15 Summer Camps in Europe for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 10 min read
If you want to make your school break productive, consider joining a summer camp in Europe. As a high school student, you’ll get a taste of university learning, meet students from different countries, and take part in hands-on activities like workshops, team projects, and research sessions hosted by top institutions.
What are summer camps for high school students? Why should I apply for a summer camp in Europe?
Unlike pre-college programs or internships, summer camps are shorter and more activity-based. Most last from a few days to a few weeks and focus on teamwork, workshops, and interactive learning. Programs and internships often require more time and involve classroom learning or formal work experience. Camps let you build skills and gain exposure in a compact and flexible format.
Joining a summer camp in Europe gives you experiences that translate well into your college applications and resume. It shows that you’ve used your time to explore subjects, learn new skills, and engage with people from different cultures. This helps you present yourself as someone ready for college-level study and independence.
To make your search easier, we’ve listed 15 of the best summer camps in Europe for high school students!
15 Summer Camps in Europe for High School Students
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
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 offers high school students an introduction to professional environments across multiple industries.. As a participant, you can expect to engage in hands-on projects with established companies and connect with industry experts through interactive workshops. You'll also visit operational sites, including offices, factories, and headquarters. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work to industry professionals. You can explore career paths in subjects such as medicine, engineering, law, business, journalism, fashion, and more. The program also includes weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback. You can find more details about the application here!
Location: Oxford University campus
Cost/Stipend: £6,995 (no financial aid or scholarships publicly listed)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Class size capped at 15 students
Dates: July 5–18, July 19–August 1, August 2–15
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Open to students aged 15–18
This two-week programme lets you explore major psychological concepts such as memory, mood disorders, intelligence, and attachment through lectures, discussions, and practical sessions. You’ll work under tutors from institutions like Oxford and Cambridge and gain hands-on experience through the “Psychology Research Challenge,” where you’ll design and conduct your own study. Beyond the classroom, the course includes cultural excursions around Oxford and visits to locations like Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace. You’ll also develop public speaking and research skills through masterclasses and be eligible for a certificate and letter of recommendation upon completion. While the programme is not free, it provides a structured academic environment that closely mirrors university-style learning.
Location: Franklin University Switzerland, Lugano
Cost/Stipend: Approximately CHF 2,000; includes housing, meals, and excursions
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 with at least 10 years of schooling; English proficiency required if applicable
In this three-credit summer course, you’ll explore the intersections of environmental sustainability, climate justice, and eco-resilience through classroom learning and real-world engagement. You’ll examine root causes of climate change, psychological and community-based responses, and interdisciplinary solutions to global environmental challenges. The programme focuses on experiential learning, including excursions to Lake Lugano, the Alps, and Milan, as well as meetings with local sustainability experts. You’ll also gain insights into environmental policy, ethics, and the role of individual action in driving change.
Location: Nafplio, Greece
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (includes tuition, accommodation, and meals)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Competitive; limited cohort size (not publicly specified)
Dates: June 26 – July 11
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students; specific grade levels not listed, but applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and interest in the humanities
Hosted by the Harvard Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece and run in cooperation with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, this fully funded summer program gives you the chance to engage in university-level study alongside Harvard faculty and teaching fellows. You'll participate in intensive seminars focused on Greek literature, philosophy, and cultural heritage, all while exploring Nafplio’s historic and academic landscape. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, critical thinking, and academic research, preparing you for the rigors of higher education. Outside the classroom, you’ll interact with students from diverse backgrounds, building international networks and gaining experience that can shape your academic future.
Location: Wellington College, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: £2,695 (includes accommodation, meals, excursions, and full program access)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Limited to 100 participants
Dates: August 11–22
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Students aged 15–17; open to individuals and school groups
The GSL World Summit is a two-week residential programme designed to develop your leadership skills through workshops, coaching, and experiential learning. Hosted at the historic Wellington College, you'll work on social action projects, attend talks from industry leaders, and collaborate with like-minded peers from around the world. The curriculum emphasizes global citizenship, social impact, and practical leadership development. Cultural trips to London and Oxford are also part of the experience, offering insight into UK academic and civic life. With a small, international cohort, the summit creates a space where you can grow personally and make meaningful global connections.
Location: University City of Cambridge, England
Cost/Stipend: Pricing varies by course length; contact the provider for full cost details
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified; competitive application process
Dates: Summer (1–4 week sessions available; exact dates vary by course)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 from all nationalities
Reach Cambridge offers academically motivated high school students the chance to study a wide range of subjects, like business, biotechnology, and architecture, taught by experienced tutors in a pre-university setting. Courses are designed to build on high school curricula while offering a university-style learning environment in one of the world’s most prestigious academic cities. Beyond the classroom, you’ll take part in daily social activities and excursions to cultural landmarks like London, Oxford, and the Globe Theatre. The program supports both academic growth and personal development, helping you gain confidence, independence, and cross-cultural connections. Though not fully funded, it’s a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded summer camp in Europe.
Location: Talloires, France
Cost/Stipend: Tuition includes housing, meals, and program activities; scholarships available (covering up to 50% of total cost)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly stated
Dates: July 1 – July 29
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; minimum one year of French language instruction required
The Tufts Summit is a four-week academic enrichment program focused on international relations and French language and culture. You’ll take two non-credit college-level courses, one in international affairs and another in conversational French, while living with a French host family. Daily schedules include seminars, workshops, simulations, and excursions to historic and cultural sites such as Geneva, the UN, and Château de Menthon. With experiential learning at the center of the program, you’ll gain real-world insight into diplomacy, French society, and global issues. The program provides a structured but immersive introduction to studying abroad for high school students interested in global studies and language learning.
Location: 40+ global destinations, including France, Spain, Japan, Morocco, Estonia, and more
Cost/Stipend: Varies by location and program length; scholarships available (up to $7 million awarded annually)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Competitive; not publicly specified
Dates: Programs run from June to August, lasting 3 to 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by program; most close in February or March
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (typically ages 14–18); some programs have language or grade-level prerequisites
CIEE’s Global Navigator programs offer immersive summer abroad experiences tailored to a variety of interests, including language learning, STEM, social change, business, and arts. You can choose from over 40 international locations where you’ll engage in hands-on learning, live with a host family (in most Language & Culture tracks), and participate in local excursions. Programs are designed to build real-world skills like independence, cultural fluency, and leadership, and many offer service-learning or college credit options. Full and partial scholarships make this one of the more accessible study abroad routes for U.S. high schoolers interested in global education.
Location: Milan, Italy
Cost/Stipend: €2,600 (includes academics, materials, and local transportation; excludes housing and meals)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not publicly specified; applications accepted until capacity is reached
Dates: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ in their third-to-last or second-to-last year of school
At Bocconi University’s Summer School in Milan, you’ll take part in two weeklong academic labs that introduce you to university-level learning in subjects such as economics, data science, machine learning, global politics, and entrepreneurship. Each lab combines lectures, case studies, and team projects led by Bocconi faculty, giving you direct exposure to how these disciplines are taught and applied in real contexts. You’ll also join extracurricular sessions and cultural activities designed to help you experience student life in Milan.
Location: Varies by language; includes countries such as Latvia, Russia
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (includes tuition, travel, housing, meals, and activities)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 500–600 selected annually
Dates: 6–7 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: November 12
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 15–18, enrolled in grades 9–12; no prior language study required
NSLI-Y is a merit-based scholarship program funded by the U.S. Department of State for high school students to study critical languages abroad. During this 6–7 week summer program, you’ll receive a minimum of 120 hours of intensive language instruction, live with a host family, and participate in cultural excursions and peer interactions in the host country. Languages offered include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Russian. The program emphasizes immersive learning, cultural exchange, and preparing students for globally engaged careers. You’ll also complete pre- and post-program assignments and interviews to track language progress.
Location: Germany
Cost/Stipend: Subsidies available for travel and program costs; depends on school partnership support
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Varies by school; typically 10–20 students per exchange group
Dates: Minimum 14 days (short-term) or up to an academic year (long-term)
Application Deadline: Varies; schools must coordinate through GAPP and apply via the Goethe-Institut
Eligibility: U.S. high school students participating through a GAPP-affiliated school
GAPP is a bilateral exchange program that connects U.S. high schools with German secondary schools. If your school is part of a GAPP partnership, you can join a short-term (minimum 14-day) or long-term (semester/year-long) exchange, staying with a host family and attending a German school. This immersive experience includes school participation, cultural excursions, and day-to-day family life. Long-term participants may need a visa and will engage more deeply in the local education system. Subsidies are often available to offset costs, making it one of the more accessible Europe-based high school exchange options. You’ll gain language exposure, global awareness, and intercultural skills in a supportive academic setting.
Location: Germany
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, includes airfare, housing, meals, language instruction, a monthly stipend, and cultural excursions
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~250–300 U.S. high school students accepted annually
Dates: August–June (approximately 10 months)
Application Deadline: November
Eligibility: U.S. high school students ages 15–18.5 with a GPA of 2.5+; no German language experience required
If you’re ready for a true cultural and academic immersion, the CBYX program offers one of the most rigorous and rewarding high school exchanges in Europe. You’ll live with a German host family, attend a local high school, and receive intensive language instruction upon arrival. Throughout your stay, you'll also take part in seminars, cultural events, and even meet with members of the German Bundestag and U.S. Embassy representatives. The program focuses on youth diplomacy, language acquisition, and cross-cultural learning. Ideal for students seeking depth over duration, CBYX prepares you for life with greater independence, resilience, and a nuanced global perspective.
Location: Multiple cities in Germany (including Heidelberg, Hanau, Gera, and others)
Cost/Stipend: $4,820 plus $150 non-refundable administrative fee; scholarships covering up to 100% of costs are available.
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Limited spots; students often placed on a waitlist
Dates: June 8–July 17 (varies by site)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 15–17 who have completed at least two years of German; measles vaccination required
AATG German Summer Study Program is a three-week immersion program that places you in a German host family while attending a local high school. You'll take tailored language classes and join your host sibling for regular coursework, giving you insight into German academic life. Beyond the classroom, the program includes local excursions to historic and cultural sites, plus a final group trip to Cologne and Bonn. Chaperones are American German teachers who support you throughout the experience.
Location: Over 100 countries worldwide
Cost/Stipend: Room, board, and school fees covered; students typically pay for airfare, insurance, travel documents, and personal expenses
Acceptance rate or cohort size: ~9,000 students participate annually
Dates: Long-term (full academic year) or short-term (several days to 3 months, typically over summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by local Rotary district/club
Eligibility: Students aged 15–19 with leadership potential and cultural curiosity
Rotary Youth Exchange is a low-cost international exchange program for high school students aged 15 to 19. You live with host families, attend a local school, and become part of a new community. The program is designed to help you learn a new language, understand another culture, and build lifelong friendships. Each exchange is arranged through your local Rotary club, which supports you before, during, and after your time abroad. Whether you choose a full academic year or a shorter summer experience, the program gives you a deep, personal connection to global communities and encourages leadership, independence, and peacebuilding through cultural immersion.
Location: Countries include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, North Macedonia, Senegal, Thailand, and Türkiye
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (covers travel, housing, meals, tuition, visa fees, insurance, and a stipend)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Approximately 65 students are selected annually
Dates: Academic year (approx. late August – early June)
Application Deadline: December 4
Eligibility: U.S. citizens ages 15–18.5 at the start of the program; must be in high school or have recently graduated
YES Abroad is a year-long exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State that sends high school students to live and study in select countries with significant Muslim populations. You’ll live with a host family, attend a local school, and engage in community and cultural activities while acting as a youth ambassador. This immersive experience promotes cross-cultural understanding and helps you develop leadership, language, and communication skills. You’ll also participate in orientations and ongoing support throughout the year. The program is highly selective and designed for students ready for deep cultural exchange and public diplomacy.
One other option – 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.
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!
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