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High School Summer Abroad Arts & Culture Programs

Discover How Art Shapes Culture with a Summer Abroad!

Imagine sketching in the streets of Florence or framing the perfect shot of a toucan in the cloud forest of Monteverde. Our Arts & Culture programs empower you to explore the world through creativity and take you to iconic destinations to immerse yourself in studio arts, drawing, fashion, creative writing, culinary arts, and more! Through hands-on practice and cultural discovery, you will hone your skills and build your confidence as you prepare a one-of-a-kind portfolio that showcases your growth.

By the end of the program, you’ll return home with a deep appreciation for how art influences cultures across the globe and the confidence to share your unique perspective.

A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future

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Fun

Explore local culture through the eyes of an artist, getting inspiration from your new city through daily activities and excursions.  

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Friends

Connect with students who share your passion for creativity and culture! Foster friendships that last far beyond the summer as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a global destination.  

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Future

Develop your own creative voice and bring your ideas to life. Return home ready to share your work and artistic perspective with your community and beyond! 

Experience Arts & Culture Around the World

Explore our Arts & Culture programs in 20+ exciting locations around the world. Study Creative Writing in Edinburgh, Anime & Manga in Tokyo, Art History in Athens, Culinary Arts in Paris, and more! Our immersive programs bring the arts to life, connecting you with local creative professionals and helping you learn how history, tradition, and creative expression shape communities and their culture.

All programs include:

  • Classes you won’t want to miss: Make studios, theaters, and galleries your classroom, spending 3 hours each day with expert instructors and local artists as you discover how to bring your ideas to life.    
  • Creative development: Hone your skills through hands-on experiences, connecting with local artists and learning to express your experience through your own unique perspective.  
  • Cultural immersion: Experience your host culture firsthand through daily cultural activities like cooking classes, street art tours, or visits to local museums. 

Stats

20+

cities to choose from

72%

of CIEE alumni report improved creative skills

2,351

total travelers

Explore Our High School Summer Abroad Arts & Culture Programs

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  • Tokyo, Japan
★ Popular Program
  • Arts & Culture

Explore two creative industries—anime and manga—in the hub of pop arts and culture.

Program Features
  • Group Housing
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  • Arts & Culture

Travel through centuries of Chinese art and culture in one of the most exciting cities in the world—Shanghai!

Program Features
  • Homestay
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  • Arts & Culture

Love Renaissance paintings, soaring cathedrals, and marble statues? Florence is calling you!

Program Features
  • Group Housing
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  • Arts & Culture

Taste your way through the rich culinary traditions of China as you create your own menu in Shanghai.

Program Features
  • Homestay
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  • Seoul, South Korea
  • Arts & Culture

Discover the flavors of Korea in Seoul, where royal cuisine, street food, and café culture all come together.

Program Features
  • Group Housing
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  • Paris, France
  • Arts & Culture

Study in Paris, where artists have long found inspiration along its storied streets.

Program Features
  • Group Housing
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Standards-based Study Abroad Curriculum

CIEE Arts & Culture programs align with high school standards, such as the National Core Arts Standards, fostering the development of creative competencies and critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences, expert instruction, and cultural immersion.

Learn more about our educator resources in our High School Educator Hub or download our Arts & Culture programs flyer.