Summer Abroad: The Best Teen Summer Camp Alternative

Why Choose High School Summer Abroad Over a Traditional Summer Camp? 

When it comes to planning your teen’s summer, there are a few options that provide fun and adventure: a traditional summer camp in the U.S., a teen tour abroad, or a high school summer abroad program like CIEE’s Global Navigator. While each option offers its own unique benefits, the experience of a high school summer abroad truly stands out.

At a U.S. summer camp, teens enjoy fun activities with friends on weekdays or sleeping-away, taking on some responsibility while participating in recreational programs. They might pick up a few new skills, make good memories, and come home with some souvenirs.

A teen tour abroad adds another layer of excitement, as teens experience fun activities in a new environment, develop a deeper appreciation for foreign cultures, and take responsibility for themselves in unfamiliar settings. These tours also offer opportunities to make new friends from across the U.S. and diverse backgrounds, building friendships that can last a lifetime. However, teens typically stay with their tour group and only pick up a few foreign words along the way.

In contrast, CIEE’s High School Summer Abroad programs function like an international summer camp, providing all these experiences and more, making it a perfect summer camp alternative. Not only do teens engage in fun activities, but they take on greater responsibility, gaining confidence, independence, and flexibility. Rather than just seeing a new culture, they live it for 3 to 8 weeks—immersing themselves in the local community and forming meaningful connections.

Teens in these programs develop deeper proficiency in a foreign language or specific topic through interactive, hands-on classes. They don’t just return with souvenirs, but with valuable credentials, such as certificates, the Seal of Biliteracy, or even college credits.  

Our data shows that our participants achieve impressive outcomes in just a few weeks. 

Options Compared

Safety & Support

CIEE's High School Summer Abroad programs offer a transformative experience for teens, combining the excitement of traditional summer camps with the depth of cultural immersion and academic enrichment. A key component of these programs is the role of Program Leaders and local staff, who are instrumental in guiding and supporting students throughout their journey.

Teens Are Provided With: 

• 24/7 support: Program Leaders and local staff are available around the clock to help with any concerns, from health issues to adjusting to a new culture, ensuring students always have someone to turn to.
• Facilitated cultural activities and excursions: They guide students through hands-on cultural experiences that help them apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world contexts, making their learning more immersive.
• Chaperoned group flights: Program Leaders accompany students during international travel, making sure that flights and other travel logistics go smoothly and safely.
• Language skill enhancement: In Language & Culture programs, Program Leaders communicate with students exclusively in the target language, encouraging students to practice and improve their proficiency through real-life conversations.
• Personal growth and development: Program Leaders create an environment where students can build independence, gain confidence, and develop global competence, helping them grow personally and academically. 

Pricing

Scholarships: CIEE administers the largest high school study abroad scholarship fund in the U.S., awarding more than $6 million to students every year. These awards can cover between 10% to 100% of program tuition, making our high school summer abroad programs accessible to everyone. 

Program Outcomes: Our data shows that our participants achieve impressive outcomes in just a few weeks. Read more about our Program Outcomes.