4 summer study abroad programmes for high school students

29 Apr 2019

Have you ever wanted to know what high school is like in a different country? You can find out if you partake in a summer study abroad programme.

Spending the summer holidays at school may sound like a punishment to some, but it can actually be really good!

It’s less stressful and rigorous than the normal year-long school schedule, and is actually more fun than you think.

There are several study abroad summer programmes that allow students to pick their own subjects and extra-curricular activities to get the most out of the experience.

An opportunity like this is normally less focused on academics, so don’t worry about spending your whole summer with your nose in books.

You will have plenty of time for other things like making new friends, checking out the sights, travelling and exploring new cultural landscapes.

A study abroad programme for high school students is beneficial because it strengthens their college applications, opens the potential to learn a new language and grants them global exposure that can influence their future careers.

If safety is a concern, rest assured that students are typically placed with screened host families and receive help adjusting from an international student advisor, so parents can ensure they are in good hands while abroad.

You can also choose to do a semester abroad during the normal academic year rather than summer in some programmes.

Here are some interesting high school study abroad programmes around the globe:

High School Abroad in Australia

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Discover this week’s #SiteOfTheWeek ✈️ 🌏As one of the world’s most beautiful, livable, and friendly cities in the world, Sydney is a great home for your study abroad adventure. 🗺 Here are some can’t miss activities when you’re exploring the Land Down Under!

A post shared by CIEE Study Abroad (@cieestudyabroad) on Mar 29, 2019 at 2:10pm PDT

The CIEE organises study abroad programmes in the land down under all year-round.

Here’s what you can expect from the experience, as stated on their official website, where you can also apply.

“Watching the sun set over the Great Dividing Range from the porch of your host family’s house. Discovering a talent for Australian football during a scrimmage with your classmates, or learning about Australia’s literary giants during English class.

“You’ll gain a true understanding of what it means to be an Australian through your relationships with new friends and your host family, and gain important life skills needed to be successful in college and beyond.”

There are programmes all over Australia to choose from, and you will be placed with a host family and receive orientation from an international student advisor.

Summer Korean Immersion Programme with Home-stay at Seoul

Throwback to this summer when @PrinLuerssen and Korean Immersion teachers met up in Korea! @colinpowelles pic.twitter.com/cEYv8wU7dA

— Hyemi Lim (@MsLimCPES) August 28, 2018

The best way to pick up a new language is to immerse yourself in the culture. This programme, open to kids of all ages, offers participants the opportunity to explore a different culture as well as the beautiful city of Seoul, all while learning Korean at the same time.

According to GoAbroad, “Participants have the opportunity to live with a host family who are more than happy to share the local culture and language with international students.

“The language study is hosted at a local university, which provides high quality instructions in a safe and comfortable learning environment.

“Staying with a local host family allows students to immerse in the local language and culture, and interact with local people. The trips and culture lessons are to complement the language classes to make a fun and enriching experience.

For more information, please visit the official website.

Reach Cambridge International Summer School

This could be home for a summer. Source: Shutterstock

Always dreamed of studying in picturesque England? Get a taste of prestigious university life in the country with this programme.

Open to international high school students, this programme grants students “the opportunity to gain an invaluable academic experience through a summer course in one of the top educational facilities in the world.”

Students will stay at the world-renowned University of Cambridge, located 50 miles away from London. Two and four-week residential spring and summer programmes are available for students aged 14-18.

“Reach Cambridge combines classes, lectures, and workshops, often led by Cambridge academics, with a varied programme of existing activities and excursions across the United Kingdom. Each course is specially designed to complement high school studies, while also offering a glimpse of university-style learning.”

French Summer School for Teenagers in Québec City

Great day in beautiful Quebec city for the start of the Summer school! We look forward to welcoming the class of 2017 pic.twitter.com/UPD3Br08cm

— Neurophotonics (@Neurophotonics) June 11, 2017

Through this summer camp, teenagers get to learn French while living in Québec City, Canada.

As explained by GoAbroad, “This highly international programme welcomes students from more than 20 countries. Students attend French classes in the morning, from 8.30 am to 11.45 am.

“Classes are organized into seven levels, and help students develop all four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will also study grammar and phonetics.”

In the afternoons, students can choose from a wide variety of programmes to keep them busy, including various arts and sports programmes. They also offer students the chance to get to know local teenagers.

Students here enjoy cultural activities such as excursions to Montréal to visit La Ronde theme park and the Montréal Jazz Festival, Le Cirque du Soleil, the Festival de Québec, and whale-watching at Tadoussac.

For more information, click here.