15 Summer Abroad Programs for High School Students
Summer abroad programs are a great way for high school students to get life experience, pick up useful skills, and gain exposure to different cultures. These programs go beyond classroom learning by giving you a chance to get industry exposure through internships, projects, and professional networking in global centers. Summer abroad programs can also give you valuable experiences to write about in your college application essays.
We’ve narrowed down our list to the top 15 summer abroad programs for high school students. These programs can enhance your personal growth and set you up for future academic success. If you want to make your resume more attractive, figure out what career to follow, or gain new knowledge, then these programs may be a good fit for you.
1. University of Oxford – Saïd Business School Teen Technology & Innovation Summer Academy
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; roughly 40 students per cohort
Location: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, UK
Cost: £8,995 (approx. $11,244) for the all-inclusive 14-day residential program; Financial aid is available
Dates: July 1 – 14
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions; Early application is strongly encouraged as space is limited
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
This intensive program offers high school students an introduction to the concepts of technology, business, and entrepreneurship within the historic environment of Oxford. You will engage with advanced business school faculty and industry experts, gaining perspective on how technology drives modern markets. The program is designed to develop your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects, giving you a solid foundation if you plan to study a Business or STEM field at the university level. You can explore concepts related to venture capital, intellectual property, and business strategy through a team project where you come up with a pitch for a tech-sector business solution.
2. Immerse Education’s London Internship 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 you explore careers in major global industry hubs. The London track is designed to help you explore careers in fields such as banking and finance, medicine, engineering, and journalism, among others. You will engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person 1:1 career coaching sessions every week. There will also be 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!
3. University of Cambridge – Pre-University Summer Programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment but selective based on academic standing
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Cost: ~£5,600 (~$7,100)
Dates: July 7 – August 3
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until filled; typically closes in May
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18
The University of Cambridge’s Institute of Continuing Education offers a summer program that gives you a glimpse of undergraduate life at one of the world's leading universities. You will select from a wide range of subjects, including business, sustainability, and international relations, taught by Cambridge academics. You will be involved in small group supervisions, an essential feature of the Cambridge teaching system, which encourages critical thinking and discussion. The timetable combines intense academic sessions with trips to London and cultural activities in the ancient college grounds.
4. London School of Economics (LSE) – Pre-University Summer School
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Large cohorts, but individual classes are capped
Location: London, United Kingdom
Cost: £4,150 (~$5,270) per session
Dates: July 7 – 18 (Session 1); July 21 – August 1 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; early application advised due to high demand
Eligibility: Students aged 15 or older by the start of the program
LSE offers summer courses that mirror undergraduate‑level study in areas such as business, economics, data analytics, law, and management. You will have faculty lectures, seminars, and assessed work such as exams or written assignments. You’ll engage in modules that often require prior academic preparation, attend classes in small tutorial‑style groups, and participate in discussions alongside students from various other countries. The program includes workshops to develop your professional skills and digital badge opportunities that provide exposure to industry‑relevant frameworks, such as entrepreneurship, data science, and global markets. Living and studying in London gives you access to a major international business hub and allows you to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds in a university environment.
5. Imperial College London – Global Summer School
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: London, United Kingdom
Cost: £7,260 (~$9,220)
Dates: July 1 – 13 (Round 1); August 5 – 17 (Round 2)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; typically closes in May
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 with a strong STEM background
In the Imperial College London Global Summer School, you will study specialized science or engineering topics such as physics, data science, or biomedical engineering through daily lectures and interactive workshops. You’ll engage in team projects that focus on solving real‑world problems and present your findings in a professional setting. Part of the program includes on-site visits to sector hubs in London, enabling you to see how science is used in business and research. You will also be closely working with tutors and fellow students during the entire two-week period, getting constant feedback and assistance throughout the program. By enrolling in this program, you will get a taste of the STEM curriculum at the university and determine whether it is a suitable option for you.
6. University of Toronto – Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Registration-based; highly popular
Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost: ~$1,600 CAD (~$1,150 USD) per week
Dates: July 7 – August 1 (Weekly courses)
Application Deadline: Registration opens in February; spots fill quickly
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 with high aptitude in math and science
In the Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program at the University of Toronto, you’ll study key topics in physics, engineering, and technology through lectures and laboratory work. You will work with peers on group projects that require applying engineering concepts to solve practical challenges. Additionally, the program features mentoring by university faculty and graduate students, who’ll provide you with one-on-one support in developing your problem-solving skills and engineering knowledge. As a residential student, you’ll stay in the university dormitories and can make use of the university spaces such as labs and libraries.
7. University of Toronto – Global Citizenship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost: ~$6,500 CAD (~$4,680 USD)
Dates: July 6 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admission; spots fill quickly
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18
The University of Toronto’s Global Citizenship Program is for high school students who want to work in the fields of international leadership, business, and global affairs. You will engage in a seminar-style learning to explore complex global challenges, developing critical thinking and communication skills necessary for future leadership roles. The curriculum frequently has modules on international business and sustainability, along with guest lectures and workshops that help in collaborative problem-solving. You will live in university dormitories and take part in a comprehensive cultural program that helps you understand the diversity of Toronto.
8. University of Toronto – Medicine Youth Summer Program (Med YSP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; caps at ~100 students per module
Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost: ~$3,000 CAD (~$2,160 USD) per module
Dates: July 7 – August 1 (1-week modules)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; registration typically opens in January
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12
The Med YSP offers you an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a medical student at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. You will conduct experiments in state-of-the-art laboratories, learning techniques such as DNA extraction, suturing, and dissecting. Each week focuses on a different specialty, such as molecular biology, physiology, or pharmacology, taught by graduate students and medical professionals. The program provides a realistic look at medical education and career paths, helping you decide if this demanding field is right for you.
9. University of Toronto – Law Youth Summer Program (Law YSP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Registration-based
Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost: ~$2,500 CAD (~$1,800 USD) per module
Dates: July 7 – August 8 (1-week modules)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; registration typically opens in January.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12
This program, presented by the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto, offers high school students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Canadian legal system through lectures and mock trials. With the help of law students and legal practitioners, you will dissect complicated court cases in different areas of law, such as criminal law, international justice, and corporate law. The program focuses on skills of advocacy, legal writing, and critical thinking, and ends with a mock trial in an actual court. This hands-on approach gives you a tangible understanding of the legal profession and strengthens the public speaking skills essential for law school.
10. Temple University Japan – High School Summer Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited to ~50 students
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost: ¥460,000 JPY (~$3,000)
Dates: July 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: Mid-May
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Temple University Japan (TUJ) offers a unique summer abroad experience at an American-accredited university in Asia. You will choose from academic tracks such as International Business, Art, or International Affairs, combining classroom lectures with field trips to Tokyo’s cultural and commercial hubs. The program is designed to introduce you to the college experience in a global city, featuring lectures from TUJ faculty and interaction with current university students. This is a good option if you want to experience life in Japan while remaining in an English-language academic environment.
11. HEC Paris – Youth Leadership Initiative
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: Paris (Jouy-en-Josas campus), France
Cost: €3,000 (~$3,180)
Dates: July 21 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
Hosted by one of Europe’s leading business schools, this residential program is designed to help high school students develop essential 21st-century leadership skills. These modules will equip you with the skills of effective communication, leading diverse teams, and managing complex projects through a combination of lectures, workshops, and outdoor team-building exercises. The curriculum is practical and experiential in nature, encouraging you to go beyond your comfort zone and acquire self-confidence in a friendly and accommodating environment. Living on the HEC campus provides a focused setting where you can network with peers from around the world and gain insight into top-tier European business education.
12. National University of Singapore (NUS) – Youth Programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Capped intake; early application advised
Location: Singapore
Cost: ~$3,000 SGD (~$2,250 USD)
Dates: June 15 – July 15 (Multiple sessions)
Application Deadline: Late March or April
Eligibility: Students aged 15–19
This two-week program at Asia’s top-ranked university invites students to experience the "NUS College" curriculum, known for its interdisciplinary and rigorous approach. You will select "taster" courses from fields such as Computing, Physics, or Psychology while participating in a unique "Impact Experience" (IEx) project that addresses real-world social issues. The timetable is loaded with faculty lectures, outings to Singapore's tech and cultural hubs, and group work for collaboration. In University Town, where you’ll stay on campus, you would be completely immersed in the lively student life of Singapore, making it a smooth transition from high school to the next level of university.
13. ESADE – International Business Experience
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Cost: ~€4,640 (~$4,900) (includes tuition + accommodation/activities)
Dates: June 29 – July 12 (2 weeks) or extended 4-week options
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students aged 15–17
In the International Business Experience at ESADE, you’ll learn to define, develop, and pitch a business idea through a mix of lectures, workshops, and team‑based business challenges. You’ll engage with company case studies, attend lectures from experienced business school instructors, and work on real‑world projects. The program also includes mentorship from business professionals and the opportunity to present your findings in a business‑school environment. Living and studying in Barcelona, you’ll gain insight into global business practices and networks in one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
14. Bocconi University – Summer School for High School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: Milan, Italy
Cost: €1,700 Tuition + ~€1,600 Housing (~$3,465 Total)
Dates: June 30 – July 11
Application Deadline: Late April
Eligibility: Students in their penultimate or final year of high school
Located in Milan, this program allows you to customize your curriculum by selecting two distinct academic "labs" based on your interests. Your options range from Luxury and Fashion Management to Game Theory and Computer Science, all taught directly by university faculty. You will apply theoretical concepts through interactive group projects and simulations of real business scenarios. The schedule includes site visits to leading Italian companies and institutions, offering insight into professional environments in the finance and design sectors. You will conclude the program by presenting your project work to peers and professors. This course serves as a rigorous preview of the academic expectations at a leading European university.
15. University of St. Gallen – Summer School in Switzerland
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small class sizes
Location: St. Gallen, Switzerland
Cost: CHF 3,750 (~$4,220)
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students aged 17+ (younger students with outstanding profiles considered)
This "Smart Business" program focuses on the "Hidden Champions" of the Swiss economy, niche companies that lead global markets. You will examine business strategies related to sustainability, luxury management, and entrepreneurship through interactive seminars and case studies. The program is distinguished by the various trips to big Swiss companies like Lindt & Sprüngli or Stadler Rail to see the production and strategy live. You will work in teams to figure out how companies compete by innovation and quality instead of price. The program ends with a final group presentation as a real-life example of your analytical skills.
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