Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast series and official travel report for 2019. ☆ Studying abroad in high school opens doors to bright futures for students. There are so many incredible experiences to be had, places to admire, and people to connect with around the world. So why not start early? Study abroad opportunities for high school students are meaningful experiences that can carve the path for their futures as global citizens and international thinkers.
Read the GoAbroad Official Report on the 10 Best Study Abroad Opportunities for High School Students in 2019
There’s never been a better time to travel as a high schooler than in 2019. In an ever increasingly globalized world, it is important for successful individuals to understand the complex and interconnected nature of the world. When high school students choose to study abroad at such an impressionable age, they’re opening themselves up to these concepts which others may never even experience. But what should you do? Is one type of program “better” than another? Should you travel regionally or stay put in a single country?
These are the kinds of questions we asked our community of hundreds of meaningful travelers, program administrators, and international education experts. And now, we’re excited to share our findings! Students have many options for achieving growth from travel, but here are the best study abroad opportunities for high school students in 2019—broken down by program type!
The best study abroad opportunities for high school students in 2019
1. Language Immersion
What better muscle to build than that of language while going abroad in high school? It is known that the younger students are when they expose their minds to different languages, the better they will learn and retain the new information. On top of that, language immersion—especially language immersion in a country where the language is spoken—is the best language teacher! Therefore, it’s hard to argue against language immersion programs being ideal choices for studying abroad programs for high school students. Not only will students excel in their language learning, they will also connect with people in a new country (and a new language!), build their confidence and independence, and expand their global perspective. Whether students are looking for intensive programs, language exchanges, or homestay learning opportunities, there are plenty of incredible options for language immersion study abroad programs for high school students.
GoAbroad’s own Rachael Van der Werff agrees: “Going abroad and become fully immersed in the language is the best way to learn and strengthen a language skill. High school is a great time to do just that.”
- GoAbroad’s program pick: Sol Abroad in Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, or Spain
- Traveler’s program pick: Tico Lingo - Spanish Immersion School
Studying a language abroad means lots of skill development, cultural immersion, and all-around good times—making it popular for 2019. Whether wrapping up freshman year or battling major senioritis, teens need to remember that they'll still need to put in time and effort into studying.—Kaylan Reid Shipanga in 8 Best Language Immersion Programs for High School Students in 2019
2. Student Exchange
Students have the exciting opportunity to participate in an full year exchange abroad. This kind of study abroad for high school students allows them to immerse themselves into a new school for an extended period of time, which means more time for new lessons and exponential growth! Students can develop deep friendships with their peers from all around the world and learn to live within a new culture different than their own. They’ll eat different foods, learn in different languages, and think from a different perspective—all of which help to shape a well rounded person who is curious about the world! If students complete an exchange. Students will return home walking a little taller, speaking a little clearer, and thinking a little deeper, and they’ll probably be ready to jump on another plane to a new wonderful place in this big, big world.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: AFS-USA Cultural Exchange
- Traveler’s program pick: NACEL International in Spain
3. Volunteering
Volunteering abroad in high school can be a meaningful exchange for all parties involved if done intentionally. It is important to research program options to make sure they are ethical and sustainable before signing up. To do so, ask the program provider where the program fees go towards, how they contribute to the local community in which they are involved, and how they constantly work to meet the needs of the communities. When volunteer experiences are done in this way—even though it takes more time, planning, and consideration—the experience is more wholesome and meaningful knowing that the volunteer work being done was purposeful for the local community and not just an experience that was paid for by an international high school student.
Err on the side of caution if a program is not transparent about their practices and involvement in the community. Also, it is the student’s responsibility to insure that they have the necessary skills for the selected program. The more the student can contribute immediately to the volunteer program and be independent, the better!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: A Broader View Volunteer Corps
- Traveler’s program pick: GoBeyond Student Travel in the Virgin Islands
4. Outdoor Education
A foundation built in the outdoors is a foundation that will lead high school students to a life of exploration and awe. Outdoor education studying abroad programs for high school students are great ways for students to step out of their comfort zones and into the wild unknown. They have the opportunity to learn the skills they need to be able to confidently experience the wilderness in new and meaningful ways. Don’t know what leave no trace means? How about the current state of protection of National Parks? Or the history of the native and aboriginal communities who have deep and extended ties to the world that is often taken for granted?
Students will be able to learn about all of those things while experiencing the beauty and awe of the stunning landscapes across the world. Outdoor education invites students to develop a special relationship with nature—which is always a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Disconnecting from technology to reconnect with the self is an important skill to have in life, and outdoor education study abroad programs for high school students works on building that muscle.
- Traveler’s program pick: WestCoast Connection in Iceland
5. Experiential Learning
Entering an experience with open arms ready to embrace every twist and turn is not an easy approach to the unknown, but through experiential learning study abroad opportunities for high school students, there will be many opportunities for students to flex and strengthen their ability to adapt and embrace. Through experiential learning abroad, high school students open themselves up to all of the people, the food, and the cultures and languages they will come across. By immersing themselves into the experience, they will learn deeply and grow purposefully. Experiential learning happens everywhere—rural and urban, on the open waters and high above the clouds, in the structure of a classroom and out in the real world. Students will walk away with a more inclusive perspective and approach to the world, as well as a global mindset that is grounded in cultural competency and appreciation.
- Traveler’s program pick: Global Works in Costa Rica
“A main focus this year for high schoolers will be language immersion and developing skills that can set them apart on college applications.”—Nikki Powers, GoAbroad CCO
6. Gap Year
For those high school students looking for a longer-term transformational experience, gap years are a great option! Gap years are great personal exploratory opportunities, especially for students who aren’t completely sure of what path they hope to take. Do they want to study medicine? Or become a journalist? Or even find an opportunity outside of the realm of college/university altogether? Through gap year programs, students can experience living abroad, learning a language, or interning in a new country.
Any and all of these experiences help students grow personally and allow them to test out professional opportunities that they could influence the direction of their future. High school students learn to adapt and celebrate other ways of living through gap year programs abroad. These skills will help them no matter the field or the direction they choose to pursue.
- Traveler’s program pick: ARCC Programs Abroad in Asia
7. Homestays
Homestays are the perfect immersion experience for students wanting to studying abroad in high school. They will be able to live like the locals do, and experience life in a new place. For some, study abroad for high school students will be there first extended experience away from home. Homestays are not only good for having an immersive experience, but they also provide a home base and a family atmosphere for students. That means they will always have someone looking out for them and welcoming them into their home as if they are part of the family. It’s an incredible experience to have a family in another part of the world, so this is the perfect opportunity for students to experience this in high school.
Parents may also find comfort in knowing that their student is part of a family while they are away. Studying abroad programs for high school students go through a vetting selection and matching process to put students with host families that will be a great fit for both parties.
- Traveler’s program pick: Seville Abroad
8. Work Experience
When students have a clear idea of what they hope to pursue in the future, work experience studying abroad programs for high school students are a great opportunity for them to get hands-on work experience in their field of interest in a different part of the world! Not only does this help them to gain professional and international experience, but they are setting themselves apart from their peers. Working abroad as a high school student will help them to expand their global perspective as well as gain a working appreciation and understanding of working in a multicultural setting. As they pursue their future careers or academic paths, they will be able to utilize the skills they gained and the lessons they learned while on their work abroad programs. Also, the connections that high school students make now may open up more doors for working abroad again in the future.
- Traveler’s program pick: Projects Abroad in Peru
9. Music
For those high school students who are musically inclined, music gap year programs are great opportunities for them to explore their passions while exploring new parts of the world! They will learn from incredible musicians alongside like minded students—what more could a student ask for? Developing their passion for music and travel can open up cool opportunities such as becoming a volunteer music teacher in Uganda and sharing the transformative nature of music to those who do not have easy access to its power. Study abroad for high school students who want to pursue music in their futures will also benefit from this international experience and exposure. This is a standout experience that will set them apart from others like them going after similar opportunities. Students will also have the opportunity to incorporate international influences into their musical repertoire.
- Traveler’s program pick: Up With People
Studying abroad is a transformative experience. What can be challenging for students is that a life-changing experience—while living it—can be a roller coaster of emotions. Enthralling, frustrating, difficult, and growth-producing.—Lisa Guido, SAI
10. History
For those history buffs in the making, history study abroad opportunities for high school students allow them to walk through the history they discuss in class and experience the present results. History is a subject that can easily be misconstrued as a story and separated from its basis in reality. History study abroad programs for high school students bring those stories to life and invite students to develop a deeper understanding of what happened and why it still matters. They say that history repeats itself, so it is important that we have upcoming thinkers who know what has and hasn’t worked in the past to help better lead into the future. History can be learned in a classroom, but nothing compares to the out of classroom learning opportunities history programs abroad provide high school students. They will be able to enter their future studies, whether in history or not, with a renewed enthusiasm and an awakened sense of curiosity.
- Traveler’s program pick: Where There Be Dragons in Morocco
Next steps to book study abroad programs for high school students
Here are handful of resources to get you started on your very own journey to passport stamps and new locker decoration inspo. 2019 could be YOUR year to travel—and we can help make it happen! Get free program recommendations that match your travel goals, or use MyGoAbroad to bookmark and compare program options with confidence.
Still hungry for more? Bookmark these bad boys:
Youth Travel Inspiration
- Why Consider Study Abroad in High School?
- How to do High School Abroad
- 8 Awesome Types of Teen Tours
Program Selection Advice
- The 12 Best Study Abroad Programs for High School Students
- 7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a High School Study Abroad Program
- How to Respond to Your Family’s Study Abroad Concerns
Paying for Teen Travel
- The Secrets to Cheap Study Abroad in High School
- Tips on Funding Study Abroad
- Dozens of High School Travel Scholarships (plus how to win them)
[Get Matched with 5 High School Travel Programs for FREE]
Participate in studying abroad programs for high school students this year!
Which type of high school program abroad will YOU choose?
Studying abroad as a high school student means taking the first step into an international and globally focused future. As this world continues to become seemingly “smaller” through globalization, students who have studied abroad will already have a greater understanding of the experience of living in a different country within a different culture.
Beyond the professional and academic benefits of studying abroad in high school, students are also gaining more empathy and compassion for people around the world. This is an exciting opportunity for them to step into the space of celebrating differences around the world and helping to lead society into a more inclusive space. High school students who are excited and willing to take the leap and go abroad will experience exponential growth during their time away! This article was written with help from Hannah Sorila
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