Top 11 Summer Language Programs Abroad
If you’ve always thought it would be cool to learn another language, there’s no better time than now to immerse yourself in it.
In fact, did you know that about 43% of people worldwide are bilingual?
Being bilingual can provide you with:
- More job prospects
- Increased salary potential
- More comfort in traveling in countries where the language is spoken
And so much more!
Even if you have little to no knowledge of another language, you can take advantage of various immersion opportunities. And by choosing one of the best summer language programs that's offered, you won't need to miss a moment of your college experience.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Summer Study Abroad
What Languages Can I Learn Abroad with CIEE?
CIEE Study Abroad offers many summer language immersion programs to fit your language skill level. Consider some top language learning options, including:
- Chinese
- Spanish
- Japanese
- Arabic
- French
- Russian
And that’s just to name a few! From Korean to Portuguese, there’s no shortage of languages you can learn while studying abroad with CIEE.
CIEE's 11 Best Summer Language Immersion Programs Abroad
If you’re shopping around for one of the best summer language programs for U.S. college students abroad, take a look at our list of CIEE’s top 11 foreign language programs for your summer plans!
Chinese Language Summer Programs Abroad
Featured Chinese Language Summer Program #1: Summer Accelerated Chinese Language (Shanghai)
As one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the world, Shanghai offers excitement throughout the entire eight weeks of one of CIEE’s Chinese language summer programs. Designed for all levels of Mandarin speakers, you’ll get the opportunity to put your skills to the test during a weekend excursion.
- Program Length: 8 weeks
- Credits: 10 semester hours/15 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Featured Chinese Language Summer Program #2: Summer Accelerated Chinese Language (Taipei)
Experience a blend of cultures when you spend your summer in Taipei. For eight weeks, you’ll immerse yourself in the Mandarin language, advancing your skills much further from where you began. You’ll also get to explore more of Taiwan on a weekend getaway, where you’ll get to see the sites and taste the cuisine.
- Program Length: 8 weeks
- Credits: 10 semester hours/15 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
Spanish Language Summer Programs Abroad
Featured Spanish Language Summer Program #1: Summer Language + Culture (Seville)
Make your summer hot, hot, hot when you spend a month in Seville, in the south of Spain. Choose to be taught in English or Spanish, and whether you’d like to take a class in topics like language, history, flamenco, or cuisine.
- Program Length: 4 weeks
- Credits: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
Featured Spanish Language Summer Program #2: Summer Language + Culture (Barcelona)
Live by the beach for four weeks when you study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Decide if you’d like to take your class in English or through one of CIEE's summer Spanish language immersion programs, and then pick from offerings like marketing, urban culture, or Barcelona history.
- Program Length: 4 weeks
- Credits: 3-4 semester hours/4.5-6 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
Read More: 10 Best Foreign Language Programs
Japanese Language Summer Programs Abroad
Featured Japanese Language Summer Program #1: Summer Japanese Studies (Tokyo)
What could be more fun than spending six weeks in Tokyo, the largest city in the world? Enroll in two courses in areas like Japanese language, business, pop culture, religion, or society – or opt to take classes from Arizona State University (ASU) online. You’ll also get to participate in visits to cultural institutions, organizations, and sites related to your courses.
- Program Length: 6 weeks
- Credits: 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Featured Japanese Language Summer Program #2: Summer Ancient + Modern Japan (Kyoto)
Squeeze in culture, cuisine, courses, and classmates in just six weeks in Kyoto, Japan. Then take unique classes in topics like theater, manga, anime, and more, while experiencing some of the same activities in the city.
- Program Length: 6 weeks
- Credits: 6-7 semester hours/9-10.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
Arabic Language Summer Programs Abroad
Featured Arabic Language Summer Program #1: Summer Arabic Language (Amman)
Immerse yourself in the Middle Eastern culture when you spend nine weeks in Amman, Jordan. This program specifically aims to advance your Arabic language skills, no matter the level you’re at. Plus, you’ll get to visit the world-famous archaeological site Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
- Program Length: 9 weeks
- Credits: 10 semester hours/15 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
Featured Arabic Language Summer Program #2: Summer Arabic Language (Rabat)
Consider one of CIEE’s Arabic summer language programs that also includes an optional internship when you decide to experience Rabat. During your eight weeks overseas, you’ll immerse yourself in Arabic, one of the fastest-growing languages in the world. Your summer will also include excursions that will enhance your understanding of present-day Morocco.
- Program Length: 9 weeks
- Credits: 10 semester hours/15 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
French Language Summer Programs Abroad
Featured French Language Summer Program #1: Summer Intensive French Language (Rennes)
How much could your French language skills improve in eight weeks? You can find out during one of CIEE's French language summer programs in Rennes, a city that’s 30% populated by students. Meet up with your new friends while checking out the theater, opera, orchestra, and cinemas, plus outdoor cafes and free summer entertainment.
- Program Length: 8 weeks
- Credits: 10 semester hours/15 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Read More: Advantages of Studying a Foreign Language Abroad
Featured French Language Summer Program #2: Summer in Paris (Paris)
Six weeks in Paris? Take a class on topics like French language, culture, or business – or choose from thousands of online courses from ASU. Visit the Louvre Museum, enjoy fresh baguettes, and shop at luxury boutiques when you pick this summer program.
- Program Length: 6 weeks
- Credits: 6-7 semester hours/9-10.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
Russian Language Summer Program Abroad
Featured Russian Language Summer Program: Summer Intensive Russian Language (Tallinn)
Advance your Russian – the most widely spoken language in Europe – when you sign up for one of CIEE’s summer Russian language programs in Tallinn. Take time to learn about the relationship between Estonia and Russia. And enjoy the outdoors by canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or cycling throughout the country.
- Program Length: 8 weeks
- Credits: 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
Take Your Language Skills Global
By improving your skills through a summer language program, you’ll have a resume that stands out. Review your study abroad language options to have a summer you’ll never forget!