8 Reasons to Study Art in High School on a Summer Abroad Program

Studying art is all about developing your creativity and seeing the world in new ways. Did you know you can take your passion abroad and study art in another country as a high school student? 

CIEE's Arts & Culture High School Summer Programs transform your passion for art into an immersive learning adventure. Through hands-on activities and curated cultural experiences, you'll develop your skills while exploring a whole new world of expression. 

Here are eight compelling reasons to study arts abroad in high school. These include enhancing your artistic skills, broadening your global perspective, and creating a project to showcase your growth. 

1. Build Creativity for Career Readiness 

Art isn't just about self-expression—it also about building your creativity, directly tied to critical thinking and problem-solving. These skills are highly sought after in every career field, from business to science and marketing. Whether you plan to pursue a career as a professional artist or something else entirely, the ability to think creatively and critically gives you a competitive edge in any academic or professional path. 

2. See the World from a New Perspective 

A high school summer abroad arts program allows you to explore new places while enhancing your artistic perspective. Imagine roaming the cobblestone streets of Florence, soaking in Parisian street style, or wandering through Tokyo's neon-lit streets. Each CIEE summer abroad program is set in an inspiring global city that has its own unique artistic scene and inspiration around every corner. 

3. Experience How Arts and Academics Can Complement Each Other 

Art programs can have a significant positive impact on a student's academic achievement and academic performance. By participating in a summer art program, you'll gain both cultural exposure and intellectual growth, benefiting your overall education. 

4. Improve Communication and Collaboration Skills 

Studying art abroad will allow you to work with students from around the U.S. and professionals from around the world, developing your communication skills and learning how to navigate cultural differences. From group projects to building relationships with local artists, this program can help you grow as a collaborator. 

5. Connect With Experts in the Field 

CIEE's summer art programs connect you with industry experts. For example, in Paris, you can learn from fashion designers and participate in a runway show. In Florence, professional artists can teach you traditional drawing techniques and mediums like paper marbling. In Tokyo, you can dive into anime and manga with professional artists, gaining insider knowledge about these creative industries. Every program offers opportunities to meet professionals in artistic fields. 

6. Be Inspired by the Greats 

History's greatest artists and creators left their mark in places like London, Prague, and Kyoto. In London, you can follow in the footsteps of famous writers like Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf, exploring the city’s literary landmarks that continue to inspire generations of storytellers. In Prague, you can immerse yourself in the city’s Gothic architecture and discover its rich tradition of craftsmanship. In Kyoto, you can marvel at the unique blend of ancient traditions and modern pop culture. Each destination can offer a unique connection to the creative forces that shaped these cities’ artistic legacies. 

7. Learn By Doing 

CIEE’s High School Summer Abroad Programs combine classroom instruction with immersive, hands-on experiences that bring your art to life. Through workshops, site visits, and creative final projects, you’ll apply what you learn in real-world settings, deepening both your artistic skills and your understanding of the cultural and historical influences behind them. 

8. Create a Standout Project or Portfolio 

A standout artistic project of your own can enhance your college and job applications, especially for art schools or creative roles like visual content creator or freelance writer. At the end of your summer abroad program, you could leave with a project or portfolio of your own sketches, stories, visual designs and more. This can reflect your artistic growth and highlight your artistic vision, helping you stand out among college applicants and entry-level job seekers alike. 

What Are the Core Components of CIEE's Summer Art Programs for High School Students? 

CIEE's High School Summer Abroad Arts Programs blend classroom learning with hands-on experiences and cultural immersion to provide a comprehensive and inspiring art education. 

Classroom Learning 

You'll start each day with classroom sessions led by expert instructors. These classes introduce the foundational skills of your chosen discipline, such as drawing, design, or storytelling. Through a mix of short lectures, interactive discussions, and critiques, you'll sharpen your technical and creative abilities. The curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire you, guiding you from concept development to the creation of finished works. 

Hands-On Learning and Cultural Immersion 

The learning doesn't stop in the classroom. Each program features daily experiential learning that immerses you in the local culture and art scene. You might sketch iconic landmarks in Florence, visit Parisian fashion houses, or attend workshops in museums in Prague. These activities bring your classroom lessons to life, giving you a unique perspective on how art and culture intertwine. 

Cohort-Learning Led by Passionate Program Leaders 

Depending on your program, you'll stay in a hostel, hotel, or homestay, sharing your journey with a cohort of like-minded teenage artists from across the U.S. Guiding you along the way is your CIEE Program Leader. 

Note: All CIEE High School Summer Abroad programs are guided by Program Leaders who are so much more than just chaperones—they help connect classroom learning to the real world. Trained in experiential learning and group management, they'll support you and ensure your experience is both educational and enjoyable. 

A Final Project 

Throughout the program, you'll work on projects that reflect your creativity and growing artistic skills, like building a project or portfolio you'll be proud of. Whether it's a fashion piece for a runway show or a series of sketches, these works will showcase your artistic talents and tell a unique story. 

Whether you're exploring your host city or sharing stories over dinner, your time together with your cohort will create lasting memories and incredible friendships that will extend far beyond the summer. 

Study Arts Abroad Next Summer 

CIEE's High School Summer Abroad Arts Programs offer a unique opportunity to see the world, build creativity, and develop skills that will last a lifetime. From learning from expert instructors to hands-on experiences and creating a standout final project, every aspect of the program helps you grow creatively. You'll return home with new confidence, artistic friends, and inspiration. 

Explore our Arts & Culture programs and find the one for you!