12 Summer Study Abroad for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
If you’re interested in studying abroad, summer programs can give you a way to experience learning in a different country while exploring new subjects. These opportunities place you in international academic settings where you can study business, STEM, the arts, or humanities while gaining exposure to different cultures. They can also help you understand how education and daily life vary across countries.
Why should I study abroad in high school?
Summer study abroad programs allow you to take part in academic courses while living in new cultural environments. You might attend university-style classes, work on projects, participate in discussions, and explore cities or local communities as part of the experience. Over time, these programs can help you build independence, develop a broader perspective, and better understand your academic interests in a global context.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 12 summer study abroad programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for free online summer internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto
Cost/Stipend: Varies; financial aid available
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; multiple summer cohorts
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program provides school students with an opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes at universities around the world. Participants work with academics from universities such as Oxford and Cambridge in classes of 4-10 students. They attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with their tutor. The program includes practical experiences such as dissections in medicine, building robotic arms in engineering, and moot courts in 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, they complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Bremen, Germany
Cost: €4,600 (includes tuition, housing, meals, excursions, domestic transportation, activities, mentorship)
Dates: July 24 - August 4
Eligibility: High school students ages 16-19
Deadline: May 1
The Summer Camp at Constructor University gives high school students a 12-day academic and cultural immersion on a residential campus in Bremen, Germany. The program blends university-level exploration in fields like natural sciences, computer science, and business with projects, small-group sessions, and team-based activities. Outside the classroom, students live in campus housing, join daily sports and social events, and take excursions to cities like Bremen and Hamburg for cultural and industrial visits. It’s a good opportunity to experience international campus life in Europe, build confidence, and explore academic pathways alongside peers from around the world.
Location: 60+ countries worldwide (placements vary)
Cost: Application fee $10; Enrollment fee $2,000; Program tuition varies by country and length
Dates: Varies by destination and program (summer, semester, and year-long options)
Eligibility: Typically ages 15-18; GPA 3.0+ for semester/year and 2.0+ for summer; U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Deadline: Varies by program and country, check the website for more details
The Youth for Understanding (YFU) Study Abroad Programs give high school students the chance to live and study abroad while developing real intercultural competence. Rooted in a 70-year history of global exchange, the program emphasizes cultural immersion, host-family living, and holistic learning that foster independence, adaptability, and language skills. Students can choose summer, semester, or year-long options across 60+ countries, with structured support from trained coordinators and opportunities to join specialty tracks or even gap-year programs. Rather than prestige in the traditional sense, YFU stands out through its scale, long-standing reputation, and the depth of personal growth students gain - often shaping compelling stories for college applications.
Location: Paris, France
Cost: Contact IESA for details
Dates: June 24 - July 12
Eligibility: High school/college-prep students
Deadline: Not listed
Summer Studies at IESA offers a focused three-week immersion into French art, culture, and language - a great pick for students who want to study the art world from within Paris itself. The program blends classroom learning with on-site exploration, guiding students through museums, galleries, auction houses, and open-air markets to understand how French art has evolved and how the modern market operates. Alongside modules on masterpieces and the Parisian art trade, students take French language and culture classes designed to make the city feel more accessible and alive. With expert faculty and direct exposure to one of the world’s most influential art capitals, this program is especially suited for students curious about art history, cultural studies, or the global art market.
Location: Cambridge University, UK
Cost: TBD for 2026
Dates: July 12 - August 8 (1-4 week options)
Eligibility: High school graduates/undergraduates (typically 18+; 2026 confirmation pending)
Deadline: Opens December 2025
Cambridge International Summer Programme is a highly flexible, academically rich opportunity for students who want to design their own learning experience at one of the world’s most historic universities. With over 140 courses and multiple subject streams (from science and business to literature, history, and global challenges), you can mix and match morning and afternoon classes over one to four weeks, tailoring the program to your interests. Learners study with Cambridge academics, attend daily lectures, and take part in a full cultural calendar of walking tours, concerts, and special events. You may also live in one of several Cambridge Colleges, making the experience both intellectually immersive and socially memorable. For students seeking academically rigorous courses, global perspectives, and a prestigious summer abroad, this program offers unusual depth and breadth!
Location: Varies by local Rotary club
Cost: Room and board provided; student covers travel, insurance, documents, and personal expenses
Dates: Varies; long-term (1 academic year) and short-term (several days to 3 months)
Eligibility: Ages 15-19
Deadline: Set locally by each Rotary club
Rotary International runs long-standing, community-driven exchanges that give high school students the chance to live abroad, attend local schools, and experience everyday life with host families. Each club designs its own version of the program, but the emphasis is the same everywhere: cultural immersion, community engagement, and learning how to navigate the world with more confidence. Students can choose a full academic-year exchange or a shorter summer option, depending on what feels right for their goals. It’s a good fit for anyone who wants a structured, supportive way to experience another culture without the pressure of high program fees.
Location: London (non-residential, hence students need to arrange for their accommodation)
Cost: £220 (discounts available for partner schools)
Dates: Autumn 2025 (28–30 Oct); Summer 2026 (7–9 July)
Eligibility: Year 11-13; age 16+; IB Year 1-2; students finishing high school; gap-year students
Deadline: Until spots fill; limited to 40 students per camp
This three-day Pre-Uni Camp is designed for students who want an early and structured introduction to university-level Economics and Management. The workshops, lectures, and practical exercises offer a clear understanding of how these subjects are studied in higher education, pairing foundational theory with skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and basic financial tools. With small groups and guided sessions, the camp creates a focused environment where students can experiment, ask questions, and build confidence before taking their next academic step. It’s particularly helpful for those who want to clarify their interest in business-related fields while strengthening future applications.
Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost: £4,250 (includes £1,000 housing deposit; covers accommodation + 2 meals/day; £50 application fee)
Dates: July 16-26
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-17
Deadline: May 31
Warwick’s Pre-University Summer School offers a structured ten-day introduction to academic life at a top UK university, bringing together motivated students from around the world. You choose from a range of subject tracks and learn directly from Warwick faculty while living in a residential setting that mirrors the real undergraduate experience. The program blends academic sessions with personal development workshops and curated excursions (including visits to Oxford and Warwick Castle) to give students both depth and variety. With support from student ambassadors and a full schedule of cultural activities, it’s a strong choice for anyone looking to explore potential fields of study while gaining confidence in a university environment.
Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, UK
Cost: £7,695
Dates: 29 June-10 July or 3-14 August
Eligibility: Students aged 16-17 with strong academics and strong English skills
Deadline: Applications open January 2026
Imperial College London’s Global Summer School is a high-intensity STEM programme designed for academically strong students who want a genuine taste of university life at one of the world’s leading science institutions. Over two immersive weeks, students dive into advanced subject pathways (from AI and data science to engineering, medicine, and physics) while also taking part in hands-on labs, applied workshops, and a collaborative Innovation Challenge that mirrors real problem-solving in industry. The experience is rounded out by expert guidance on UK university applications, residential accommodation on the South Kensington campus, and a full calendar of social activities that make London feel both exciting and accessible. It’s a strong option for students who want academic stretch, global peers, and an authentic preview of studying in a rigorous STEM environment.
Location: King’s College London
Cost: £3,195 per one-week course (£3,095 if applying by Jan 30); £6,180 for two weeks; £9,375 for three weeks; English Language & Culture £1,200 (1 week) or £2,400 (2 weeks); £65 application fee
Eligibility: Students aged 16-17, academically motivated, in their final three years of high school
Dates: Session 1: July 6-10; Session 2: July 13-17; Session 3: July 20-24; Session 4: July 27-31
Deadline: April 10
King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School gives motivated 16-17-year-olds a chance to explore university-level learning through one-week academic courses taught by King’s faculty and shaped by London’s dynamic setting. Students can build a personalized pathway by choosing one, two, or three consecutive sessions, mixing disciplines like business, law, medical science, psychology, international relations, computer science, neuroscience, and more. Each week blends interactive teaching with practical activities, offering a close look at subjects you may want to pursue later while experiencing a taste of life at a top UK university. With four sessions across July and a structure designed for flexibility, the program is ideal for students who want academic depth, structured independence, and the energy of studying in central London.
Location: University of Edinburgh
Cost: Included with residential fee (exact 2026 pricing not yet released)
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 in their final or penultimate year of high school
Dates: June 29 - July 10
Deadline: Not yet announced
The University of Edinburgh’s Pre-University Summer School offers academically curious students aged 16-18 a two-week introduction to university-level study across four distinct pathways: Social Sciences, Humanities, Life Sciences, and Design. Each track blends subject-specific teaching with projects, giving students a sense of what it’s like to learn in a world-renowned academic environment. Whether you’re analyzing political systems, tracing literary traditions, exploring molecular science, or building a creative portfolio, the programme is designed to deepen your interests while offering an immersive experience in Edinburgh’s historic learning community. Residential accommodation is included, making it a complete glimpse into independent student life.
Location: Select countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America
Fee: Varies by program; discounts available for families who host an ICES student
Eligibility: Typically ages 15-19 with a minimum 2.4 GPA (specific criteria vary by program)
Dates: Varies by destination; short-term and long-term options available
Deadline: Varies by program
ICES offers flexible high school exchange programs that let students choose both their destination and the duration of their stay, making it a strong option for those who want control over their cultural immersion experience. The programs blend structured language learning with everyday exposure to local communities, helping students build real fluency while adjusting to new academic and social environments. Whether you want a short cultural introduction or a longer, more in-depth experience, ICES provides pathways that support personal, academic, and linguistic growth in a setting that reflects your interests and goals.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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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