What Summer Camp Activities Can Teens Do While Studying Abroad?

If you're weighing the choice between traditional summer camps for high school students or something more educational or immersive, high school summer abroad programs offer the best of both worlds. 

While summer camps focus on fun and adventure, study abroad programs take that excitement and add real-world learning, hands-on experiences, and cultural exploration. Whether improving your athletic skills, diving into conservation efforts, or exploring marine ecosystems, study abroad programs give students a chance to grow personally and academically—all while having an unforgettable summer. 

This blog will explore the key differences between U.S. summer camps and study abroad programs, highlighting unique sports, nature, and marine science opportunities. 

Curious about pricing differences for summer camps vs. study abroad programs? Here’s how teen summer travel programs compare with other options in the U.S. 

Key Differences Between U.S. Summer Camps vs. Study Abroad 

It’s easy to assume that summer study abroad is basically just a summer camp for international students. Not quite.  

Study abroad programs offer more than just adventure and new friends—they provide experiences that align with students' unique passions and growing maturity that help set them up for future success.  

Living in a foreign country and embracing new cultures, high school students build independence while learning valuable life skills. These programs are bit like internships with a splash of summer camp fun, combining hands-on learning with plenty of opportunities for excitement and exploration: 

• Hands-On Learning Meets Exploration 

Study abroad programs give students the chance to roll up their sleeves and dive into real-world experiences. Whether crafting a business plan or monitoring wildlife habitats, these programs help students build practical skills. They'll come back ready to lead their high school teams, share standout stories on college applications, or pursue competitive university programs in their chosen field. 

• Building a Portfolio for the Future 

Beyond fun, study abroad programs help students shape their futures. From standout college essay topics to a portfolio of fieldwork, students collect impressive achievements from study abroad experiences. Earning service-learning hours and collaborating on hands-on projects, they'll have plenty to show off when it's time to apply to college or step into a new opportunity. 

• Life Skills and Friendships to Last a Lifetime 

After spending weeks abroad, students return home with boosted self-confidence, stronger communication skills, and a more global outlook. Study abroad programs help students connect with friends from around the world, creating bonds and memories that will last a lifetime. 

Now, let's dive into some specific study abroad programs, with plenty of exciting options to choose from depending on your interests. 

Sports 

For high school students passionate about sports, study abroad programs provide an opportunity to improve athletic skills and explore career opportunities in the sports industry. These programs offer a unique combination of athletic training and hands-on internships, preparing students for futures on and off the field. 

There is no shortage of summer camps in the U.S. that focus on sports, but these are generally geared toward young athletes looking to enhance their performance. Study abroad programs can offer similar "athletic camps" in new settings, with a chance to meet semi-professional or professional players in foreign leagues. This exposure to international opportunities is invaluable for students considering careers as professional athletes, broadening their understanding of leagues and teams outside the U.S. 

In addition, study abroad programs often focus on the broader sports industry. For example, CIEE's Sports Management program in Barcelona allows students to explore sports management, sponsorships, and media, all while living in a city known for its love of sports. 

Through interactive classes and hands-on projects, students gain a deeper understanding of how sports teams operate, giving them a competitive edge in future career pursuits—and opening their minds to career options off the field but still in the sport they love. 

Nature & the Great Outdoors 

Many summer camps in the U.S. focus on time outdoors, offering adventures like camping, backpacking, whitewater rafting, and more. Study abroad programs take it to the next level, combining outdoor exploration with learning valuable conservation skills and contributing to local communities. 

Here are three exciting nature-based CIEE High School Summer Abroad programs: 

• CIEE's Wildlife Conservation program in Botswana: Students go on safaris to spot elephants, lions, and zebras in their natural habitats. Guided by conservation experts, they explore wildlife reserves, camp under the stars, and dive into the complexities of protecting these magnificent animals and their ecosystems. 
• CIEE's Climate Change Mitigation program in Costa Rica: In the breathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest, students study tropical tree growth and help care for saplings in a tree nursery. They also experience life on a farm, milking cows and exploring the beauty of Costa Rica's waterfalls and forests, all while learning about conservation. 
• CIEE's Wildlife Conservation From Land to Sea program in Australia: Students study the unique ecosystems of Sydney's coastal landscapes, collecting data on biodiversity and sustainability. The program also offers insights into Australia's rich heritage, including Aboriginal traditions, while students explore the vibrant wildlife and stunning scenery. 

Study abroad experiences offer more than just a connection to nature—they can open doors to future careers in conservation, zoology, and environmental science. Students gain hands-on experience, build meaningful connections, and return with a better understanding of the world's ecosystems. 

Water Adventures

Many summer camps in the U.S. offer programs that focus on aquatic activities like surfing, snorkeling, and studying marine life. Study abroad programs offer similar water-filled fun but combine it with exploration of marine science and sustainability, giving students the chance to learn about different ecosystems, work alongside marine biologists, and experience local cultures. 

Here are two standout marine science programs: 

• CIEE's Aquatic Ecosystems & Sustainability program in Portugal: Students explore aquatic ecosystems around Lisbon, working with biologists and sustainability researchers. They combine fieldwork like intertidal monitoring and species assessments with fun water activities, such as snorkeling in a marine park, kayaking along the Iberian Peninsula's longest river, and observing dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean. This blend of adventure and learning immerses students in both the marine environment and Portuguese culture. 
• CIEE's Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability in Spain: From the island paradise of Mallorca, students study the rich underwater life of the Mediterranean Sea. With marine protected areas nearby, students work with ecologists to monitor habitats and assess marine species under threat from pollution. The program also includes plenty of water activities like snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and kayaking, along with cultural immersion through homestays and local excursions. 

These study abroad programs provide students with an exciting summer full of valuable hands-on experience in marine conservation and sustainability and the chance to develop skills that could shape future studies or careers in environmental science. 

Ready for an International Summer You Won't Forget? 

CIEE provides a wide range of high school summer abroad programs tailored to your passions while also offering you plenty of fun, summertime activities to enjoy. Explore all the exciting possibilities and take the first step toward an unforgettable high school summer abroad.