Seal Harbor, Maine
Cost:  $3,200 for a two-week session
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 4 and Session 2: August 3 – 15
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 12–15 can participate
The Intermediate Marine Science Camp at the Acadia Institute of Oceanography is a two-week residential program held in Seal Harbor, Maine, designed for students aged 12 to 15. You’ll spend your days exploring the natural marine environments of Mount Desert Island through hands-on activities like setting up and maintaining your own saltwater tank, studying tidal pools, comparing salt marshes and bogs, and testing water quality in Somes Sound. You’ll also go whale watching, fishing, and visit a bird rehabilitation center, all while learning how to collect and analyze scientific data. You’ll be introduced to basic lab techniques and marine science concepts, and you’ll take part in evening lectures and mini-seminars that connect your fieldwork to broader scientific ideas.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by course (typically $500-800 per course). Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective (requires qualifying test scores)
Program Dates: Year-round enrollment with multiple start dates
Deadline: Rolling enrollment, courses begin monthly
Eligibility: Academically advanced students in grades 2-12 who achieve qualifying scores on standardized tests
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Online Programs let you study subjects that go beyond what you usually learn in school. If you’re in middle school and want to learn topics like cryptology, game theory, genetics, Python coding, or economic analysis, this program gives you that chance. You’ll take classes with instructors from around the world in online classrooms that push you to think harder and build new skills. You can pick from three formats. Live courses let you join real-time discussions.Â
Location:Â Virtual
Cost: Not Specified
Acceptance Rate:Â Courses are generally open enrollment, and no selectivity is mentioned
Program Dates: Held in the summer. Dates to be announced. Reach out to the Pre-College Program department to get the specific dates for the program!
Deadline:Â Rolling
Eligibility: Open to middle school students
The Middle School Introduction to Python Programming and Machine Learning course at UC San Diego Extended Studies gives you a practical and engaging start in coding and AI. You’ll begin by learning how to write Python scripts using basic math operations, loops, conditionals, and functions. Once you’ve built a foundation, you’ll create an image classifier using Google’s Teachable Machine and integrate it into a webpage or run it on a Raspberry Pi, giving you a chance to see how your code works in real-world settings. You’ll explore how machine learning is used in areas like robotics, personal assistants, and web search, while building your own projects that combine programming and hardware.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:  $2,495. Limited scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective, 6 students per cohort
Program Dates: July 14 – August 1
Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Middle school students  (age 12 and up)
The Berkeley Summer Course on Data Science to AI is designed for those who want to dive into the world of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data science. If you are younger, the Junior Python Coders program helps you start with the basics, while older students can also choose personalized 1-on-1 classes for more advanced learning. In this program, you will learn to write and evaluate Python code, use it in AI applications, and build machine learning models with real-world data. With different levels available, you can pick the path that best fits your background and interests.Â
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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