15 Free International Summer Programs for High School Students

Summer programs offer high school students the opportunity to gain meaningful academic and professional experience. Summer programs for international high school students often provide practical learning, exposure to new fields, and connections with peers and mentors from around the world. As a result, they serve as valuable preparation for your future college studies and career path. 

If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!

Why should I do a summer program in high school?

These programs can help you strengthen academic skills, experience cross-cultural collaboration, and explore potential majors in a supportive environment. Participating in a well-known international summer program can make your college applications stand out if you’re planning to apply to U.S. colleges. Many top universities, research centers, and nonprofit organizations offer fully funded opportunities that allow you to explore subjects such as science, engineering, the arts, entrepreneurship, social sciences, and much more. For international students, free summer programs provide access to global learning experiences that may not be available in your home country. 

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 free summer programs for international high school students, including both in-person and virtual opportunities. 

Quick Look

• 15 free programs total spanning research, coding, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and government-funded international leadership programs, hosted by organizations including MIT, Princeton, the U.S. Department of State, and Girls Who Code

• Several programs are fully funded U.S. government exchange initiatives specifically for American students to travel abroad, including FLEX Abroad, YES Abroad, and the Youth Ambassadors Program, all covering airfare, housing, and a monthly stipend

• RSI at MIT and the National Youth Science Camp are the two most selective research-based programs, each accepting a small, highly competitive cohort from around the world or across U.S. states

• Girls Who Code and TechGirls are the two programs specifically focused on introducing young women to technology and coding, with TechGirls bringing international students to the U.S. and Girls Who Code operating fully virtually

• Ladder Internships and the Lumiere Research Scholar Program are the only fully remote, flexible-schedule options on this list, open to students worldwide without a fixed program location

1. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship Program

Location: Remote or in-office (Philadelphia, PA)

Cost/Stipend: Free; some internships are paid

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies depending on the term

Dates: Spring: February - May, Summer: June - August, Fall: September - December

Application Deadline: Varies depending on the term; typically early February for summer

Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide; U.S. citizenship not required

The FPRI Internship Program offers students the opportunity to explore international affairs through hands-on research and mentorship from policy experts. You will assist with projects related to global security, geopolitics, political trends, and regional studies, including the Middle East, Eurasia, or Asia. You will contribute to data collection, literature reviews, writing projects, and event assistance, building strong analytical and communication skills. The program also offers specialized tracks in communications, digital outreach, operations, and event planning for those interested in policy-adjacent fields. Remote interns gain access to FPRI’s research resources and may submit their work for publication in the Intern Corner. This program provides a practical introduction to foreign policy research and global affairs for motivated international high school students.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote (worldwide access)

Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program; full financial aid available (up to 100%)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts per cycle

Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts (8 - 12 weeks)

Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort (January, May, September, November)

Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10 - 20 hours/week

Ladder Internships connects international students with high-growth startups across fields such as AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, business, journalism, and marketing. You will work directly with founders or project leads on real-world tasks, including market research, data analysis, content development, product design, and strategy projects. Weekly training sessions and cohort workshops help you build skills in communication, teamwork, and project execution. Because the entire program is virtual, students can participate from anywhere in the world. With full financial aid available, the program provides a fully accessible pathway for international students seeking hands-on, career-focused summer experience. Apply now!

3. Girls Who Code 

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: Free

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; large national/international cohort

Dates: SIP Round 1: July 1 - 18 (U.S. citizens only), SIP Round 2: July 28 - August 8 (open to international students), Pathways: June 30 - August 8

Application Deadline: Early: February 28; Regular: April 16

Eligibility: High school girls and non-binary students aged 14 - 18 years; international students may join virtual programs if able to attend U.S.-based time zones

Girls Who Code offers two virtual summer programs – Summer Immersion Program (SIP) and Pathways – that introduce students to computer science through project-based learning. You will learn technical skills in web development, UX/UI design, cybersecurity, and programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. The curriculum combines coding workshops with hands-on assignments that reflect real-world problem-solving in the technology industry. Students collaborate on group projects, meet mentors at major tech companies, and participate in career exploration activities. SIP is an intensive two-week program, while Pathways provides a multi-week, flexible format for students who need more scheduling options. Both programs are entirely free and accessible to international students in select cohorts, making them an inclusive entry point into computing and technology careers.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote; accessible worldwide

Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program; full financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective

Dates: 12-week, 16 - 20 week, or 6 - 12 month options across summer, fall, winter, and spring cohorts

Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort

Eligibility: Current high school students with strong academic achievement

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students worldwide with the opportunity to complete an independent research project under the one-on-one mentorship of a Ph.D.-level mentor. You will work through each step of the research process, including developing a research question, conducting a literature review, designing methodologies, and analyzing data, depending on your chosen field. The program supports research across a wide range of disciplines such as psychology, engineering, physics, economics, international relations, data science, and more. Weekly meetings with your mentor help you refine your ideas and develop strong academic writing and analytical skills. The virtual format makes the program accessible to international students and offers flexible scheduling across multiple seasonal cohorts. By the end of the 12-week track, you will produce a polished research paper demonstrating your ability to engage in sustained academic inquiry. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here. 

5. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP!)

Location: Providence, RI; New Haven, CT; Los Angeles, CA; Berkeley, CA; Palo Alto, CA; Sydney, Australia

Cost/Stipend: Free

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies depending on the campus

Dates: Varies depending on the campus (summer sessions)

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Open to high school students; select campuses also offer middle school programs

The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP!) introduces students to the core fundamentals of entrepreneurship through a hands-on business incubator model. You will work in teams to identify real-world problems, conduct market research, and develop product or service concepts that address community or industry needs. Mentorship from college students and entrepreneurship coaches supports your learning as you refine ideas, analyze costs, and prepare sustainable business plans. Workshops cover core skills including financial modeling, customer discovery, prototyping, and pitching. Each campus concludes with a presentation or showcase where students share their venture ideas with peers and guests. With multiple fully funded sites – including an international campus in Sydney – YEP! provides an accessible introduction to innovation and economic thinking for students worldwide.

6. Boundless – Fidelity Investments

Location: Boston, MA (virtual plus in-person components)

Cost/Stipend: Free

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort

Dates: Virtual sessions in April; in-person job shadowing in spring and summer

Application Deadline: Spring

Eligibility: Female-identifying high school and undergraduate students

Boundless is a free career-exploration and leadership program created by Fidelity Investments to introduce young women to the finance and economics sectors. You will participate in virtual workshops, digital learning modules, and leadership sessions on topics such as personal finance, investing, and economic decision-making. The program provides structured exposure to financial services careers and connects you to Fidelity’s talent network, offering early insight into professional pathways. A key feature of this program is an in-person job shadowing experience in Boston, where participants observe teams working in areas such as asset management, retirement planning, technology, and investment operations. Throughout the program, you will engage with mentors and professionals who share guidance on career development and workplace skills. This experience is ideal for students interested in finance, economics, or business who want a fully funded introduction to the industry.

7. Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) Program

Location: Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Poland

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded by the U.S. Department of State (includes airfare, housing, tuition, visa fees, and a monthly stipend)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited placements per country

Dates: August - June (academic year abroad)

Application Deadline: December 8

Eligibility: U.S. citizens in grades 9 - 12; all GPAs can apply

The FLEX Abroad Program offers American high school students a fully funded academic-year exchange experience in Georgia, Kazakhstan, or Poland. You will live with a host family, attend a local high school, and participate in community and cultural activities that promote cross-cultural understanding. The program includes structured opportunities for community service, leadership development, and language immersion, helping students develop global competencies. You will gain firsthand experience navigating a new culture and educational environment while forming lasting relationships with host families and local peers. FLEX Abroad emphasizes adaptability, cultural awareness, and civic engagement as students serve as ambassadors of mutual understanding. The program is ideal for students seeking a fully funded international exchange with meaningful academic and personal growth opportunities.

8. Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program

Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Ghana; India; Indonesia; Jordan; Malaysia; Morocco; North Macedonia; Senegal; Thailand; Türkiye

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded by the U.S. Department of State (covers airfare, tuition, housing, visa costs, and a monthly stipend)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~65 U.S. students selected annually

Dates: August - June (academic year abroad)

Application Deadline: Typically, November

Eligibility: U.S. high school students and recent graduates aged 15 - 18.5 years at departure

The YES Abroad Program provides U.S. high school students a fully funded, yearlong cultural exchange experience in countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. You will live with a host family, attend a local high school, and participate in service projects and community activities that promote global understanding. The curriculum focuses on cultural immersion, language learning, and leadership development, helping students build adaptability and strong cross-cultural communication skills. You will also engage in enrichment activities hosted by local coordinators, gaining deeper insight into regional history, society, and traditions. As a youth ambassador, you represent the United States abroad while building meaningful relationships with families and peers in your host community. The program is ideal for students seeking a transformative, no-cost international experience.

9. Youth Ambassadors Program – World Learning

Location: Multiple countries across the Western Hemisphere (Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago)

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded by the U.S. Department of State (covers airfare, housing, meals, cultural activities, and program materials)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited spots per exchange cycle

Dates: Three-week exchanges between June - August (varies depending on the country)

Application Deadline: Typically December or January

Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 15 - 18 years with an interest in leadership and civic engagement

The Youth Ambassadors Program offers U.S. students the opportunity to participate in a fully funded, three-week leadership and cultural exchange in partner countries across the Americas. You will participate in workshops on leadership, social innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, while collaborating with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds. The program includes community service projects, homestays with local families, and cultural excursions that build your understanding of the host country’s history and society. Professional mentors guide you through structured activities that strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. After returning home, you can implement a community-based service initiative to apply your new knowledge in a real-world context. This program is ideal for students seeking a short-term, fully funded international experience that combines leadership development with cultural immersion.

10. ICES Global Ambassador – High School Volunteer Program

Location: Local communities across the United States (supports international students worldwide)

Cost/Stipend: Free; community service hours and study abroad scholarships available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; limited ambassadors per community

Dates: Fall and spring semesters (ongoing volunteer role)

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are responsible, outgoing, and interested in cross-cultural exchange

The ICES Global Ambassador Program allows U.S. high school students to support international exchange students and promote cultural understanding in their schools and communities. As an ambassador, you will help welcome visiting students, participate in orientation activities, and support them as they adjust to academic and social life in the United States. You will also take part in community events, cultural showcases, and peer-mentorship activities that encourage intercultural communication and global awareness. The role builds practical skills in leadership, public speaking, and teamwork as ambassadors serve as liaisons between international students and local communities. You will earn community service hours and may qualify for ICES study-abroad scholarships. This volunteer-based program is ideal for students seeking a no-cost, globally focused leadership opportunity.

11. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA

Cost/Stipend: Free (tuition, room, and board fully covered)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; ~100 students worldwide

Dates: June - August (6-week program)

Application Deadline: Typically early January

Eligibility: High school juniors from around the world; seniors are not eligible

The Research Science Institute (RSI) brings together 100 of the world’s most accomplished high school researchers for a fully funded, six-week intensive program hosted at MIT. You will begin with a week of advanced STEM coursework taught by leading professors, covering strong theoretical foundations in mathematics, engineering, and the sciences. After this, students complete a five-week research internship under the mentorship of experienced scientists, working in university labs, research centers, or technology facilities. You will complete the full research cycle – reviewing current literature, designing experiments, collecting data, and writing formal scientific papers. The program concludes with conference-style oral and written presentations, giving you experience communicating complex research findings to expert audiences. RSI’s combination of rigorous academic training and mentored research makes it one of the most competitive and influential free summer programs available to international high school students.

12. TechGirls – U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Location: Various host cities across the United States

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (covers airfare, housing, meals, program materials, and cultural activities)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited cohort from 37 eligible countries

Dates: July 12 - August 3

Application Deadline: October 15 - December 6

Eligibility: High school girls aged 15 - 17 who are citizens of one of the 37 eligible countries/territories and reside there at the time of the program

TechGirls is a fully funded, three-week STEM exchange program that brings international high school girls to the United States for technical training and cultural immersion. You will begin with a technology camp hosted at Virginia Tech, where you participate in hands-on workshops in coding, robotics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. The program then moves to partner cities across the U.S., where you can stay with host families, visit STEM organizations, engage in service projects, and shadow professionals in science and technology fields. Cultural excursions and leadership sessions help to strengthen global awareness, communication, and collaboration skills. After returning home, participants take part in seven months of virtual mentorship and complete a Community Action Project to apply their new skills locally. TechGirls provides a transformative introduction to STEM education, leadership development, and international exchange.

13. Princeton University – AI4ALL

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Cost/Stipend: Free

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective

Dates: July 9 - 30

Application Deadline: April 9

Eligibility: Low-income high school students living in the U.S. or Puerto Rico who are rising 11th graders

Princeton AI4ALL is a fully funded summer program designed to introduce students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds to artificial intelligence. You will take part in faculty-led lectures, hands-on workshops, and project-based research exploring machine learning, AI ethics, algorithmic fairness, and real-world applications. You will work in a small-group research team, led by Princeton graduate students, designing and implementing an AI project that concludes in a final presentation. The program also includes mentoring sessions and personal development workshops to support your academic and professional growth. A signature feature is the field trip to Washington, D.C., where you will meet policymakers and technologists working at the intersection of AI and public interest. This program provides a rigorous and accessible pathway into computer science and artificial intelligence for eligible students.

14. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) 

Location: Remote, in-person, and hybrid options (George Mason University, VA)

Cost/Stipend: Free; $25 application fee (can be waived based on financial need)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; mentors choose a small number of interns each cycle

Dates: June 18 - August 12 (8-week full-time program)

Application Deadline: December 8 - February 15

Eligibility: Remote interns: 15+ years by June 18 | In-person/hybrid (computer labs): 15+ years | In-person/hybrid “wet labs”: 16+ years | international students may apply | some research labs may be restricted

ASSIP provides high school students with immersive summer research experiences across  scientific fields such as neuroscience, machine learning, molecular biology, environmental science, psychology, engineering, astrophysics, and more. You will work one-on-one with a faculty mentor or researcher, participating in real research projects using advanced tools, computational pipelines, and laboratory techniques, depending on your placement. The program is full-time and mirrors a professional research environment, with interns expected to work standard weekday hours while contributing to experiments, data analysis, scientific writing, and literature review. Weekly seminars, discussion forums, and career development sessions help you build professional skills while exploring STEM pathways. The internship concludes with a final poster session where students present their research to faculty, peers, and families. Many ASSIP interns go on to publish their work, present at conferences, or continue their research beyond the summer.

15. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)

Location: Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia; includes travel to Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (covers housing, meals, transportation, and program supplies)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; two delegates per U.S. state plus international delegates

Dates: July 10 - August 2

Application Deadline: March 7 (most locations); March 3 for California

Eligibility: High school students nominated by their states or selected as international delegates; must be able to participate fully

The National Youth Science Camp is a prestigious, fully funded residential STEM program designed for rising leaders from the U.S. and select countries in the Western Hemisphere. You will attend daily lectures from world-class scientists, work on in-depth directed studies, and take part in hands-on STEAM workshops taught by expert facilitators. The camp emphasizes exploration and discovery, offering seminars on diverse topics and immersive outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, caving, and kayaking in West Virginia’s mountains. Delegates travel to Washington, D.C. for museum visits, science panels, and meetings with policymakers, connecting scientific learning to real-world contexts. Throughout the program, you build strong connections with peers, participate in mentorship sessions, and gain exposure to emerging STEM fields. NYSCamp’s combination of academic rigor, adventure, and cultural exchange makes it one of the most selective and enriching free summer programs available worldwide.

Questions Students Often Ask About Global Internship Programs

1. Several of these programs, like FLEX Abroad and YES Abroad, are for U.S. citizens traveling to other countries. Are there any programs here for international students who want to come to the U.S.?

Yes, a few programs specifically bring international students to the United States. TechGirls brings high school girls from 37 eligible countries to the U.S. for a three-week STEM exchange based partly at Virginia Tech. The ICES Global Ambassador Program is different in structure, since it's U.S. students supporting incoming international exchange students, so it's a good way to build cross-cultural connections if you're a U.S. student rather than traveling abroad yourself.

2. I'm interested in research specifically. How do I decide between RSI, Princeton AI4ALL, and Lumiere?

It depends on your focus area and how independent you want the research to be. RSI at MIT is the most broad and prestigious, covering STEM fields generally, and is extremely competitive with only about 100 students accepted worldwide. Princeton AI4ALL is narrower, focused specifically on artificial intelligence, and is designed for low-income students who are rising 11th graders in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. Lumiere is the most flexible, letting you choose your own topic across any discipline and pairing you one-on-one with a mentor rather than placing you in a larger cohort, making it a strong option if you want to design your own research question.

3. A lot of these are extremely competitive or have narrow eligibility, like being tied to specific countries or income levels. What if I don't qualify for any of the selective options?

Ladder Internships and the Lumiere Research Scholar Program are both open broadly to any high school student worldwide, with full financial aid available, making them accessible even if you don't meet the specific eligibility criteria for the government-funded exchange programs or income-restricted options like Princeton AI4ALL. Girls Who Code's Pathways program is also open enrollment for eligible students and doesn't require the same level of prior achievement as programs like RSI or the National Youth Science Camp.