Summer programs for high school students abroad offer transformative growth opportunities – from volunteering with elephants in Thailand to exploring ancient ruins in Greece. These programs range from a few weeks to an entire summer and cater to diverse interests through cultural immersion, community service, and language learning experiences.
My first high school trip abroad completely changed my life’s direction. Since that pivotal summer experience, I’ve traveled to 30 countries and spent seven years living and working in South Korea.
That initial international experience taught me essential life skills, prepared me for college, and opened my eyes to a world far beyond my American suburban community.
Participating in a summer program abroad during high school can be truly life-changing. This guide will help you navigate the key factors in selecting and preparing for the right program to set you or a teenager in your life up for an unforgettable 2025 summer adventure.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at:
How Much Do Summer Programs for High School Students Abroad Cost?
Summer programs for high school students abroad cost between $2,000 and $15,000, depending on the location, program type and what is included. For a one to three week summer program, the average cost per day is $370, which includes everything except the airfare to the destination.
A week-long program to the Dominican Republic can cost $2,595 plus airfare, while a month-long summer study abroad program in Northern Italy can cost $12,000 before flights.
The cost of a summer program for high school students abroad on average is more expensive than summer camp in the U.S. The average summer camp costs $173 per night, with ranges from $50 to $500+ according to the American Camp Association (ACA).
A summer program abroad doesn’t come cheaply, but offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else. When it’s between a week exploring the marine ecosystems in the Dominican Republic and staying in another log cabin by some random lake, I’d be choosing island life any day.
Here is a summary of the typical costs of a summer program abroad:
| Area | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition/Program Fee | Program fees for courses and activities | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| Accommodation** | Homestay, dormitory, or apartment costs | $700 – $3,200 per week |
| On the Ground Transportation** | Private and public transportation in country | $50 – $300 |
| Daily Expenses | Food and meals not included in the program, entertainment, and leisure activities | $30 – $50 per day |
| Health Insurance | Travel insurance with health coverage | $150 – $500 |
| Airfare | Chaperoned or personal flights to and from the destination | $800 – $3,000 |
| Additional Costs | Visa and passport fees, vaccinations, study materials, phone and internet, emergency funds and personal expenses | Varies |
**Typically included in a program fee
Many programs bundle and organize all of these expenses into one, all-inclusive price. It’s hard to put a price tag on a transformative experience, but we know that a $5,000 summer trip is quite daunting.
Thankfully, there are many ways to fund high school trips abroad, including scholarships and fundraising opportunities.
How to pay for summer programs abroad?
A high school student can pay for a summer program abroad through scholarships, fundraising and personal savings. Apply for a travel scholarship to offset some of the costs and make a summer program a bit more affordable. Here are some scholarship opportunities for high school students to go abroad for the summer:
Scholarships for High School Students
| Scholarship | Destination | Provider | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Scholarship | Costa Rica, Thailand, Dominican Republic, USA, Fiji, South Korea, Australia | Rustic Pathways | Rolling |
| Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) | Germany | U.S. Department of State | November |
| Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) | Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland | U.S. Department of State | 2025-2026 Program TBD |
| Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad | Middle East, Africa, Asia, Southeast Europe | U.S. Department of State | 2025-2026 Program TBD |
| National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) | Various (Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian, Russian, Turkish) | U.S. Department of State | 2025-2026 Program TBD |
| Ayn Rand Essay Contests | Various | Ayn Rand Institute | September 2024 |
| National Geographic Slingshot | Various | National Geographic | February 7, 2025 |
| NSHSS Foundation Scholarships | Various | National Society of High School Scholars | Rolling |
Fundraising
As a high school student, fundraising within your family and community is another great way to pay for a summer program abroad. Summer programs are not only transformative travel experiences, but also offer the opportunity to do community service abroad. Family members and others in your community can be lifelines in supporting your journey in working on meaningful projects abroad.
Here are some fundraising ideas you can do as a high school student:
- run a “service-a-thon” in your local community
- organize a party, concert, dinner party, or movie screening
- make the most of your birthday
- don’t forget the classics – car washes, bake sales, raffles and garage sales
- find a part-time job
Learn more tips for how you can fundraise as a high school student for a summer program abroad.
What is the cheapest country for summer programs abroad?
The cheapest country for a summer program abroad for high school students is Mexico. The average cost for seven days in Mexico is $1,402 without airfare. The most budget-friendly region for summer programs abroad is Africa, with an average per-week cost of $2,007. As a general rule, longer trips become much cheaper on a per-day basis but have a higher upfront cost.
We analyzed over 400 program offerings from the top service providers for summer programs abroad for high school students to find the most affordable program currently available. Here are the average costs for each region:
| Region | Average Weekly Cost (No Airfare) |
|---|---|
| Africa | $2,007 |
| South America | $2,205 |
| Central America | $2,302 |
| Asia | $2,371 |
| Europe | $2,423 |
| North America | $2,538 |
| Caribbean | $2,556 |
| Oceania | $2,618 |
What is the cheapest country for summer programs for high school students abroad?
India is the cheapest country for study abroad summer programs. When thinking about longer programs with non-inclusive pricing or a full summer study abroad, you need to consider the cost of living. The good news is that the cost of living in the U.S. is one of the highest in the world.
Odds are that the country you are considering for a summer abroad will be cheaper. India has a cost of living index of 21.2, meaning it is 70% cheaper in India.
Indonesia is one of the cheapest English-speaking countries to study abroad, with 30% of the population speaking English as a second language. Putting it in the context of the cost of a Big Mac, you will pay only $2.46 in Indonesia compared to $5.69 in the U.S. Choosing Indonesia for a summer study abroad program means you can order your Big Mac in English and pay 50% less than in the U.S. It’s quite the deal when you are a McDonald’s fanatic with an adventurer’s heart.
Take a look at the cost of living in the most popular countries for high school students:
| Country | Cost of Living Index (1) | Big Mac Index | English Speakers | EF English Proficiency Index (2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 70.4 | $5.69 | 95% | Native |
| India | 21.2 (-49.2) | $2.75 | 10% | Moderate proficiency |
| Indonesia | 26.7 (-43.7) | $2.46 | 31% | Low proficiency |
| Vietnam | 28.7 (-41.7) | $3.01 | 5% | Moderate proficiency |
| Argentina | 29.4 (-41.0) | $6.55 | 7% | High proficiency |
| Peru | 30.0 (-40.4) | $4.55 | 11% | Moderate proficiency |
| Brazil | 30.2 (-40.2) | $4.23 | 5% | Low proficiency |
| China | 31.7 (-38.7) | $3.53 | 1% | Low proficiency |
| Thailand | 34.1 (-36.3) | $3.79 | 27% | Very low proficiency |
| South Africa | 34.5 (-35.9) | $2.85 | 31% | Very high proficiency |
| Mexico | 40.2 (-30.2) | $5.10 | 13% | Low proficiency |
| Hungary | 41.7 (-28.7) | $3.90 | 25% | High proficiency |
| Portugal | 45.1 (-25.3) | $3.90 | 27% | Very high proficiency |
| Japan | 46.1 (-24.3) | $3.19 | 15% | Low proficiency |
| Czech Republic | 46.6 (-23.8) | $4.63 | 51% | High proficiency |
| Spain | 47.3 (-23.1) | $4.80 | 22% | Moderate proficiency |
| Greece | 52.0 (-18.4) | $4.10 | 51% | Very high proficiency |
| Costa Rica | 52.3 (-18.1) | $5.62 | 8% | Moderate proficiency |
| Italy | 56.2 (-14.2) | $5.10 | 14% | Moderate proficiency |
| Sweden | 59.3 (-11.1) | $5.60 | 89% | Very high proficiency |
| South Korea | 60.1 (-10.3) | $3.99 | 18% | Moderate proficiency |
| Belgium | 61.1 (-9.3) | $5.00 | 60% | Very high proficiency |
| United Kingdom | 62.0 (-8.4) | $6.06 | 98% | Native |
| Germany | 62.2 (-8.2) | $6.06 | 91% | Very high proficiency |
| Netherlands | 63.1 (-7.3) | $6.06 | 70% | High proficiency |
| Finland | 63.2 (-7.2) | $6.06 | 57% | Moderate proficiency |
| France | 63.7 (-6.7) | $6.06 | 98% | Native |
| Ireland | 64.4 (-6.0) | $6.06 | 98% | Native |
| New Zealand | 64.6 (-5.8) | $4.99 | 83% | Native |
| Canada | 64.8 (-5.6) | $5.52 | 73% | Very high proficiency |
| Austria | 65.1 (-5.3) | $4.20 | 93% | Native |
| Australia | 70.2 (-0.2) | $5.06 | 86% | Very high proficiency |
| Denmark | 72.3 (+1.9) | $5.66 | 90% | Very high proficiency |
| Norway | 76.0 (+5.6) | $6.77 | 96% | Very high proficiency |
| Singapore | 76.7 (+6.3) | $4.97 | 98% | Native |
| Iceland | 83.0 (+12.6) | No McDonalds | 61% | High proficiency |
| Switzerland | 101.1 (+30.7) | $8.07 | ||
Types of Summer Programs for High School Students Abroad
Types of summer programs for high school students abroad include language immersion, cultural immersion, volunteering and service learning, adventure and summer study abroad. Each different type of program can be a transformative travel experience. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types summer programs abroad:
Language Immersion
Language immersion programs for high school students focus on enhancing language skills by immersing students in a country where the language is spoken. These programs often include structured classes, as well as opportunities for real-world practice through interactions with locals.
- Average Duration: 2 to 4 weeks
- Top Destinations for Language Immersion Programs:
France
Spain
China
Summer Study Abroad
Summer study abroad programs offer high school students the opportunity to take academic courses in a foreign country. These programs typically include classroom instruction, field trips and cultural activities, providing a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond traditional learning environments. Summer study abroad programs also have the opportunity to count for college credits. For the academic-focused student, it’s the perfect opportunity to get a leg up when you start college while having the summer adventure of your lifetime.
- Average Duration: 3+ weeks
- Top Destinations for Summer Study Abroad:
United Kingdom
Germany
Japan
Cultural Immersion
Cultural immersion programs provide students with the chance to experience and understand different cultures. These programs often involve living with host families, participating in local traditions, and engaging in cultural activities that foster mutual understanding and appreciation.
- Average Duration: 1 to 2 weeks
- Top Destinations:
Italy
Thailand
India
Volunteering & Service Learning
Volunteering and service learning programs allow students to contribute to communities in need while learning valuable life skills. These programs combine hands-on service projects with educational components, helping students develop a sense of social responsibility and global awareness.
- Average Duration: 1 to 2 weeks
- Top Destinations for Volunteering & Service Learning:
Thailand
South Africa
Fiji
Sustainability & Conservation
Sustainability and conservation programs focus on hands-on experience with environmental and conservation projects. As a high school student, you can help protect sea turtles in Costa Rica from poachers or learn about the sustainability and supply chain of the coffee industry. These programs give a real-life experience of the efforts people around the world are making to do their part to save and improve the world we all live in.
- Average Duration: 1 to 3 weeks
- Top Destinations for Sustainability Programs:
Costa Rica
Indonesia
Ecuador
Adventure Programs
Adventure programs are for students seeking excitement and physical challenges. These programs often include activities such as hiking, rafting, and other outdoor adventures, promoting teamwork, resilience, and a love for the natural world.
- Average Duration: 1 to 2 weeks
- Top Destinations for Adventure Programs:
Fiji
Iceland
Peru
