Educational Travel for Teens

Life-Changing Learning Abroad

Our educational travel programs offer more than just fun—they provide a stepping stone to future success. The experiences and skills teens gain can boost their college applications, making them a meaningful investment in your teen’s future.

• Facilitated cultural activities and excursions: Program Leaders and local staff guide students through hands-on cultural experiences that help them apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world contexts.
• Language skill enhancement: In Language & Culture programs, Program Leaders communicate with students exclusively in the target language, encouraging students to practice and improve their proficiency through real-life conversations.
• Personal growth and development:  Students engage in experiences that build their independence, boost their confidence, and develop their global competence, fostering individual and academic growth.

Unforgettable Summer Travel Programs

CIEE Global Navigator high school summer abroad programs take students outside their comfort zone for 3–4 weeks of unforgettable experiences. Rather than just seeing a new culture, they live it—immersing themselves in the local community and forming lifelong, meaningful connections. Your teen will return home with new friends, new skills, a broader worldview, and maybe even earn college credits in high school!

Go Abroad to Get Ahead

Just 2% of U.S. high school students participate in study abroad programs each year. CIEE’s summer travel programs provide a unique opportunity for teens to stand out when applying to college, internships, and jobs!  Students will gain self-confidence, learn to navigate new challenges, and form lasting friendships and experiences that last long after their program ends. 

At CIEE, we oversee every aspect of our programs, from our academic curriculum to the day-to-day details of the participant experience. Unlike other teen summer travel programs, our proprietary, localized curricula align with U.S.-based high school learning standards and focus on student outcomes. 

Educational Benefits of Summer Teen Travel

Teens in our educational travel programs develop deeper proficiency in a foreign language or specific topic through interactive, hands-on classes. They don’t just return with souvenirs, but with valuable credentials, such as certificates, the Seal of Biliteracy, or even college credits.  Our data shows that our participants achieve impressive outcomes in just a few weeks. Outside their comfort zone, teens gain new skills and perspectives to last a lifetime.

• World Language Proficiency – Language & Culture program participants see their language skills soar in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. On average, participants grow in 1 month as much as they would in 1 year of high school in the U.S.
• Personal Growth – Participants gain confidence, independence, maturity, responsibility, and adaptability while forming lifelong friendships.
• Global Competence  – Participants develop a greater appreciation and understanding of cultural differences and similarities in diverse environments. 
• College and Career Readiness – Participants enhance their college and career prospects through one-of-a-kind global education experiences. Our programs have helped students working toward IB credentials launch successful CAS projects, earn college credits, and earn the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

Read more about the value of CIEE Global Navigator programs on our program outcomes page.