Why Study Artificial Intelligence Abroad? Explore AI in Four Global Cities

Artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we learn, work, create, and solve problems. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, knowing how to use it thoughtfully, responsibly, and effectively will become an increasingly valuable skill, no matter what career path you choose.

CIEE’s new AI & Real-World Application High School Summer Abroad programs show you how this technology is being implemented around the world, in both the public and private sectors. Get hands-on experience with AI applications, interact with real-world innovators, and explore some of the world’s most innovative cities. 

Why Study AI Abroad?

Why choose a summer AI program abroad? For starters, AI is largely shaped by the country and culture where it exists. When one of the biggest questions around AI is how it will affect our future—from its regulations to the ethics surrounding its use to the industries where it’s being invested—taking a global look provides the best insight. 

Different countries are finding unique ways to apply this technology based on their local needs, priorities, and challenges. For example, Singapore is exploring AI-powered transportation and urban planning solutions, while Estonia has become a global leader in digital government services. Seeing these innovations firsthand gives you a broader perspective on what AI can accomplish and raises important questions about how technology should serve people in the surrounding communities.

Studying abroad in high school also means stepping outside your comfort zone, meeting students who share your interests, and experiencing a new culture. Immersive travel helps you build valuable skills in collaboration, communication, creative thinking, and problem-solving that will help prepare you for college and future careers.

What You’ll Learn in the AI & Real-World Application Program

CIEE’s AI & Real-World Application programs include learning how to write prompts and generate content with AI—and much more. Through interactive workshops and hands-on projects, you’ll learn to:

• Explore AI fundamentals: Understand how artificial intelligence works and learn about its applications in different industries, including healthcare, education, business, and environmental science.
• Use AI as a creative tool: Experiment with AI to brainstorm ideas, conduct research, analyze information, and develop potential solutions.
• Think critically about technology: Investigate important issues like AI ethics, bias, accuracy, privacy, and responsible use.
• Develop problem-solving skills: Learn how to research complex challenges, consider different perspectives, and test and refine your ideas.
• Collaborate with others: Work alongside fellow Global Navigators and local organizations to explore how technology can address real community needs.

One of the most exciting parts of the program is the opportunity to put your new skills into practice. Working in a team, you’ll connect with a local organization to learn about a challenge it’s facing. Then, you’ll research the issue, brainstorm ideas, and experiment with AI tools to develop a prototype solution.

For example, you might help a youth mentorship organization explore ways to match mentors with students more effectively. Or work with an environmental group to analyze data and identify patterns that could support conservation efforts. Throughout the process, you’ll gather feedback, test your ideas, and make improvements. You’ll also consider the people who might be affected by your solution and whether AI is actually the right tool for the job.

By the end of the program, you’ll present your prototype and explain how your team approached the challenge.

The CIEE program is built on one big idea: AI is a powerful tool, but human creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking are what make it useful.

Explore AI in Four Innovative Global Cities

Where better to explore the future of artificial intelligence than in cities helping shape it?

CIEE offers AI & Real-World Application summer programs in four exciting destinations, each with its own approach to technology and innovation.

Shanghai, China

In Shanghai, AI is moving from research labs into city life. Driverless taxis already serve passengers in the city’s Lin-gang area, while a medical AI testing center works with hospitals to evaluate tools that predict disease and support diagnoses. Studying here puts you in a city experimenting with how AI can change the way people travel and receive care. 

During your time in Shanghai, you’ll visit local innovation spaces and help residents use digital services at a smart community center. Beyond your studies, train with Kung Fu masters, play table tennis at a club founded by Olympic champion Xu Xin, and savor Shanghai’s signature soup dumplings.

London, England

London is home to AI companies developing everything from digital video avatars to tools for designing new medicines. Synthesia helps people create videos using AI avatars, while Isomorphic Labs uses AI to design potential medicines. Studying here means exploring AI in a city where technology, creative industries, and scientific research come together. 

In London, trace computing’s roots at Bletchley Park, then “talk” with AI-powered animal specimens at Cambridge’s Museum of Zoology. Beyond your studies, step into a Stranger Things virtual reality adventure, glide past Cambridge’s historic colleges on a punting trip along the River Cam, and treat yourself to buttery scones with clotted cream.

Singapore, Singapore

In Singapore, AI helps residents report neighborhood problems, connects job seekers with suitable roles, and screens eye scans for signs of disease. As part of its Smart Nation initiative, this small island country is putting AI to work across public services, making it an intriguing place to explore how technology can solve everyday challenges. 

Explore local innovation centers and technology companies, then take your adventures outdoors with treetop rope courses and zip lines at Forest Adventure. Experience Chinese tea traditions in a Chinatown teahouse, spot nocturnal wildlife at Night Safari, and cross into Malaysia for an overnight trip to Melaka’s historic streets and lively Jonker Street Night Market.

Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia is one of Europe’s leaders in digital government. Now, it’s using AI to help residents navigate public services, detect potential tax fraud, and monitor forests and wildlife. Its national AI Leap initiative is also bringing AI tools and training into schools, helping students learn to use the technology critically and responsibly. Studying in Tallinn offers a chance to explore how a country of just 1.4 million people is applying AI to everything from running public services to educating its next generation.

In Tallinn, you’ll join workshops with Estonia’s AI leaders to explore innovation, public policy, and ethics. Wander Tallinn’s medieval streets, explore studios and startups in Telliskivi’s former railway factory, and learn to make kringel cinnamon bread in an Estonian cooking class. At the Song Festival Grounds, discover how music helped Estonians peacefully reclaim their independence.

Ready to Explore the Future of AI?

Artificial intelligence is changing the world, and you can help shape what comes next! Studying AI abroad in high school can help you discover new interests and explore potential career paths.

With CIEE, you’ll gain practical AI skills, collaborate with students who share your curiosity, and experience a new culture—all while tackling real-world challenges.

Ready to get started? Explore CIEE’s AI & Real-World Application programs or browse all High School Summer Abroad programs to find your next adventure!