8 Study Abroad Art Programs for High School Students
Study abroad art programs offer high school students a solid opportunity to grow creatively while picking up practical skills along the way. You get to work on projects, meet creators, and even work with professional artists. Participating in a study abroad art program can also help you stand out in the college application process, especially if you plan to major in art.
Many top schools and organizations offer these courses. Through these programs, you’ll have the chance to experience new cultures, develop confidence in your own voice, and network with like-minded peers. Additionally, participating in these courses can enhance your college application portfolio, making it more impressive. To make it easier for you to choose, we have selected 8 study abroad art programs for high school students!
8 Study Abroad Art Programs for High School Students
1. Immerse Education’s Fine and Digital Art Track
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
The Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. The Fine and Digital Art track is designed to deepen your understanding and spark creativity in the arts. Participants engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. You can find more details about the application here!
2. Nebrija Arts & Humanities Institute – Creativity Camp
Location: Madrid, Spain
Cost: Not publicly specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: 2 weeks in June
Eligibility: 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students
Nebrija’s Creativity Camp offers high school students a two-week summer art immersion experience in Madrid. Here, you will explore a mix of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, character design, art history, fashion culture, performance, and video. Under the guidance of university-level instructors, you get to work on both observational and creative design projects. These projects include sketching urban landscapes and classical masterpieces, designing characters inspired by mythology, and creating fashion-inspired art and multimedia work. This program combines immersive experiences with studio work, offering you both technical art training and exposure to one of Europe’s richest art capitals.
3. CIEE — High School Summer Abroad
Location: Florence, Italy
Cost: $6,950
Application Deadline: January 21
Program Dates: June 16 – July 6
Eligibility: Students aged 14 and above who are current high schoolers
CIEE’s High School Summer Abroad provides 3 to 4-week immersion programs in over 40 destinations around the world, such as Florence, Italy. Participants can explore culture, language, the arts, social change, STEM, and leadership while living abroad. Depending on the track you choose, you can take arts and culture courses where you stay with host families or in secure housing. Alongside hands-on projects in your chosen focus, you get to participate in excursions and interact with locals. This is a decent opportunity to boost language and cultural competence.
4. Leo Marchutz’ Painting in Provence
Location: Aix-en-Provence, France
Cost: $8,950
Application Deadline: Rolling until May 1
Program Dates: June 13 – July 18
Eligibility: High school students 16 years old and up
Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing offers a five-week summer art program in France. “Painting in Provence”: High School Summer Program takes place in Aix-en-Provence, France. This is a strong option for students seeking an immersive painting and drawing experience inspired by the picturesque landscapes of southern France. You work daily in studio and outdoor settings, focusing on painting and drawing fundamentals. You also participate in creative writing seminars and visit museums and cultural sites.
5. Florence University of the Arts – SAI
Location: Florence, Italy
Cost: $7,500
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 29 – July 17 | July 20 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 with a minimum 3.0 GPA
SAI Programs in Florence offer high school and pre-college students the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. The program is run in partnership with institutions such as the American University of Florence and the Florence University of the Arts. You can take courses in fine arts, digital and studio arts, fashion, interior design, art history, and other creative fields. Alongside your peers, you can participate in studio work, art courses, and citywide excursions. This program is worth considering if you’re looking to build a strong portfolio and gain international exposure to strengthen your competitive student profile.
6. RUFA Creative Summer Camp
Location: Rome University of Fine Arts, Rome, Italy
Cost: €1,250
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary
Program Dates: June 22 – July 3 | July 6 – July 17
Eligibility: Students aged 16 years old and above
RUFA’s Creative Summer Camp provides an international summer art experience in Rome, featuring English-taught courses in painting, design, photography, film, art history, and multimedia arts. During the 2-week session, participants explore drawing, gesture-drawing, painting techniques, photography, filmmaking, design labs, and various creative projects. The program’s location in Rome offers an inspiring environment enriched with both historical and modern artistic influences. This is a solid choice for high school students seeking a compact study-abroad art program that blends traditional fine art techniques with modern creative media.
7. IBWISE Young Artists in Residence
Location: Vienna, Austria
Cost: €1,250 tuition + additional housing fees
Application Deadline: Not clearly listed
Program Dates: July 30 – August 2
Eligibility: Students aged 16 – 19
IBWISE's Young Artists in Residence camp is a four-day intensive program designed for students passionate about performing and visual arts. Throughout the camp, participants enjoy dedicated studio time to work on their visual arts projects. Additionally, they will join excursions to Vienna’s museums and art venues. The experience concludes with an exhibition where students can showcase their skills. Over the 4 days you’ll spend here, YAIR offers a compact yet comprehensive international study-abroad art program.
8. Parsons Academy Paris Summer Intensive Studies
Location: Paris, France
Cost: $9,699
Application Deadline: March 3
Program Dates: June 28 – July 19
Eligibility: High school students entering their Junior or Senior year or recent graduates; ages 16–18 (Minimum 2.75 GPA required)
Parsons Paris offers a summer pre-college program for high school students aged 16-18, featuring a variety of classes in art, design, painting, photography, and fashion. The program emphasizes small class sizes, practical projects, and instruction and critique from experienced teachers. It provides an introduction to art school pedagogy with a global outlook. In addition to studio work, students will explore European art and culture. The Paris Summer Intensive Studies program is a strong opportunity to develop portfolio pieces, gain industry-relevant skills, and connect with peers and mentors worldwide.
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