7 Best Summer Programs for High School Students

Summer is the perfect time to go beyond the classroom and discover what inspires you. But can you picture doing that AND exploring the world?! 

Imagine sharpening your Spanish skills in Mexico, exploring biodiversity in Costa Rica, or honing your creative writing in Scotland. Pre-college summer abroad programs give high school students the chance to earn credit, build confidence, and explore potential career paths—all while experiencing life in a new culture. 

In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best summer programs for high school students; from hands-on STEM projects to arts, language, and business, there’s something for everyone.

How We Picked These Programs 

Not all summer opportunities are created equal. The programs on this list were chosen because they combine: 

• Strong academics: Each program gives you the chance to earn college credit, build your portfolio, or explore a potential career pathway. 
   
• Safety and support: All programs are run by CIEE with trained Program Leaders and carefully vetted housing (dorms or homestays) to give teens and their parents/legal guardians peace of mind. 
   
• Cultural immersion: We thoughtfully design every program with daily activities and authentic connections within local communities to ensure you gain a deep understanding of the culture, traditions, and values of the region. 
   
• Lasting outcomes: You’ll leave with skills and experiences that strengthen college applications, inspire career goals, and encourage personal growth. 

CIEE high school summer programs blend classroom lessons with hands-on experiences. Each program helps teens learn, grow, and share unforgettable moments with a close-knit cohort of fellow Global Navigators. 

Spanish Language & Mexican Culture in Mérida 

Duration & Dates: 4 weeks 
Housing: Homestay with a local family 

Highlights: 

• Join daily cultural activities that bring language learning to life.
• Experience authentic language and cultural immersion by living with a host family.
• Take part in excursions to cenotes, colonial towns, and Mayan ruins.
• Option to earn college credit. 

Who It’s For: This program is a great pre-college summer program for students who want to advance their Spanish fluency through daily practice and experience Mexico’s mix of modern and Mayan culture. 

Program Overview: Spend a summer in Mérida, one of the safest and most scenic cities in North America. Explore bustling markets, vibrant plazas, and cultural landmarks like The Palace of Music and The Great Museum of the Mayan World. Weekends bring bigger adventures—swim in the crystal-clear water of jungle cenotes, step inside the legendary ruins of Chichén Itzá, and stroll the colorful streets of Yucatán’s pueblos.  

Learn More About the Summer in Mérida Program → 

Monteverde, Costa Rica—Ecology & Sustainability 

Duration & Dates: 3 weeks 
Housing: Dorm-style residence at CIEE Monteverde eco-campus 

Highlights: 

• Work side-by-side with local scientists and conservationists.
• Earn service-learning hours while supporting local communities.
• Explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
• Try outdoor adventures like ziplining and waterfall hikes. 

Who It’s For: Ideal for students passionate about the environment, science, or sustainability seeking a summer filled with outdoor adventure. 

Program Overview: The Monteverde Cloud Forest is your living laboratory. Conduct hands-on field work while you learn to measure carbon stocks, practice sustainable farming, and meet local conservationists. Weekends bring unforgettable adventures like hiking El Tigre waterfalls and exploring Manuel Antonio National Park. 

Learn More About the Summer in Monte Verde Program → 

Rabat, Morocco—Arabic Language & Moroccan Culture 

Duration & Dates: 4 weeks 
Housing: Homestay with a Moroccan family 

Highlights: 

• Improve Arabic in two dialects: Darija and Modern Standard Arabic.
• Take part in daily cultural activities and weekend excursions.
• Explore Morocco’s history and traditions from a local perspective.
• Option to earn college credit. 

Who It’s For: Ideal for students eager to strengthen their Arabic and experience North Africa’s vibrant culture. 

Program Overview: By day, dive into Arabic classes and practice at Rabat’s bustling souks. By night, share mint tea and meals with your host family. Excursions take you to Chefchaouen’s blue streets, Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, and Marrakesh’s famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. 

Learn More About the Summer in Morocco Program → 

Edinburgh, Scotland—Creative Writing & Culture 

Duration & Dates: 3 weeks 
Housing: Dorms in Edinburgh 

Highlights: 

• Build a portfolio showcasing your creative writing work.
• Learn from Scottish writers, poets, and performers.
• Explore Edinburgh’s literary landmarks and cultural events.
• Record your own audio story in a professional studio. 

Who It’s For: Best for aspiring writers who want to sharpen their craft while exploring the rich storytelling culture of Scotland. 

Program Overview: Walk in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson, explore the Royal Mile where early Harry Potter drafts were written, and join storytelling nights with local authors. Outside workshops, discover Edinburgh Castle, hike Arthur’s Seat, and tour Edinburgh Castle. 

Learn More About the Summer in Edinburgh Program → 

Barcelona, Spain—Sports Management & Marketing 

Duration & Dates: 3 weeks 
Housing: Dorms in Barcelona 

Highlights: 

• Explore the business side of global sports.
• Learn from industry experts and entrepreneurs.
• Create a sponsorship business plan with peers.
• Visit iconic sports venues and organizations. 
   

Who It’s For: Perfect for students interested in business, marketing, or sports management who want a behind-the-scenes look at the industry. 

Program Overview: Barcelona’s sports culture is legendary. From FC Barcelona to Olympic venues, you’ll study the business of sports while immersing yourself in Catalonia’s vibrant city life. Add in weekend excursions to beaches and historic towns, and this program is equal parts career exploration and cultural discovery. 

Learn More About the Summer in Barcelona Program → 

Kyoto, Japan—Culinary Arts & Culture 

Duration & Dates: 3 weeks 
Housing: Hostel or hotel 

Highlights: 

• Daily cooking classes with local chefs.
• Create your own Japanese-inspired menu.
• Explore Kyoto’s markets, temples, and bamboo forests.
• Take excursions to Osaka and Tokyo. 

Who It’s For: Designed for students who love food and culture and want hands-on experience in Japanese culinary traditions. 

Program Overview: Step into Kyoto’s kitchens and markets to master dishes from soba noodles to wagashi sweets. Outside the kitchen, visit temples, hike bamboo forests, and explore Kyoto’s kawaii (cute) cafés. Excursions to Osaka’s Universal Studios and Tokyo’s anime neighborhoods bring plenty of fun into the mix! 

Learn More About the Summer in Kyoto Program → 

Prague, Czech Republic—Filmmaking & Storytelling 

Duration & Dates: 3 weeks 
Housing: Hostel or hotel 

Highlights: 

• Learn filmmaking techniques from local experts.
• Create and present your own short film.
• Study Czech cinema and global film history.
• Explore iconic film locations in Prague.   

Who It’s For: Great for students who want to explore filmmaking, storytelling, and media while experiencing life in a historic European city. 

Program Overview: Bring your ideas to life as you storyboard, film, and edit scenes in the “Hollywood of the East.” Prague’s Gothic spires and cobblestone streets become your backdrop while excursions take you into the Czech Republic’s fascinating history. End the program by screening your project at a festival-style event, sharing your work with peers, teachers, and local professionals. 

Learn More About the Summer in Prague Program → 

Why Choose CIEE for High School Summer Abroad? 

CIEE has been providing global summer opportunities for high school students for decades. With expert staff, safe housing, and the largest high school study abroad scholarship fund, CIEE programs balance academics with real cultural immersion. Whether you want to practice a language, dive into sustainability, sharpen your creative skills, or explore global business, there’s a program designed for you. 

Ready to explore more summer programs for high school students? 

Check dates, explore scholarships, and start your application today. Explore all CIEE High School Summer Abroad Programs →