Turn Summer Break into a Learning Experience for Your Teen

Thinking about how your teen will spend their summer? These precious few months off the busy school calendar are an opportunity to learn, have fun, travel, or enjoy time with friends.  

What about an experience that combines it all? CIEE’s educational travel programs for teens offer international learning experiences that are incredibly fun while also building your teen’s skills for high school, college, and beyond. 

Why Educational Travel Matters for Teens 

As adults who’ve had the opportunity for travel know well, the experience of seeing the world is second to none. Giving your teen that chance to experience global education summer programs can open a world of possibilities, from inspiring their future career path to making international connections that last a lifetime. Plus, it looks great on a college application! 

Cultural immersion for teens, when they’re hearing a different language, trying unfamiliar foods, and navigating a city with their peers, empowers them to grow in ways that are difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom setting. Removed from the routines and comfort of home, students learn to rely on themselves, make decisions confidently, and see the world through a wider lens. That shift happens quickly, and for many families, it’s one of the most meaningful outcomes of a summer abroad. 

Here’s what CIEE alumni say they gained from their experience: 

• Improved Communication Skills — 88% —Teens become stronger communicators as they interact with locals, collaborate with peers, and learn to express themselves clearly across cultures.
• Increased Their Self-Confidence — 79% — Stepping into a new country and thriving helps teens trust their abilities and feel more assured in unfamiliar situations.
• Became More Independent — 87% — Managing daily life abroad gives teens a healthy dose of independence and the ability to advocate for themselves.
• Improved Intercultural Awareness and Understanding — 95% — Exposure to new customs and viewpoints helps teens develop deeper cultural awareness, empathy, and respect for global perspectives.
• Gained More Global Experience — 94% — Nearly all alumni say their program broadened their worldview and gave them a better sense of their place in a global community. 

“It was very rewarding to see our daughter complete one of her biggest dreams of getting to know other countries and learn different cultures. I recommend high school summer abroad as the program that helps young people travel and fulfill their dreams!”   

Noe M., Parent of Global Navigator Alum 

How Learning Abroad Works with CIEE High School Summer Abroad 

CIEE’s high school travel programs with academics are built to give teens a meaningful balance of learning, exploration, and fun. Each four-week program combines structured academics with hands-on cultural experiences, all supported by CIEE staff and trusted in-country teams. 

Program Structure 

Learning abroad for high school students is best when it follows a clear academic and experiential framework, helping teens build confidence and stay engaged throughout their time abroad. 

• 3 to 4-week programs designed for depth without overwhelming summer schedules.
• Daily instruction led by local teachers, experts, and highly trained Program Leaders.
• Small-group learning allows teens to ask questions, participate actively, and build confidence.
• CIEE-run centers and dedicated staff offering consistent support and supervision. 

What Students Experience on Program 

Real-world learning for teens means applying new ideas to unique experiences. Each CIEE program includes a wide range of activities that help students connect with their destination, like:  

• Hands-on cultural learning:
• Cooking classes using local ingredients
• Traditional craft workshops
• Visits to markets, plazas, and historic neighborhoods
• Language immersion for teens includes living in a host family and taking structured language classes
• Academic immersion:
• Language practice in real-life settings
• Meetings with community leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, or scientists
• Project-based assignments tied to the program theme
• Cultural excursions:
• Museum visits and architectural tours
• Outdoor adventures like coastal hikes or day trips to neighboring towns
• “Bucket list” experiences are unique to each location, from theme park visits to whitewater rafting
• Meaningful community connection:
• Volunteer opportunities
• Homestay placements with welcoming host families
• Group activities with local teens that build intercultural connections  

Why This Design Works 

This mix of structure, exploration, and guidance creates a summer that feels both fun and educational—exactly the kind of experience that helps teens grow academically and personally. 

• Teens learn by doing, not just listening.
• They build academic skills and experience the excitement of exploring a new environment.
• The structure allows for a safe, enriching summer without sacrificing the fun and freedom teens look forward to.  

To see the full range of options, visit the CIEE High School Summer Abroad homepage or browse all program listings. 

Why Parents Love CIEE’s Summer Programs 

Parents want to know their teen is in good hands while they explore the world, and CIEE’s long history, strong safety standards, and thoughtful program design provide exactly that. With decades of experience and dedicated staff on the ground, families trust CIEE to deliver a summer that’s both enriching and secure. 

• 75+ Years of Expertise: A longstanding leader in international education with deep global partnerships that support meaningful, academically grounded programs.
• Strong Safety Standards: Clear protocols and trained staff in every location keep participants supported and prepared. Learn more on our Safety at CIEE page.
• 24/7 On-the-Ground Support: Program Leaders and in-country staff are available around the clock to assist teens with daily life, academics, and unexpected needs.
• High Academic Quality: Programs are thoughtfully designed with clear learning goals in mind, incorporating hands-on experiences that help teens build skills for high school, college, and beyond.
• Helpful Parent Resources: Get quick answers to common questions in our Parent FAQ Playlist on YouTube. 

Together, these strengths are why so many families trust CIEE to provide a safe, enriching, and unforgettable summer abroad experience for their teen. 

“The entire experience—from applying to accepting to preparing for the trip to the trip itself was so well run! I couldn't be more happy with the overall impact this program had on my teen.”   

John D., Parent of Global Navigator Alum 

Ready to Turn Summer into a Global Learning Adventure? 

If you’re looking for a summer experience that combines travel and education for teens, CIEE is it! From language immersion to hands-on cultural learning, each destination offers something unique—and unforgettable. 

Explore CIEE's High School Summer Abroad programs and help your teen discover the world and themselves.