As a high school student interested in languages, you may already know that language learning is much more than vocabulary and grammar. Summer language programs for high school students can help you understand different cultures, communicate with new people, and explore interests in writing, journalism, linguistics, or study abroad.

Imagine spending your summer living with a host family, practising conversations with native speakers, writing for a student publication, or exploring how language connects with technology through linguistics and coding. A summer language program gives you the chance to build real communication skills while experiencing learning beyond the classroom.

How do you choose the right summer language program for high school students?

It can be difficult to know which program is actually worth your time. Some may focus only on classroom lessons, while others may not offer enough cultural immersion or practical language use. That’s why choosing the right program matters; it helps you find an experience that is both meaningful and useful for your personal and academic growth.

Many universities and organizations offer summer language programs that combine academics with cultural experiences and hands-on learning. You might study Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, or explore areas like journalism, creative writing, computational linguistics, and communication. Some programs focus on fluency and immersion, while others help you understand how language works in media, technology, and storytelling.

Of course, no matter which program you choose, learning a language takes patience and practice. To help you decide, we’ve curated a list of the 15 Best Summer Language Programs for High School Students. These are selected for their strong academics, cultural immersion, and opportunities to build real-world communication skills.

For adjacent opportunities, consider the online English program and the creative writing program.

15 Summer Language Programs for High School Students

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

Location: Multiple international locations
Cost: Free
Dates: Vary by program types
Application Deadline: November 12th
Eligibility: U.S. high school students ages 15-18; Must be U.S. citizens 

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) offers high school students the opportunity to study critical languages. You’ll study abroad and learn a foreign language important for the national security of the US. You’ll participate in homestays, activities and excursions. There is a range of program types that you can explore, including Summer Abroad, Academic Year Abroad, and Virtual NSLI-Y.

You’ll live with host families, engage in cultural activities, and attend intensive classes to develop language skills. Some of the languages critical for the US national security and studied through the program include Arabic, Korean, Russian, and Chinese.

Why it stands out: You’ll study critical languages like Arabic, Korean, Russian, or Chinese through intensive classes, live with a host family, and build fluency through cultural immersion abroad.

2. Immerse Education’s English Literature Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, and Online
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18; open to students worldwide

Immerse Education’s English Literature Summer School offers an engaging learning experience to high school students. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of different cultural and historical perspectives through research projects, writing workshops, and literary discussions.

The program will give you the chance to learn from experienced scholars in the field and explore concepts like classic and contemporary texts, literary, feminist, and post-colonial theories, while also engaging in critical analysis of literature. You’ll also work on examining a specific economics issue, have the opportunity to share your work with other students and professionals, and earn a recognized certificate on program completion.

Why it stands out: You’ll study classic and contemporary texts, explore literary theories, and develop your own analysis through writing workshops and discussions.

3. Language Bits and Bytes: Computational Linguistics Coding Camp

Location: Frisco Landing, Frisco, TX
Cost/Stipend: $350
Dates: June 10-14 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: June 7th (Tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through High School Seniors; Not specified if open to international students or not

Language Bits and Bytes: Computational Linguistics Coding Camp offers a five-day learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll explore different topics in computational linguistics, such as Python coding, neural networks, natural language processing, and machine learning, while also gaining knowledge about the relationship between these concepts and the study of language.

You’ll learn from the research faculty and Ph.D. students at the University of North Texas, involved in the latest research in the field. The program is a great learning opportunity for high school students interested in exploring computational linguistics and does not require any prior technical background.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn Python, natural language processing, and machine learning while exploring how coding and linguistics work together in computational linguistics.

4. University of Mississippi Summer Language Institute

Location: University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Cost: $3,500
Dates: June 25th – July 24th
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Open to international students 

The University of Mississippi Summer Language Institute offers a competitive language learning opportunity to high school students. The program will allow you to study important languages such as  Arabic or Chinese, develop valuable cultural skills, along with extra-curricular activities.

You’ll learn from faculty and tutors at the University of Mississippi, understand the real-world applications of learning critical languages, and have the opportunity to earn college credits. The program will help you prepare for future scholarships and programs.

Why it stands out: You’ll study languages like Arabic or Chinese, build cultural understanding, and earn college credit while learning from university faculty and tutors.

5. University of Virginia Summer Language Institute (SLI)

Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: Varies. More information here
Dates: Vary by program duration. More information here
Application Deadline: March 27th
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; Open to international students 

The University of Virginia Summer Language Institute (SLI) offers four and eight-week courses to high school students. You’ll attend classes, learn language through guided sessions, and engage in cultural activities.

Some of the languages you’ll learn and explore through the program include Arabic, French, German, Latin, Russian, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese. You’ll participate in an assessment by the end of the program, including an oral proficiency interview or the Avant-1 skills reading test, to evaluate your learning. 

Why it stands out: You’ll study languages like Arabic, French, or Chinese through intensive classes, cultural activities, and final proficiency assessments.

6. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey +Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Late June through early August,
Application Deadline: Typically late January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. More information here 

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) offers a no-cost learning opportunity focused on college preparation and journalism. You’ll explore the connection shared by journalism with critical and social events in the real-world. You’ll attend workshops and learn from the alumni and professors at Princeton University.

You’ll develop communication and language skills through gaining knowledge about current events and receive guidance from a personal college advisor. If you’re a high school student interested in developing linguistic knowledge while also learning about journalism, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll report on current social and political issues, strengthen your writing and communication skills, and receive college guidance from Princeton mentors.

7. Fordham University Summer English Courses

Location: Fordham University, New York City, NY
Cost: Varies by program credits
Dates: Multiple 5-week summer sessions
Application Deadline: Registration opens in January (Tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; Open to international students 

Fordham University Summer English Courses offer a five-week learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll explore college-level courses in English and develop a range of skills in reading, writing, and critical and analytical thinking.

The program will help you sharpen your English communication, earn college credits, and engage in the analysis of contemporary as well as classic texts. Through the program, you’ll also receive valuable feedback from experienced faculty at Fordham University while engaging in an academically rich environment.

Why it stands out: You’ll read and analyze classic and contemporary literature, improve academic writing, and develop stronger critical reading and discussion skills in college-level English classes.

8. Indiana University’s Summer Language Immersion Workshop

Location: Indiana University, Bloomington; Other virtual and study abroad options are also available
Cost: Varies. More information here
Dates: Varies by chosen program
Application Deadline: May 21st
Eligibility: High school students around the world

Indiana University’s Summer Language Immersion Workshop stands out among the different summer language programs for high school students for its flexible online, in-person, and overseas formats. You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the languages spoken around the world while also gaining knowledge about the people who speak them through cultural engagement.

The workshops are a great opportunity to receive findings and scholarships while exploring a range of languages, including Arabic, Russian, Chinese, and many more. You’ll participate in cultural activities, interact with people in their native languages, and gain access to networking opportunities.

Why it stands out: You’ll study languages like Arabic, Russian, or Chinese through immersive classes, cultural activities, and real conversations with native speakers.

9. National Security Agency (NSA) STARTALK Language Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: 2 months or less during the summer. Specific dates vary
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Grade K-12 U.S. students 

The National Security Agency (NSA) STARTALK Language Program offers a critical language learning experience to high school students. You’ll attend language classes, have conversations with native speakers, and participate in workshops focused on cultural activities. The program aims to increase the number of native language speakers to fulfil the national security requirements.

Some of the languages explored through the program include Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Farsi, Urdu, Russian, and Turkish. You’ll listen to guest speakers, engage in interactive activities, and learn through both in-person and virtual components of the program. 

Why it stands out: You’ll study a range of languages critical for national security through classes, conversations with native speakers, and cultural workshops.

10. Los Angeles Times HS Insider Summer Internship

Location: Los Angeles Times office, El Segundo, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid opportunity
Dates: To Be Announced
Application Deadline: To Be Announced
Eligibility: Southern California students are eligible to work on-site in El Segundo 

The Los Angeles Times HS Insider Summer Internship offers an immersive, paid learning experience to high school students. You’ll gain knowledge about fundamental concepts in journalism, develop multimedia skills, and receive mentorship from expert professionals.

The program will help you sharpen language and communication skills through the coverage of breaking news, storytelling, and working on the creation of podcasts. You’ll also engage in video production, developing feature enterprise stories, and gain real-world experience in professional journalism.

Why it stands out: You’ll report on real stories, create podcasts and videos, and build journalism, language, and communication skills while working with mentors at the Los Angeles Times.

11. The School of The New York Times Summer Academy

Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Commuter: $6,195; Residential: $7,695; Limited need-based scholarships available; $50 non-refundable Application fee
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions across June to August
Application Deadline: Varies. More information here
Eligibility: Rising grade 10th-12th high school students or graduating seniors ages 15-18; Open to students worldwide 

The School of The New York Times Summer Academy offers a real-world learning experience beyond classroom settings. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the world of journalism and gain knowledge from editors, media professionals, and journalists.

You’ll participate in engaging conversations, understand the role of journalism in different fields such as business, culture, media, law, fashion, sports, and more. The program will help you develop communication and storytelling skills and help you pursue advanced knowledge and career paths in the field of journalism.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn journalism from editors and reporters, explore storytelling across fields like media and culture, and build strong communication skills.

12. Stony Brook University Summer Youth Camp for Computational Linguistics

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $4,250; Commuter: $2,000
Dates: July 12-24
Application Deadline: Round One: March 3rd; Round Two: May 1st
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; Must be U.S. residents 

Stony Brook University Summer Youth Camp for Computational Linguistics offers a two-week experiential learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll gain knowledge about a range of important concepts in the human language, including morphology, semantics, syntax, phonology, and phonetics. You’ll understand the scientific factors involved in language learning, and explore natural language technologies in the modern world, including AI chatbots and voice assistants.

You’ll gain knowledge about linguistics and software enterprise, along with developing strong analytical skills. You’ll work on team-based projects and explore a range of challenges in research, including language generation, speech recognition, combinatorics, and parsing. 

Why it stands out: You’ll study linguistics concepts like syntax and phonetics, explore AI tools like chatbots and voice assistants, and work on team research projects in language technology

13. Montclair State University Summer Language Institute

Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $1200; Optional residential add-on for $350
Dates: Session 1: July 22-25; Session 2: July 29th – August 1st (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: June 10th
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA; international students are welcome to apply

Montclair State University Summer Language Institute offers high school students the opportunity to earn 3 college credits. You’ll gain knowledge about different languages and cultures, including German, French, and Korean.

You’ll listen to guest speakers from different cultural institutions, visit international restaurants, and participate in Olympic-themed summer activities. The program allows you to engage in community gardening, enjoy New York City excursions, and attend culture-focused thematic workshops. 

Why it stands out: You’ll study languages like French, German, or Korean, explore different cultures through workshops and excursions, and earn college credit.

14. STARTALK at the University at Buffalo

Location: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: 3 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders living in Western New York with no or minimal prior Chinese experience

STARTALK at the University at Buffalo offers a three-week free learning opportunity to high school students. The program will introduce you to the Chinese language and Culture. You’ll learn from a team of talented and dedicated educators and professionals and engage in an immersive learning experience offered in a supportive environment.

You’ll attend classes, engage in cultural activities, and participate in hands-on workshops. The program will provide you with a significant opportunity to engage in language and cultural acceptance and understanding.

Why it stands out: You’ll study Chinese through interactive classes, cultural activities, and hands-on workshops while building language and cultural understanding.

15. Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops

Location: Kenyon College, Gambier, OH; virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $2575; Online: $995
Dates: Session One: June 21st – July 4th; Session Two: July 12-25
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: High school students worldwide

Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops allow high school students to learn through a supportive literary community. The program offers a range of opportunities, including virtual workshops during winter, virtual workshops during summer, and summer residential workshops.

Through these workshops, you’ll focus on different topics and genres, including poems, essays, and short stories, and develop communication, writing, and language skills. You’ll write in college classrooms, participate in reading sessions, and connect with fellow writers. The program will also provide you with valuable feedback from experienced writers and mentors.

Why it stands out: You’ll write poetry, essays, or short stories in workshop-style classes while receiving feedback from experienced writers and mentors.

Turn Language Learning Into University Readiness

Language study becomes useful when it changes how you listen, write, question, and connect with people beyond your usual classroom.

The 15 summer language programs for high school students featured here span immersion abroad, journalism, computational linguistics, college English, and creative writing.

That variety helps you build evidence of curiosity, whether you report stories, study Arabic, code language tools, or workshop essays with experienced mentors.

Before applications ask who you are academically, explore our University Preparation blogs to turn language growth into sharper personal statements, interviews, writing, and supercurricular choices.