STEM · Ages 14–18 · Summer 2027
Summer science and STEM programs abroad for high school students
Rustic Pathways summer science and STEM programs take students ages 14–18 into the field with marine biologists in Italy and Greece, rainforest researchers in Belize and wildlife researchers in Australia. Two more programs explore energy in Iceland and technology in Shenzhen and Singapore.
- 6 programs
- 8–14 days
- Ages 14–18
- From $2,795 Program Tuition
From $2,795 Program Tuition6 programs · 8–14 days
See programs- Programs in 2027
- 6
- Length
- 8 to 14 days
- Ages
- 14 to 18
- Program Tuition
- $2,795 to $13,680
6 summer science and STEM programs abroad for 2027
Rustic Pathways runs six summer science and STEM programs abroad in 2027. Four put students in the field with researchers, and two visit energy sites, technology companies and universities.
Rainforest wildlifeBelize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan CultureBand birds, set camera traps and identify species with researchers at a rainforest research station.8 days · $2,795 Program Tuition
Marine biologyMediterranean Marine Biology in ItalyPhoto-identify bottlenose dolphins and run snorkel surveys of seagrass with marine biologists.8 days · $3,395 Program Tuition
Marine biologyGreece: Island Turtle ConservationRun dawn nesting-beach surveys, seagrass snorkel surveys and harbor turtle surveys on Kefalonia.9 days · $3,495 Program Tuition
Energy and climateIreland & Iceland: Ecovillage to GlacierFive nights in an Irish ecovillage, then geothermal power, hydropower and a day on a glacier in Iceland.13 days · $6,250 Program Tuition
TechnologyShenzhen & Singapore: Two Models of InnovationGo inside DJI, Huawei, BYD and SUSTech, then study how Singapore is designed.13 days · $13,680 Program Tuition
Field ecologyAustralia: Queensland Ecosystems and Wildlife ConservationJoin wetlands research in the Noosa Biosphere and learn about whale and dolphin research.14 days · $6,250 Program Tuition
Sorted by length, then Program Tuition. Program Tuition excludes flights to and from the program and the enrollment fee.
What are the best summer STEM programs for teens?
The best summer STEM program for a teen is the one built around the science they want to do. University campus programs center on classes, labs and projects. Rustic Pathways STEM programs are field programs abroad, where students collect data and learn methods from the people doing the work.
| Program and what students do | 2027 start dates | Days | Program Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan CultureWith rainforest researchers: bird banding, camera traps and species identification, then three nights on Caye Caulker by the Barrier Reef. | 2027 dates: Jun 29 – Jul 6, Jul 6 – Jul 13, Jul 27 – Aug 3 | 8 | $2,795 |
| Mediterranean Marine Biology in ItalyWith Delfini del Ponente scientists: dolphin photo-identification, Posidonia seagrass surveys, turtle-track monitoring and a whale-watching day. | 2027 dates: Jul 1 – Jul 8, Jul 7 – Jul 14 | 8 | $3,395 |
| Greece: Island Turtle ConservationWith Wildlife Sense marine biologists: dawn nesting-beach surveys, seagrass snorkel surveys and harbor turtle surveys on Kefalonia. | 2027 dates: Jun 16 – Jun 24, Jun 23 – Jul 1, Jul 7 – Jul 15, Jul 21 – Jul 29, Jul 28 – Aug 5 | 9 | $3,495 |
| Ireland & Iceland: Ecovillage to GlacierFive nights in an Irish ecovillage with land care and a fabrication lab session, then geothermal power, hydropower and a glacier in Iceland. | 2027 dates: Jul 7 – Jul 19, Jul 22 – Aug 3 | 13 | $6,250 |
| Shenzhen & Singapore: Two Models of InnovationInside DJI (with a drone trial), Huawei, BYD and SUSTech in Shenzhen, then Singapore’s master plan, NUS and design thinking workshops. | 2027 dates: Jun 27 – Jul 9 | 13 | $13,680 |
| Australia: Queensland Ecosystems and Wildlife ConservationWetlands research with the Noosa Biosphere Foundation, a whale and dolphin research session and keeper-led wildlife hospital care. | 2027 dates: Jun 16 – Jun 29, Jul 14 – Jul 27 | 14 | $6,250 |
Sorted by length, then Program Tuition.
Field science or a campus program: which fits your teen?
Rustic Pathways STEM programs are summer trips abroad built around fieldwork, field research and site visits.
A Rustic Pathways STEM program fits if…
- Your teen is 14 to 18 and wants to do science outdoors, in the water or in the field.
- Your teen is curious about marine biology, wildlife, ecosystems, energy or technology.
- Your teen is ready for early starts, warm weather and 8 to 14 days away from home.
- Your teen wants to travel abroad with other high school students. Compare the full list of high school travel programs.
Look elsewhere if…
- Your teen wants lab courses, coding, engineering design or math instruction: a university campus program is a closer match.
- Your teen needs college credit or a graded course.
- Your teen is not comfortable in the water: on the Greece and Australia programs, students must complete a swim test before entering the water.
- Your teen cares more about history, food and daily life than fieldwork: see the cultural immersion programs.
- Your teen is 12 or 13: see the middle school programs.
- You are a teacher planning a trip for your class: see STEM school trips.
Which engineering summer programs suit high schoolers?
Rustic Pathways does not run an engineering course. Shenzhen & Singapore: Two Models of Innovation is the one program that shows students engineering and technology at work, through company and university visits.
Shenzhen & Singapore: Two Models of Innovation
Try a DJI drone, visit Huawei and BYD, and tour SUSTech and the National University of Singapore.
What it does not include
Engineering classes or lab work. For those, look at a university campus program.
Are there computer science and data science summer programs?
Rustic Pathways has no computer science or coding program. Students collect real field data on four programs: dolphin photo-identification in Italy, nesting-beach and seagrass surveys in Greece, camera traps in Belize and wetlands research in Australia. For more field research programs, see the wildlife and conservation programs.
What Program Tuition includes
Rustic Pathways Program Tuition includes accommodation, scheduled meals and transportation during the program, scheduled activities, gratuities and donations, Program Leader supervision, and 24/7 emergency support.
Included
- Accommodation for all scheduled program nights, in shared, gender-separated accommodations
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from the first meal after airport pickup through the last meal before airport drop-off
- Drinking water throughout the program
- Airport transfers for arrivals and departures within the session's published arrival and departure windows
- All scheduled ground transportation during the program
- On-program flights listed on the program page
- All scheduled activities, excursions, and entrance fees listed in the program itinerary
- Equipment and gear listed as provided on the program page
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and restaurants. Program Leaders do not accept personal tips.
- Host family and homestay contributions, service and community project contributions, and site, temple, and cultural entry donations. Students never need to bring money to give away.
- Program Leader supervision according to the approved itinerary, with Program Leaders housed on site and available overnight
- 24/7 emergency support line for parents and guardians
Not included
- Flights to and from the program, including the chaperoned group flight where offered and the chaperoned group flight fee
- Enrollment fee, due at booking
- Medical insurance with coverage in the destination country, required for every participant
- Travel insurance, recommended and not required
- Vaccinations, immunizations, and health preparation costs
- Passport, visa, and entry-authorization fees
- Personal purchases, including souvenirs, snacks, and other incidental expenses
See the full guide to what is included and not included in Rustic Pathways programs.
In their words: student takeovers
After the program, students take over the Rustic Pathways Instagram with their own photos and stories. Here are two from STEM programs in summer 2025.
“We also got to go on beach walks to protect turtle eggs and do snorkel surveys in the ocean working with the organization, Wildlife Sense.” Kate U., on Instagram
“Hey! My name is Kate and last summer I went on the Rustic Pathways Greece Turtle Conservation trip. This was my second trip with Rustic Pathways and it was amazing. I had the most fun experience and made unforgettable memories.
I met some of the most incredible people, spent lots of time at the beach and pool, and tried a wide variety of Greek food. My favorite part of the trip was boat day where we stopped at different beaches and got to just hang out with our friends on the trip.
We also got to go on beach walks to protect turtle eggs and do snorkel surveys in the ocean working with the organization, Wildlife Sense. The work was very fun and rewarding. I would definitely go back and recommend to everyone.”
Kate U., Greece: Island Turtle Conservation, summer 2025
“Our group got to enjoy many things such as snorkeling, bird research, and lots of card games.” Sam Y., on Instagram
“Hi! My name is Sam, I did the Belize Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture trip this past week and it was a life changing experience for me. Our group got to enjoy many things such as snorkeling, bird research, and lots of card games. We learned many new things about the wildlife in Belize such as the many animals that roam the jungle.
I highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys an unforgettable adventure!”
Sam Y., Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture, summer 2025
Not sure which one? Ask us.
The Rustic Pathways admissions team emails two or three programs that fit, with dates, once you tell them what kind of science your teen likes.
Scott IngramDirector of Admissions
Prefer to talk now? Call +1 (440) 975-9691.
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STEM Summer Programs FAQ
Can students take STEM trips and tours?
Yes. Rustic Pathways offers six STEM summer trips abroad for students ages 14–18. Programs last 8–14 days. Four focus on field science with researchers, while two include visits to energy sites, technology companies, and universities.
Who teaches the science on these programs?
Partner scientists and researchers lead field science activities on Rustic Pathways STEM programs. Experts include marine biologists from Delfini del Ponente in Italy and Wildlife Sense in Greece, rainforest researchers in Belize, and the Noosa Biosphere Foundation in Australia. Rustic Pathways Program Leaders accompany students throughout each trip.
Does Rustic Pathways offer engineering, computer science or forensic science programs?
No. Rustic Pathways does not offer engineering, computer science, coding, data science, or forensic science courses. The closest alternative is Shenzhen & Singapore: Two Models of Innovation, which includes visits to technology companies and universities.
Are there forensic science summer programs for teens?
Rustic Pathways does not run a forensic science program in 2027. The closest match is field research: students collect real data with researchers on four programs, in Italy, Greece, Belize and Australia.
Do these programs give college credit?
No. Rustic Pathways STEM summer programs do not award college credit. Students receive a certificate of participation and a service-hour record, typically within 30 days after completing their program. These documents verify participation and service hours but do not count as college credit.
How much do STEM programs abroad cost?
Rustic Pathways STEM summer programs abroad cost $2,795–$13,680 in Program Tuition. Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture starts at $2,795, while Shenzhen & Singapore: Two Models of Innovation costs $13,680. The other four programs cost $3,395–$6,250. A separate, non-refundable enrollment fee starts at $100. Flights to and from the program cost extra.
Are flights included in Program Tuition?
Flights to and from Rustic Pathways STEM programs are not included in Program Tuition. Certain flights within program itineraries are included: Athens–Kefalonia round trip in Greece, Dublin–Reykjavik on Ireland & Iceland, and Shenzhen–Singapore. Check each program page for included flights.
Six STEM programs abroad, all in summer 2027.
See all 6 programs