The best countries for high school summer programs abroad are safe, accessible and will leave students with lasting memories and life-changing experiences. Countries like Spain, Japan and Costa Rica excel in these areas, making them top choices for a transformative summer experience.
Since my first trip abroad during high school nearly a decade ago, I have traveled to 30 countries around the world. I am happy I didn’t visit some of them as a high school student. I would not have been ready to navigate the chaotic streets of Cairo, nor appreciate the challenges of exploring India.
Choosing the best country for high school summer programs abroad is an important decision to ensure the best possible experience. In this guide we will help pick out the best countries around the world for your next summer adventure abroad.
In this guide, we’ll look at:
What Makes a Country a Good Destination for a Summer Program Abroad?
The three essential factors that make a country a good destination for a summer program abroad are: Safety, Program Availability and Affordability. Summer programs abroad are about the experience, the destination is only the backdrop. Every country can be a great destination, but you need to be safe, there needs to be programs available and those programs need to fit your budget.
We researched the most popular countries for summer programs abroad and scored each of them out of 100. Here is how we broke down the scores:
Safety
Safety of a high school student on a summer program abroad should always be a top priority. We get it, traveling abroad can be scary for a teenager or their parents. The safety ultimately depends on the measures of the program provider. Make sure to ask the tough questions about safety before registering for a program.
Most parents jump right to safety risks like crime, natural disasters and major health risks. In reality common incidents on summer programs abroad tend to be one of two things:
- stomach problems
- bug bites
To measure the safety score of popular summer program destinations we gathered data from the World Trade Index safety ranking for travelers which looks at transport, crime-free, disease-free, sanitation and disaster-free.
Here are the top five safest countries for travelers according to the World Travel Index:
| Country | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Norway | 97 |
| Sweden | 95 |
| Iceland | 94 |
| Denmark | 92 |
| Singapore | 91 |
»Have questions about safety on programs? Schedule a call with our expert travel advisors
Program Availability
It’s tough to go to a country when there aren’t many programs available. The best programs are competitive and it’s best to book a summer program abroad as soon as possible to guarantee your top choice.
Popular destinations like Spain have dozens of providers offering programs with multiple sessions available. Other, less popular destinations like Laos or Jamaica only have one or two programs readily available.
To rank the availability of programs we analyzed the number of program offerings available for each country on Go Overseas which aggregates information and reviews of programs abroad for students. We then gave each country a score out of 100 based on its availability compared to other countries. Here are the top five countries with the most programs available:
| Country | Availability Score | % of Available Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 97 | 7.04% |
| England | 93 | 6.36% |
| France | 90 | 5.79% |
| Costa Rica | 90 | 5.68% |
| Italy | 86 | 4.99% |
**Program counts were accessed from available listings as of 08/15/2024 on GoOverseas.
Affordability
So the country is safe, there are programs available, and now the program needs to fit your budget to be affordable. The main costs of a summer program abroad for high school students are the program fee and the airfare to and from the destination.
To measure the affordability score of popular countries, we aggregated over 400 programs for high school students from 14 different providers. Then, we found the median airfare for a roundtrip flight from both Los Angeles and New York City in July based on Google Flight Trends. Finally, we combined this information to score each country’s affordability out of 100.
Here are the top five most affordable countries for a summer program abroad for high school students:
| Country | Affordability | Avg Daily Cost | Primary Airport | Median Flight Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAX | JFK | ||||
| Mexico | 96 | $200 | Mexico City | $360 | $570 |
| Argentina | 87 | $228 | Buenos Aires | $935 | $975 |
| Spain | 82 | $277 | Madrid | $915 | $715 |
| Canada | 81 | $328 | Toronto | $275 | $238 |
| Costa Rica | 79 | $325 | San José | $423 | $395 |
**Average program fees are based on accessing programs of various providers as of 08/15/2024. Flight costs are the median costs of the typical round trip flight in July based on Google Flights Trends.
»Learn more about scholarships and financial aid for summer programs.
Best Countries for Summer Programs for High School Students Abroad
The best countries for summer programs for high school students abroad are countries in Europe like England, Spain and France. European countries are safe, widely accessible and have similar cost of living as the U.S., making them great options for high school students looking for their first experience abroad.
For the adventurous student that wants something a bit different from Europe, there are plenty of great countries in the Americas, Asia and Oceania that are excellent choices as well. Countries like our friendly neighbor up north, Canada, Costa Rica in Central America or Singapore in Asia, will all offer unique experiences.
5 Top Countries for Summer Programs Abroad in Europe
#1 United Kingdom (England)
Total Score: 87
Safety: 89; Availability: 93; Affordability: 72
Best For:
Summer Study Abroad
#2 Spain
Total Score: 87
Safety: 82; Availability: 97; Affordability: 82
Best For:
Summer Study Abroad, Language Immersion, Cultural Immersion
#3 France
Total Score: 85
Safety: 85; Availability: 90; Affordability: 76
Best For:
Cultural Immersion, Language Immersion
#4 Ireland
Total Score: 81
Safety: 90; Availability: 68; Affordability: 79
Best For:
Summer Study Abroad
#5 Germany
Total Score: 81
Safety: 88; Availability: 68; Affordability: 79
Best For:
Summer Study Abroad, Conservation, Adventure
5 Top Countries for Summer Programs Abroad Outside of Europe
#1 Canada
Total Score: 79
Safety: 84; Availability: 69; Affordability: 81
Best For:
Summer Study Abroad, Cultural Immersion
#2 Singapore
Total Score: 78
Safety: 91; Availability: 61; Affordability: 69
Best For:
Summer Study Abroad
#3 Costa Rica
Total Score: 77
Safety: 68; Availability: 90; Affordability: 79
Best For:
Service Learning, Conservation, Adventure
#4 Japan
Total Score: 76
Safety: 80; Availability: 75; Affordability: 75
Best For:
Language Immersion, Cultural Immersion
#5 Australia
Total Score: 74
Safety: 83; Availability: 69; Affordability: 60
Best For:
Service Learning, Conservation
Ranking of Most Popular Countries for Summer Programs Abroad for High School Students
| Country | Region | Total | Safety | Availability | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | Europe | 87 | 89 | 93 | 72 |
| Spain | Europe | 87 | 82 | 97 | 82 |
| France | Europe | 85 | 85 | 90 | 76 |
| Ireland | Europe | 81 | 90 | 68 | 79 |
| Germany | Europe | 81 | 88 | 73 | 74 |
| Denmark | Europe | 80 | 92 | 64 | 75 |
| Norway | Europe | 79 | 97 | 62 | 61 |
| Italy | Europe | 79 | 79 | 86 | 69 |
| Canada | North America | 79 | 84 | 69 | 81 |
| Sweden | Europe | 79 | 95 | 63 | 61 |
| Netherlands | Europe | 78 | 90 | 65 | 69 |
| Austria | Europe | 78 | 89 | 63 | 74 |
| Singapore | Asia | 78 | 91 | 61 | 69 |
| Switzerland | Europe | 77 | 91 | 68 | 57 |
| Costa Rica | Central America | 77 | 68 | 90 | 79 |
| Czech Republic | Europe | 76 | 86 | 64 | 71 |
| Portugal | Europe | 76 | 83 | 64 | 76 |
| Japan | Asia | 76 | 80 | 75 | 68 |
| Iceland | Europe | 76 | 94 | 61 | 52 |
| Belgium | Europe | 75 | 88 | 62 | 61 |
| Australia | Oceania | 74 | 83 | 69 | 60 |
| South Korea | Asia | 72 | 76 | 68 | 70 |
| New Zealand | Oceania | 71 | 82 | 64 | 56 |
| Argentina | South America | 71 | 68 | 66 | 87 |
| Hungary | Europe | 70 | 81 | 60 | 54 |
| Greece | Europe | 69 | 74 | 67 | 60 |
| China | Asia | 68 | 60 | 78 | 71 |
| Peru | South America | 65 | 56 | 74 | 76 |
| Mexico | North America | 65 | 53 | 63 | 96 |
| Thailand | Asia | 62 | 54 | 75 | 66 |
| South Africa | Africa | 60 | 51 | 67 | 70 |
| Vietnam | Asia | 60 | 55 | 64 | 65 |
| India | Asia | 58 | 48 | 64 | 74 |
| Indonesia | Asia | 58 | 52 | 62 | 67 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a country the best choice for a high school summer abroad?
The best countries balance safety, strong program availability, and affordability. This mix lets students focus on learning, cultural awareness, and personal growth while parents feel confident about supervision and support.
Which countries are safest for high school students?
Countries that score high on traveler safety metrics include Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, and Singapore. Pair a safe destination with a trusted provider and clear safety protocols for the best experience.
Which countries are most affordable for summer programs?
Affordable picks often combine moderate program fees with reasonable flights. Based on typical pricing, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Canada, and Costa Rica are strong options for families watching total cost.
Which countries offer the most study abroad programs for teens?
Popular destinations with many study abroad programs include Spain, England, France, Costa Rica, and Italy. More program choice means more dates, themes, and durations to fit your summer plan.
Is Europe better for first-time travelers?
Europe is a strong starting point because of reliable infrastructure and familiar amenities. Countries like England, Spain, and France support a smooth summer study abroad program while still offering rich cultural heritage.
What housing options are common, and how do host families work?
Programs may use host families, student residences, or group lodges. Host families help students practice a new language, connect with the local community, and build cultural awareness through daily life.
Can students improve language skills during a summer program?
Yes. Language immersion programs build speaking confidence through classes, daily practice, and field trips. Students can grow Spanish language skills in Spain or learn another new language in destinations that match their goals.
Do programs include community service or leadership training?
Many study abroad programs feature community service and guided activities that build leadership skills, global awareness, and teamwork. These experiences support personal growth that continues after the trip ends.
Are these the same as exchange programs?
Some options are exchange programs with host families, while others are group travel or classroom-based study abroad programs. Review housing, supervision, and academic elements to choose the format you prefer.
When is the best time to go, and which grade levels fit?
Most students travel the summer after sophomore or junior year. This timing offers maturity for travel and time to apply lessons to academics, service activities, or college planning.
Do I need a visa or special documents?
Requirements vary by country and citizenship. Plan for a valid passport, possible visa, and any health documents your destination needs. Confirm details with the provider and the destination’s official guidance before booking.
How were the rankings in this guide created?
We combined three factors: safety indicators for travelers, program availability based on public listings, and affordability using average program fees plus median round-trip airfare from major U.S. gateways. This method highlights countries that are safe, accessible, and budget aware.
Conclusion: Choose the best country for a high school summer abroad
The right country sets you up for a successful high school summer abroad. Safe destinations with strong program availability and good value let students focus on learning, friendship, and exploration.
Many study abroad programs include options that match different goals. A summer study abroad program can emphasize language skills and cultural awareness. Other study abroad programs focus on community service and leadership skills that help you grow beyond the classroom.
Some exchange programs place students with host families so they can experience daily life in the local community. This setting builds global awareness and respect for a rich cultural heritage. It also gives students more chances to practice a new language with native speakers.
Field trips bring lessons to life. Museums, markets, and nature reserves turn theory into practice. Students can build Spanish language skills in Spain, or develop Japanese or French in other locations. Each country offers a unique path to personal growth.
Timing matters. Many students choose the summer after sophomore or junior year to travel. A clear plan, a realistic budget, and a trusted provider make the experience smoother and more rewarding.
Ready to compare options for your study abroad trip? Explore programs by country, look at safety and affordability, and decide how you want to learn. Choose the destination that supports your goals and helps you become a more confident, capable traveler.
Browse high school summer abroad programs and find a study abroad destination that fits your interests and budget.