As a high-school student, the idea of studying abroad can feel like an exciting yet overwhelming dream. After all, going abroad is more than sightseeing; it means navigating new environments and adapting to unfamiliar customs. Most importantly, study abroad programs for high school students are one of the best ways to build a global perspective early on

Imagine practising a newly learned language in a bustling market, attending seminars in a historic European town, or collaborating with peers from across the globe on a global issues project. Study abroad programs are more than travel and education: they alter how you understand the world and help you grow as an individual.

Even if you’ve traveled internationally before, a study abroad program will provide a different perspective. You’ll connect with a country in a meaningful way, through classes, experiencing traditions, and witnessing everyday life.

What kinds of study abroad programs for high school students are there?

Even if you’re ready for the experience, it can be hard to go about picking the program. After all, you need to consider security, cultural immersion, learning opportunities, and cost-effectiveness. That’s why the right guidance matters, helping you identify the study abroad program that best fits your goals.

Across the world, various institutions offer a range of study abroad programs focused on language, international studies, science, art, leadership, and more. You could spend your days learning a new language, working on local projects, or participating in community-based activities. 

Some programs are tied to universities, while others offer an opportunity to live with host families. Either way, these programs will help you develop independence, adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and an understanding of global issues.

To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of 15 Study Abroad Programs for High School Students. They’ve been handpicked for their cultural immersion, academic enrichment, and propensity to build an international experience.

15 Study Abroad Programs for High School Students  

1. Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX)

Location: Georgia, Kazakhstan, or Poland
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 20 U.S. students per year
Dates: Full academic year
Application Deadline: December 8th
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12

Under the FLEX program, you will spend an academic year in a host country living with a welcoming host family and attending the local high school, all while representing your own culture and learning from a new one. This fully funded opportunity builds leadership skills, deepens intercultural awareness, and broadens your global perspective through hands-on learning.

As part of your exchange, you’ll engage with local communities, adapt to a new school environment, and form cross-border friendships. You’ll return home with greater self-confidence, a clearer sense of your place in a diverse world, and a global network.

Why it stands out: You’ll build leadership, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication skills through real-world engagement.

2. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School

Location: Boston, Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Average of 7 students per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

Immerse’s Academic Insights programme lets you experience university-style learning in leading academic settings. You’ll study in small classes with Oxford and Cambridge tutors, attend lectures, and join one-to-one sessions. With over 30 subjects, you’ll explore workshops like engineering challenges, mock trials, business pitches, case studies, and creative writing.

Teaching follows Immerse’s CLIL approach, helping you strengthen academic English while studying your chosen subject. You’ll join a global cohort from over 125 nationalities, creating a dynamic environment for cultural exchange. Their pastoral team leads excursions to landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, with 24/7 support ensuring student safety.

Why it stands out: CLIL-based teaching, a truly global student community, and strong pastoral support create a safe, challenging, and inspiring study abroad experience.

3. Immerse Education’s Career Insights Summer School

Location: Cambridge, London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Average of 7 students per class
Dates:  2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline:  Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

Immerse Education also offers a Career Insights pathway, giving you direct access to real industries in global hubs. You will explore fields such as engineering, medicine, law, entrepreneurship, software development, finance and sustainability through hands-on workshops and workplace visits. 

Unlike Academic Insights, which focuses on university-style learning, Career Insights takes you inside industry settings. Depending on your location, you may visit the Tokyo Stock Exchange or Yakult’s production facilities, take part in an INSEAD Business Hub workshop in San Francisco or learn about business operations at Oracle Park. 

You will also receive weekly one-to-one career coaching to refine your goals. With students from more than 125 nationalities and full pastoral support, you will feel safe, inspired and ready to grow.

Why it stands out: It offers a unique blend of hands-on industry experience, expert-led workshops and real workplace visits, giving students an authentic understanding of how modern careers operate long before university.

4. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

Location: Multiple countries depending on the language (e.g., Mandarin China, Arabic, Korean, Russian)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: November 12th (for the summer program)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18

When you join NSLI-Y, you’ll begin a merit-based, fully funded journey to learn a critical world language through immersion. During a summer abroad, you’ll spend six to seven weeks living with a host family or in supervised accommodation.

If accepted for the academic-year track, you’ll live abroad 8–10 months, attend local schools or language programs, and integrate. Regardless of the track, you’ll develop not only linguistic proficiency but also leadership, adaptability, and global awareness. If interested, you must ensure you do not miss application announcements; you can sign up to receive regular notifications. 

Why it stands out: You’ll gain deep linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding through immersive homestays and instruction.

5. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Study Abroad

Location: Over 10 host countries
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not available; selective
Dates: Vary depending on the course
Application Deadline: Typically, in the Fall
Eligibility: Generally, students aged 15-18 years

This initiative, run by the U.S. Department of State, empowers you to live with host families and attend local schools in countries around the globe. You’ll immerse yourself in new cultures, build cross-cultural relationships, and develop global competencies that are increasingly valuable in higher education and beyond. The program offers sub-tracks including language immersion, civic engagement, and academic year exchanges such as FLEX and YES.

All programs are merit-based and fully funded; they’ll cover your airfare, visas, housing, food, and in-country support. Even without prior language experience, you can apply for many courses, making the program accessible and transformative.

Why it stands out: You’ll build international awareness, attend workshops, and live with host families to foster intercultural understanding.

6. CERN-Solvay Student Camp

Location: CERN campus, Geneva, Switzerland
Cost/Stipend: Free participation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students worldwide per camp
Dates: April 19th – 25th
Application Deadline: Yet to be announced
Eligibility: Students aged 16+

If you join the CERN-Solvay Student Camp, you’ll spend a week immersed in one of the world’s leading science labs. You’ll get to participate in experiments, tour cutting-edge research facilities, and work directly with physicists on small-group projects. Throughout the camp, you’ll attend engaging lectures, Q&A sessions, and get exposure to what a STEM career at CERN actually looks like.

You’ll also meet peers from countries all over the world, widening your global network. The experience offers a chance to see particle physics beyond textbook explanations, giving you a perspective into real research environments and perhaps shaping your future academic or career path.

Why it stands out: You’ll have rare access to CERN scientists and real particle-physics learning environments.

7. World Learning’s Youth Ambassadors Program

Location: Several Latin American & Caribbean countries (e.g., Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~98 U.S. students and adult educators selected annually
Dates: 3‑week summer exchanges (exact dates vary country-wise)
Application Deadline: Applications generally open in the fall
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–17

In the Youth Ambassadors program, you’ll spend three meaningful weeks abroad in Latin America or the Caribbean, living with local host families and diving into leadership training, civic engagement, and community service. You’ll build your leadership skills by participating in experiential learning workshops and working with NGOs, youth groups, and community mentors, a level of community immersion not always found in other study abroad programs for high school students.

Throughout your journey, you’ll connect with peers and host communities, learning to appreciate cultural differences and find common ground. You’ll plan a Community-Based Service Initiative to carry out back home, giving you a chance to apply what you’ve learned in a tangible way. If you are intrigued, you may contact them to know more.

Why it stands out: You’ll develop useful skills for future social impact, leadership, and social science applications.

8. HEC Paris — Summer School Youth Programs

Location: HEC Paris campus
Cost/Stipend: €990 for 3-day program; €1950 for 5-day program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; 40 limited seats
Dates: 3-5 days in July
Application Deadline: Beginning of March
Eligibility: High-school students aged 15–18 

Joining the HEC Paris Youth Leadership Initiative means spending three to five days on a renowned international business school campus. You’ll be collaborating with other motivated high-school peers from around the world. Through intensive workshops and team-based projects, you’ll build leadership, communication, and cross-cultural teamwork skills.

The experience will be useful whether you plan to study business, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, economics or any other related fields. The supportive international environment encourages self-reflection and growth; you’ll learn how to articulate ideas confidently, work in diverse teams, and lead responsibly. Here is the link to pre-register.

Why it stands out: You’ll study under HEC faculty and collaborate with global peers, so you’ll get an idea of what college-level academics involve. 

9. IE University Pre-University Summer Program

Location: Segovia & Madrid, Spain
Cost/Stipend: Tuition is €5,900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~140 students per edition; each class is capped at ~50 students
Dates: Six 2-week editions during the summer
Application Deadline: Deadline’s typically in June; selection is based on first-come, first-served
Eligibility: Students aged 15-17 years

At the IE Pre-University Summer Program, you’ll experience two weeks of university-style learning and campus life across Segovia and Madrid. You’ll be attending the classes in English and engage in interactive workshops, participate in projects (sometimes even a hackathon), and develop skills like teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Beyond academics, the program offers cultural immersion; you’ll be exploring Spanish cities, visiting important landmarks & social events, and building global friendships by taking part in fun group activities. Offering a preview of international university life, the course brings clarity about future studies and boosts confidence when applying abroad. Here’s the application link.

Why it stands out: You’ll build practical skills in entrepreneurship, design, and strategy, so you’ll be well-equipped for business majors and building your own startup.

10. Bocconi University — Summer School for High School Students

Location:  Milan, Italy
Cost/Stipend: ~ € 2,700 participation fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: July 6 to July 17, 2026
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students in their third-to-last and second-to-last year in Italy or abroad

If you take part in Bocconi’s Summer School for High School Students, you’ll spend two weeks in Milan exploring university-style learning. You can choose subjects like economics, finance, game theory, luxury and fashion, machine learning, advertising, and more. You’ll work in small groups on real-world case studies or projects and present ideas to professionals or guest speakers.

Alongside academics, you’ll experience an international, multicultural student community. The program aims to sharpen your critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, while helping you understand different fields. Living in Milan over the summer also gives you a chance to explore the city, its culture and its global vibe.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain exposure to globally recognized business education and quantitative thinking.

11. University College Dublin (UCD) — Summer High School Program

Location: Dublin, Ireland
Cost/Stipend: ~ € 3,450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 8th – July 23rd
Application Deadline: Priority deadline is February 15
Eligibility: Students must be resident in North America and 16 or 17 years old

With UCD’s High School Summer Program, you’ll spend two weeks living on campus and experiencing university life in Dublin, making it one of the more structured study abroad programs for high school students. Each day combines lectures and workshops covering Irish history, culture, and an introduction to UCD’s academic offerings. You’ll also be going on field trips around Dublin that connect what you learn in class to real-world places (castles, historic sites, countryside, and more).

You’ll get a taste of campus housing and student life, living alongside peers in shared residences. It’s also a great opportunity to meet faculty and admissions advisers, explore academic majors, and think seriously about whether you might want to study for a full undergraduate degree abroad. If this Dublin course intrigues you, here’s the link to apply.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn through academic taster courses, experience campus life, and participate in cultural excursions.

12. Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad

Location: 12 host countries
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 65 full scholarships to American students nationwide
Dates: A full academic year (8-10 months)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 – 18.5

YES Abroad offers a transformative opportunity to live with host families and attend local schools for a full academic year. Through this merit-based, fully funded program, you’ll deepen your cultural understanding, build leadership skills, and foster global citizenship. In addition to academic immersion, you’ll engage in cultural activities and community life, serving as ambassadors helping promote mutual understanding between the United States and its host communities.

The support infrastructure is strong: in-country coordinators, orientations, and ongoing assistance ensure you have a safe and enriching experience. By the end of the exchange, you’ll emerge more confident, globally aware, and connected with a network of international peers.

Why it stands out: You’ll have the rare opportunity to experience various cultures firsthand and participate in language learning courses and community engagement. 

13. Rotary Youth Exchange

Location: Over 100 countries
Cost/Stipend: Varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Different durations, both long-term and short-term options available
Application Deadline: Varies by location; contact your local Rotary Club
Eligibility: Students aged 15-19

With the Rotary Youth Exchange program, you’ll immerse yourself in a new culture. You’ll be living with host families and attending a local high school, whether for a full academic year or a short-term experience. You’ll gain leadership skills, build awareness, and expand your worldview through daily life abroad while representing your home community.

The program is deeply rooted in Rotary’s values of service and peace, so you’ll also participate in community projects and Rotary events abroad. You’ll return with greater maturity, international friendships, and a stronger understanding of how local service contributes to global harmony.

Why it stands out: You’ll develop independence, cross-cultural understanding, and global friendships.

14. ICES High School Exchange Programs for American Students

Location: Across multiple locations in Europe, Asia, Latin America, & Oceania
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program length & country
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline:  Varies by program and country
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years old

If you are a high school student looking to study abroad, you can join ICES USA’s High School Exchange Programs as one of the more flexible study abroad programs for high school students. Here, you’ll choose between an immersive semester or full academic year abroad or try out a shorter 1- to 3-month experience, while living with a host family. You’ll attend a local high school, deepen your language skills, and build genuine cross-cultural relationships with your host community.

With ICES, you’ll receive support from local coordinators throughout your journey, ensuring you’re guided and safe. The flexible program length and school type allow you to tailor the experience to your goals and budget. There is also a discount for early applicants. Here is the application form.

Why it stands out: You’ll get deep cultural understanding through living with a host family and demonstrate international awareness on future college applications.

15. Imperial Global Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: £7,695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; more than 550 students per year
Dates: June 29th – July 10th or August 3rd – August 14th
Application Deadline:  Applications open in January 
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 not turn 18 before or during the programme with strong academics and English proficiency

Imperial Global Summer School is a two-week residential program for students aged 16–17 who are passionate about STEM. You select one of four subject tracks from Data Science & AI, Engineering, Physics, or Medicine & Life Science. You’ll spend the first week immersed in lectures, labs, and hands-on workshops.

In the second week, you’ll join a team for the Innovation Challenge, run by the Imperial Enterprise Lab. You’ll work with industry mentors to tackle a real-world problem using your newly developed skills. The experience also includes university admissions guidance and a full schedule of structured evening activities, offering both academic enrichment and campus life immersion.

Why it stands out: You’ll have the rare opportunity to combine STEM education with entrepreneurship activities in a short summer program.

Take the First Step Toward Studying Abroad

Choosing to join any of the Study Abroad Programs for High School Students listed in this article opens the door to learning in places as diverse as the lively, multicultural streets of Toronto and the warm, tropical energy of Singapore.

Each destination offers something distinct. Whether you want to study on a world-class campus, practise a new language or explore industry hubs like Tokyo or San Francisco, there is a programme that fits your ambitions.

Studying abroad helps you grow in confidence, independence and global awareness.

If you want to feel prepared before beginning your own study abroad adventure, visit our Study Abroad blogs for clear guidance and helpful student insights.