Edinburgh and London
Edinburgh, Scotland London, England

Photography & Culture in the United Kingdom

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Highlights

Career exploration

Creative portfolio

Daily activities and excursions

Hostel/hotel

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Capture striking contrasts in Edinburgh and London, two capitals that offer endless inspiration for a photography portfolio.

From the medieval charm of Edinburgh to the fast-paced energy of London, the United Kingdom is an inspiring blend of old and new. Start your photography journey in Edinburgh, capturing cobbled streets, centuries-old architecture and moody skies. Then, venture to London, where historic landmarks, modern architecture and dynamic streets become compelling subjects for every frame. Whether you're using a DSLR or your phone, you’ll build digital photography skills as you build a personal photography portfolio that reflects your vision and voice alongside other Global Navigators.

Through hands-on workshops, study works by leading photographers and discover the fundamentals of composition. Explore the art of street photography and editing, discuss the ethics behind the lens and shape your unique perspective.

On excursions, travel to the Scottish Highlands to photograph castle ruins and rugged landscapes, and to Oxford, where ivy-covered brick and historic spires await at the world’s oldest university. Your time in the U.K. will help you develop your photographic eye while immersed in the rich culture of two unforgettable cities in northern Europe.

A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future

Explore

Have fun traveling across England and Scotloand's iconic landscapes to find inspiration for your own work.

Network

Meet new friends and professional photographers. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Launch your future today! Train your eye and develop the skills and experience you need to kickstart a career in photography.

Destination
  • Phone booth by the side of the Thames River in London
  • edinburgh-student-group-highlands
  • edinburgh famous landmark

The Destination

Welcome to Edinburgh and London, where centuries of history and enduring cultural heritage make every moment photo-worthy.

In Edinburgh, sweeping landscapes and the looming presence of Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the city since the 11th century, create an atmospheric backdrop for your compositions. In London, experience the contrast of a bustling city where landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London collide with contemporary street art and markets. Wander iconic neighborhoods like Edinburgh’s Old Town and the Royal Mile and London’s elegant Westminster and edgy Shoreditch, and discover how beautiful and diverse each city is.

Taste the cultural differences between these two and brave a bite of haggis (meat pudding) and fresh seafood from the nearby coast in Scotland. Classic British fare, from fish and chips to warm scones with jam and clotted cream, brings the local flavor to life. The vibrant culture of the United Kingdom shines through in both Edinburgh and London, where historic streets, world-class museums and artistic communities provide endless inspiration for finding a unique creative expression through photography.

Cultural Awareness 

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.

 

Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.

Itinerary

Daily Life

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.

  • Breakfast at the hostel/hotel or a local cafe  
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and local activists  
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner at the study center or out in the city

Weekends

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends 

Housing

Hostel/hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

Activities
Edinburgh

Daily Life

  • Get your heart pumping with an easy hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient, extinct volcano that offers panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline.
  • Visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery to explore the faces and stories that have shaped Scotland’s history, from poets and royalty to modern changemakers.
  • Relax at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh, where you can stroll along the promenade, snap seaside photos and experience a different side of the city.
  • Capture your best shots of London’s most iconic landmarks, like Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace, as you explore the capital through your camera lens.
  • Step inside Westminster Abbey, the historic site of royal coronations, weddings, and burials, and uncover centuries of British tradition and architecture.
Testimonials
From CIEE

8 Reasons to Study Art in High School on a Summer Abroad Program

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Studying art is all about developing your creativity and seeing the world in new ways. Did you know you can take your passion abroad and study art in another country... keep reading

From CIEE

How to Apply for Your First Passport

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Prepare early for your study abroad adventure and apply for your first passport. Here’s how!

From CIEE

6 Ways to Help Your Teen Self-Advocate While Studying Abroad

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Let’s look to the future. Your teen is already thousands of miles away from home, on their summer abroad program. They’re facing a challenge, maybe they’re struggling with a host... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

Eligibility 

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria

 

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee  

$25  

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.     

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Blocks IV, V 2026 3 weeks Start Date End Date

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Jacqui Bassett

Center Director

Jacqui is a born and bred Scot from Edinburgh. She has a postgraduate MSc in International Development from the University of Edinburgh and a degree in Psychology from the University of Aberdeen.

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're on step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect with your Teachers or Parents

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about enrolling.

Request Info