15 Summer Camps Abroad for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you're looking for a summer experience that takes you beyond the usual routine, summer camps abroad for high school students offer an excellent opportunity. These programs help you explore new subjects, work with international peers, and develop your strengths.
Whether you're interested in eco-friendly architecture, learning a new language, or conducting research, summer camps abroad allow you to step into advanced learning environments before college. These global experiences also stand out during the college admissions process. They provide compelling stories for your college essays, showcase your adaptability and independence, and demonstrate your ability to thrive in challenging environments.
Below is a list of 15 summer camps abroad for high school students, selected for their academic rigor, cultural depth, and opportunities. These camps cover a range of fields from STEM and sustainability to the arts, leadership, and global studies.
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions.
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program offers school students the opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes at universities worldwide. Participants work with academics from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in classes of 4-10 students. They attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with their tutor. The program also includes practical experiences, such as dissections in medicine, building robotic arms in engineering, or participating in moot courts for law. Students can choose from over 20 subjects, including architecture, artificial intelligence, business management, computer science, economics, medicine, philosophy, and more. By the end of the program, participants complete a personal project and receive written feedback, as well as a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Andoya Space Center, Andenes, Norway
Cost: Free for all participants | Travel cost varies by scholarship
Dates: July 26–August 2
Application Deadlines: Round 1: March 9 | Round 2: April 6 | Final results will be announced by mid-May
Eligibility: Students aged 17–20 and open to applicants worldwide | Fluent in English
The European Space Camp is a highly competitive, week-long residential program where students from across the world immerse themselves in the physics and engineering of space exploration. Hosted annually at Andøya Space Center in northern Norway, the camp offers you the opportunity to design, build, and launch your own sounding rocket, blending experimentation with lectures from aerospace scientists and engineers. With an annual cohort of only 24 participants, it is ideal for young science enthusiasts eager to explore subjects such as rocket dynamics, telemetry, and atmospheric physics in a real-world research environment. All activities are conducted in English, and the program is fully organized by former campers who now volunteer as mentors, ensuring a deeply engaging peer-led atmosphere.
Location: D’Overbroeck’s, Oxford, England
Cost: £2,426 per week (before 31st December) | £2,695 per week (usual price)
Dates: July 7–20 | July 21–August 3
Application Deadlines: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 13–17 with a minimum B1 (intermediate) level of English
The Young Professionals Architecture Summer Camp, offered by Bucksmore Education, provides a creative and immersive introduction to the world of design, sustainability, and urban spaces. This two-week residential program combines studio-based learning, field visits, and hands-on design projects to help you explore architecture as both an art and a science. You’ll learn to sketch, model, and analyse spaces while studying architectural history, sustainability, and cultural design influences. Through guided tours to architectural landmarks across Oxford and London, you’ll gain real-world context connecting theory with practice. A highlight of the camp is the Capstone Industry Project, developed in collaboration with Class of Your Own, the UK social enterprise behind the award-winning Design Engineer Construct! program. Working in teams, you’ll design your own building concept, an experience that culminates in an industry-recognised certification from Training Qualifications UK.
Location: Puglia, Italy
Cost: 2 weeks: 1,600 Euro | 3 weeks: 2,200 Euro
Dates: Multiple dates based on the subject
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–19 | For international students, adequate knowledge of Italian is required for effective participation in some modules.
The Design in Town Summer Camp transforms Italy into an open-air classroom for creativity, design, and culture. This two-week residency offers workshops, cultural excursions, and artistic exploration. Inspired by the Grand Tour tradition, the camp helps you discover your creative identity while learning about Italy’s rich heritage of design and craftsmanship. You can choose from subjects like Architecture, Fashion, Design, Photography, Graphic Design & Communication, Video, Creative Writing, or Illustration, along with optional workshops in Italian art history, design history, language, or cuisine. Each day combines studio sessions with field experiences, guided by Italian and international instructors who bring new perspectives and teaching methods. Beyond the classroom, campers embark on a full-day excursion to one of Italy’s cultural capitals, Rome, Naples, or Lecce, to witness design, architecture, and history in action.
Location: St Andrews (Scotland), Cambridge (England)
Cost: £7,900 total for a 3-week session (including a £500 registration fee)
Dates: St Andrews Session 1: June 28–July 19 | St Andrews Session 2: July 22–August 12 | Cambridge: July 8–July 29
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 from all nationalities
ISSOS offers award-winning, three-week summer programs in the historic university towns of St Andrews and Cambridge. Each campus brings together students from more than 80 countries, with strict nationality caps ensuring that no more than 10% of the student body comes from any one country, creating a truly international experience. You’ll choose one Academic course and one Elective, balancing academic learning with creativity. In the Academic stream, you can choose from courses like Debate, Study Skills, English Language, Youth Leadership, Business & Entrepreneurship, and IB Extended Essay, among others. Electives include options such as Theatre, Tennis, Film, Photography, Outdoor Leadership, Art, Golf, and Design. Beyond classroom learning, they also emphasize cultural experiences, including third-party day trips, hands-on workshops, evening “clan” social events, and full integration with students.
Location: Multiple destinations including Spain, France, Italy, Japan, Germany, Costa Rica & Australia
Cost: Varies depending on destination and program length
Dates: Start dates in June, July, and August | Typical duration of 2–24 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18
The EF Languages Abroad Summer Camp provides an international environment where learning a language and exploring a new culture are seamlessly integrated. You’ll take intensive classes in the morning, followed by excursions, sports, and creative activities in the afternoons and evenings. With students from over 30 countries converging at each campus, the experience is as much about cultural exchange as it is about mastering a language. Each day typically begins with language classes led by experienced teachers using the EF Method. After lunch, campers join excursions into the host city and participate in afternoon activities such as local sports, team challenges, and guided cultural tours. Evenings are filled with social events and local dinners, rounding out the day. The program’s global reach, immersive format, and dynamic schedule make it a standout option for high school students seeking to enhance their language skills, broaden their international perspectives, and form lifelong connections.
Location: Rosseau Lake College, Lake Rosseau, Ontario, Canada
Cost: For two weeks: CAD 4,900 | For three weeks: CAD 6,925 | Additional costs: optional full-day excursions (e.g., Niagara Falls = CAD 200, Canada’s Wonderland = CAD 175)
Dates: July 12–25 (2 weeks) | July 12–August 1 (3 weeks)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 15-16 for the Leader-in-Training track | Intermediate to Advanced English proficiency required
Set in Canada’s Muskoka region, Swallowdale Camp offers a summer camp experience that blends outdoor adventure, the arts, and leadership development. For younger campers (ages 8–14), the Forest School + Activities track includes ten hours per week of outdoor lessons combined with activity periods in land, water, or arts. Older students, aged 15–16, participate in the Leader-in-Training (LIT) programme, which provides two hours per day of leadership and planning lessons, as well as practical experience shadowing camp staff, assisting with group activities, and eventually leading projects under supervision.
Location: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Cost: CHF 7,400 (all-inclusive fee) | CHF 200 (mandatory insurance fee)
Dates: July 14–27
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 14–17 from around the world
The Swiss Teen Summit is a two-week journey that blends leadership, entrepreneurship, and outdoor adventure. Through workshops, you’ll collaborate with industry mentors and peers to solve challenges, develop creative business ideas, and build communication and teamwork skills. Mornings are spent in leadership labs and design-thinking sessions, while afternoons offer exhilarating experiences, such as glacier expeditions, canyoning, and via ferrata climbs. The camp encourages self-discovery and innovation, culminating in a capstone project where you’ll present your personal ventures or social initiatives. With its blend of real-world learning and alpine exploration, the Swiss Teen Summit is ideal for ambitious students seeking to enhance their leadership potential and global perspective.
Location: French Riviera, South of France
Cost: €6,700
Dates: Session 1: July 6–19 | Session 2: July 20–August 2
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 11–17
The SILC Creative & Entrepreneurial Summer Camp in the South of France explores creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-expression. You’ll work alongside award-winning artists, photographers, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs to design and execute your own personal creative project, a potential addition to future university applications or portfolios. Week 1 focuses on self-discovery through hands-on experimentation in arts and media, while Week 2 builds entrepreneurial skills through interactive workshops led by global industry professionals. You’ll also enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, snorkelling, horseback riding, and mountain biking, along with cultural excursions to Nice, Cannes, and Gourdon. With its blend of creativity, leadership, and international exposure, SILC offers an experience that balances artistic exploration with real-world skill-building.
Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Cost: Varies by duration and boarding/day option
Dates: July (2–4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Juniors aged 8–12 | Teens aged 13-18
Hosted by Chester College International School, this residential summer camp combines Spanish language learning with creative exploration, sports, and weekend excursions across Galicia. You’ll practice Spanish through a tailor-made classroom program led by native-speaking teachers and participate in daily activities from football and swimming to kayaking and surfing, designed to improve fluency in real-world settings. Beyond language instruction, the camp offers cultural outings to Santiago de Compostela and the stunning Galician coast, encouraging you to engage deeply with Spain’s history and traditions. You can choose between Boarding and Day Camp options. The boarding experience includes evening activities and weekend excursions, while day campers enjoy a packed weekday schedule with Spanish classes, sports, and cultural programs from morning to evening.
Location: Zurich & the Swiss Alps, Switzerland; Prague, Czech Republic
Cost: CHF 4,200 for semi-residential | CHF 5,700 for full-residential
Dates: July 6–24
Application Deadline: October 31
Eligibility: Students aged 15–19
The Gaia Changemakers Program is a three-week international summer camp that blends adventure, learning, and leadership across Switzerland and the Czech Republic. Traveling from Zurich to Prague and ending in the Swiss Alps, you’ll explore topics such as sustainable energy, circular economies, and climate change through company visits, projects, and workshops with scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists. You’ll participate in a sustainability “Designathon,” explore art as a form of activism through a public mural project in a Swiss village, and engage with pioneering companies like Freitag, Patagonia, and APAGCoCyst to learn how innovation drives change. The curriculum is rooted in the Inner Development Goals framework, emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, empathy, and self-awareness. Each week offers a new setting and theme, ranging from corporate visits in Zurich to cultural exploration in Prague, culminating in mountain expeditions, music, and art experiences in the Alps.
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Cost: Boarding: CHF 6,830 (2 weeks); CHF 12,265 (4 weeks); CHF 16,155 (6 weeks) | Day: CHF 3,360 (2 weeks); CHF 6,100 (4 weeks); CHF 8,380 (6 weeks)
Dates: Session 1: June 28–July 11 | Session 2: July 12–25 | Session 3: July 26–August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 8–18
Collège du Léman’s Summer Camp in Geneva offers an unforgettable experience where you’ll design your own adventure from over 27 exciting activity options. Each two-week session allows you to personalise your schedule by choosing four activities. From tennis, golf, and sailing to robotics, cooking, leadership, and performing arts, you can choose from a range of enrichment activities. The camp offers both day and boarding options. Day students join from Monday to Friday with lunch provided, while boarding students enjoy a full residential experience with 24/7 supervision, weekend excursions, and evening entertainment.
Location: Gstaad Valley, Switzerland
Cost: CHF 6,900 (2 weeks, all-inclusive) | CHF 4,500 (1 week) | CHF 9,000 (3 weeks)
Dates: Session 1: June 29–July 12 | Session 2: July 13–26
Application Deadline: Early application recommended due to limited places
Eligibility: Ages 10–17 | Open to international students with conversational English proficiency
The Gstaad Summer Leadership Camp is a signature Swiss program that combines outdoor adventure with personal growth, teamwork, and leadership development. The camp offers a hands-on, nature-immersive environment where you’ll build confidence, communication, and collaboration skills while exploring the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Through a series of structured Leadership Modules, you’ll engage in workshops focused on goal setting, global citizenship, and teamwork. These sessions are balanced with thrilling outdoor activities, including glacier expeditions, canyoning, rock climbing, river rafting, mountain biking, and via ferrata. Each experience is intentionally connected to the camp’s leadership curriculum, reinforcing lessons in problem-solving, decision-making, and resilience. The program offers flexible stays from one to four weeks, with an all-inclusive structure that covers meals, insurance, excursions, and airport transfers. At the end of camp, you’ll receive a Leadership Certificate and Personal Action Plan outlining your growth and 21st-century skills, a valuable addition to future school or university portfolios.
Location: Dorset, England
Cost: Varies by instrument and age group (you can check out the details here)
Dates: August 16–23
Application Deadline: Opens in early February
Eligibility: Students aged 3–18
The LSG International Summer School at Bryanston is one of the UK’s most vibrant residential music programs for young Suzuki musicians. Designed for those learning violin, viola, cello, double bass, or piano, this week-long camp offers a musical and social experience at the Bryanston School campus in Dorset. High school students, especially those in their final school years, can attend as unaccompanied participants and stay in the Teenage Houses, gaining a taste of independent living in a safe, supervised environment. Each day includes up to four hours of music lessons and rehearsals, as well as solo and group concerts, and ample time for recreation, ranging from swimming and tennis to evening jazz sessions and talent showcases. Mid-week excursions to Stonehenge, Lulworth Cove, and Bournemouth Beach add a cultural twist, while Friday and Saturday concerts highlight the week’s musical achievements. You can also participate in social events, such as the Bryanston Revue, chamber performances, and leadership activities through music.
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Cost: $14,999
Dates: Six-week summer program
Application Deadline: February 20 (early application) | April 30 (regular application)
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18 (Grades 9–12 or recent graduates) | Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or its equivalent
SPARKS is a pre-college program where you’ll explore Korean culture, language, and history while earning college credit from Seoul National University, a top-ranked university in Korea. This six-week summer academy blends rigorous academics with immersive cultural exploration and one-of-a-kind personal development experiences in the heart of Seoul. Mornings are spent at Seoul National University, where you’ll take intensive Korean language courses equivalent to two college semesters, earning up to six transferable credits. Afternoons feature cultural workshops and expert-led sessions in fields such as business, entertainment, security, and history, while evenings are dedicated to group activities and reflection at a secure, modern residence hall in central Seoul. Each weekend, you’ll embark on immersive excursions, from exploring royal palaces in hanbok to visiting the DMZ with a North Korean defector, and from experiencing K-pop studios and Olympic Park. SPARKS also offers customized 1:1 or small-group activities based on individual interests, such as K-pop dance, fashion design, or journalism, ensuring a truly personalized summer experience.
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. You can also 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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