Introducing 19 New Destinations for CIEE Global Navigator High School Summer Abroad Programs

CIEE High School Summer Abroad is expanding! We’re excited to introduce 19 new CIEE High School Summer Abroad programs, expanding some of our most popular subject areas to exciting new destinations. 

These new locations provide enriching experiences that cater to diverse interests and academic goals, reflecting CIEE’s longstanding commitment to academically aligned programs. With a variety of subjects to choose from, you can explore new cultures while pursuing your interests in exciting environments. 

13 New Arts & Culture Destinations 

Our Arts & Culture programs invite students to explore the world through creativity, expression, and immersive experiences. Starting in 2027, you can foster your talent in these inspiring destinations:  

• Art History & Greek Culture in Athens, Greece: Explore the impact of mythology, history, and government on art as you follow in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in Athens.  
• Art History & Italian Culture in Florence, Italy: Study history through the lens of creative expression in Florence, exploring how religion, politics, and changing ideas about beauty influenced art.
• Art History & Chinese Culture in Shanghai, China: Trace centuries of Chinese art history, exploring foundational concepts and techniques in Chinese art history while examining the influence of modern culture.  
• Culinary Arts & Korean Culture in Seoul, South Korea: Delve into the culinary history of South Korea, preparing traditional dishes and reflecting on their influence on modern cuisine.  
• Culinary Arts & Chinese Culture in Shanghai, China: Explore Chinese cuisines alongside the global influences that have shaped the city’s dynamic food scene for generations in Shanghai.  
• Drawing & Scottish Culture in Edinburgh, Scotland: Hone your skills and find endless inspiration in Edinburgh’s dramatic landscapes, historic architecture, and thriving arts scene.  
• Drawing & French Culture in Paris, France: Deepen your artistic practice and study fine art as both craft and creative expression in Paris, where masterpieces fill museums and inspiration is on every corner.
• Drawing & Moroccan Culture in Rabat, Morocco: Immerse yourself in Rabat, where historic old-city neighborhoods, brilliant, sun-washed light, and Arab, Amazigh, and Andalusian influences inspire at every turn.  
• Fashion Design & Japanese Culture in Tokyo, Japan: Explore fashion as cultural expression in Tokyo, where cutting-edge streetwear, luxury fashion, and centuries-old textile traditions coexist.
• Filmmaking & Storytelling in Auckland, New Zealand: Dive into visual storytelling as you analyze films from across the Asia-Pacific and develop your own characters and narratives.  
• Painting & French Culture in Nice, France: Bring your art to life in Nice, where the Mediterranean light has inspired master painters like Henri Matisse for generations.  
• Photography & Botswanaan Culture in Gaborone, Botswana: Use photography as a storytelling medium in Botswana, where vibrant local life and world-renowned ecosystems exist side-by-side.  
• Photography & Costa Rican Culture in Monteverde, Costa Rica: Hone your photography skills in Monteverde, where misty cloud forests, extraordinary biodiversity, and vibrant Costa Rican culture offer inspiration at every turn. 

New Language and Cultural Immersion Program 

Our Language & Culture programs immerse students in daily life abroad, helping them learn the language through real-world practice. Next summer, you can strengthen your fluency in:  

• Honors Chinese Language & Culture in Shanghai, China: Live fully immersed in the Mandarin language and Chinese culture as you grow your language skills and cross-cultural understanding to the max. 

4 New STEM Opportunities Around the World 

Our STEM programs immerse students in hands-on learning focused on real-world challenges across science, technology, engineering, and more. Beginning in 2027, you can explore your interests in these destinations:  

• Engineering & Automotive in Milan, Italy: Dive into the world of automotive engineering in Milan, home to iconic car brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini.  
• Engineering & Renewable Energies in Shanghai, China: Discover how this international supercity drives innovation in energy and engineering.
• Marine Ecology & Sustainability in Athens, Greece: Immerse yourself in conservation and sustainability projects in the ancient city of Athens, assessing water quality and ecosystem threats.  
• Marine Ecology in Mérida, Mexico: Explore a wide range of aquatic environments in Mérida through expert-led classes, meetings with local ecologists, and immersive experiences. 

New Business-Focused Experience 

Our Business programs invite students to explore how ideas become successful ventures from a global perspective. Starting Summer 2027, you can develop practical business skills studying abroad in:  

• Global Entrepreneurship in São Paulo, Brazil: Shape your business skills in a major global hub by exploring sustainable enterprises and analyzing the role of business infrastructure in supporting innovation. 

Which New Destination Is Right for You? 

After selecting your topic, it’s time to find your ideal location for a summer abroad! Consider your travel goals, your passions, and the exciting places in the world you’d love to discover.  

Use the guide below to compare destinations by program theme and find the location that best fits your interests. 

Whether you're an aspiring artist, engineer, entrepreneur, filmmaker, or language learner, CIEE has a program designed to help you pursue your passions abroad. Explore all High School Summer Abroad options today!