8 Popular Types of High School Study Abroad Programs

High school is one of the best times in life to study abroad. International travel at a young age helps to develop independence, adaptability, and curiosity. In addition to gaining new skills, a high school travel abroad experience looks great on a resume, and makes you a stronger applicant for university and career opportunities.

Ready to study abroad in high school? Here are your options.

As a young traveler, you’ll be taking in incredible new landscapes, and things you may have never seen before. You’ll make new friends from all over the world, and see how people live in locations you’ve only read about.

You may have the opportunity to volunteer with rescued elephants in Thailand, zipline through a rainforest in Costa Rica, or learn Spanish and dance flamenco in Spain. From short term adventures to longer term exchange programs, the hardest part about your experience will be coming home!

What is it like to study abroad in high school?

Study abroad programs for high school students offer a chance to learn about a different culture, and in many cases, a new language. You may stay with a host family and be fully immersed in everyday life, gaining a new perspective and new connections.

Imagine listening to a mariachi band while immersing yourself in the local culture.

As a study abroad program participant, you’ll learn more about different types of food, sports, festivals and holidays, religions, traditions, and more! You may try activities or hobbies that aren’t offered at your high school, and get to travel with your program or host family to landmarks, museums, and other places of interest.

Studying abroad is also a great way to reinvent yourself, and share about your own culture and perspective.

READ: 15 Best Places to Study Abroad in High School

What to do during study abroad in high school

There are many different types of study abroad experiences for high school aged students including community service and volunteering, experiential learning, gap year, homestay, language immersion, outdoor education, exchange, and work experience. Here are a few types of high school study abroad programs to explore prior to choosing a program provider and location:

1. Community Service & Volunteering

• Why? Traveling is inspirational, beautiful, and exciting. It can also be impactful! Volunteering abroad provides you with knowledge of the challenges facing communities on a global scale, and teaches you how individuals can make a difference.
• Speaking with local people and trying to see issues through their eyes makes you more open-minded and empathetic. Volunteering in an area that may interest you as a future career allows you to see what it would be like. You’ll also feel great having made a positive difference during your time studying abroad!
• Recommended program: Costa Rica: Summer Service Adventures

2. Experiential Learning

Grab your backpack and explore the great outdoors in an experiential education program.

• Why? Experiential education programs are perfect for those who want to learn by doing. If you want a hands-on cultural exchange consider this type of study abroad experience! Immersion is one of the best ways to learn about a new culture, including the language.
• You could do a deep dive into the traditions of Japan, learn to speak Spanish like a local in Spain, or live with a Parisian host family. There are many opportunities in this category of study abroad opportunities, so you’re sure to find one that fits your unique interests.
• Recommended program: Nice, France: French Immersion Summer Program

3. Gap Year

• Why? Taking a gap year after high school, or even going on a gap year program if you’re still in high school but over the age of 18, is an increasingly popular choice. A gap year program may give you direction regarding future field of study or work. It can also expand your personal and professional network, opening doors that may otherwise have been closed.
• A gap year does not have to last a full year, and some of the best options are incredibly unique experiences, like studying aboard a ship for a semester, or visiting multiple countries back-to-back. Studying abroad programs for high school students often offer 18 plus or gap year options.
• Recommended program: Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

4. Homestay

• Why? There’s no better way to learn a language and experience a different culture than living with a host family. With this fully immersive type of study abroad program, you’ll gain new skills and new international family members!
• Many students report that they stay in touch with their host families and go back to visit them often, and vice versa! You’ll pick up the nuances of the language you’re trying to learn, try traditional home-cooked meals, and see the world through your host families’ lens.
• Recommended program: AFS Intercultural Programs: Study Abroad in Costa Rica

5. Language Immersion

Do you love languages? Maybe a language exchange is perfect for you!

• Why? Whether you decide on an intense language immersion course or an experiential learning program with a language immersion component, learning even a bit of the local language is important to understand the culture.
• Languages provide insight into the traditions, rituals, and daily life in a place, and learning even the basics sends a message to those in the community that you’d like to understand them better, and make an effort to fit in. It’s a definite sign of respect, and also looks great on a resume! Being conversational or fluent in another language makes you stand out from your peers.
• Recommended program: High School Volunteer and Adventure Experience in Nepal

6. Student Exchange

• Why? Student exchange is another popular type of program for high school travelers. While you’ll need to communicate with your school regarding gaining credit for your time abroad, you’ll be acquiring a plethora of new skills by attending school in another part of the world.
• Similar to a homestay experience, an exchange experience often places you with a host family where you’ll be supported. Exchange organizations typically provide orientation materials and benefits to alumni on your return.
• Recommended program: Spain: Spanish Language & Culture

7. Work Experience

• Why? See the world and earn some money? Sounds like a win win! From international internships to full-time teaching positions, working abroad looks great on your resume and will teach you both hard and soft skills.
• Working abroad also provides a chance to either learn more about your chosen career path, or try out something new! You’ll be expanding your global network and opening doors to future opportunities. Who knows, you may even score a full time gig abroad!
• Recommended program: Projects Abroad in Ecuador

8. Outdoor Education

An immersive outdoor experience will open your eyes to how important (and fragile) our environment is.

• Why? If you’re looking for a mix of different types of study abroad programs, consider an outdoor education program. With this type of study abroad experience, you may be volunteering, living with a host family, and trying new adventure activities (think backpacking, snorkeling, horseback riding, and more) all while exploring the great outdoors!
• This is a great program type for adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, and lovers of learning. Venturing off the beaten path could lead you to Tanzania to learn about a local NGO and fully immerse you in another culture with experienced guides. There’s a wide range of adventures to choose from!
• Recommended program: Active Mexico! Hike & Surf Camp

Next steps to study abroad in high school

So, what do you do when you study abroad in high school? Anything and everything! Summer is a great time for students to travel abroad to volunteer or participate in an internship but there are also options for longer term study abroad experiences of all types.

Start planning now for the semester or year you’d like to go! Keep in mind that school start and end times vary by where you are in the world. Check out these resources for more inspo:

• MyGoAbroad. Find and compare high school study abroad programs for free!
• Online Advisor. Get free program matches based on your interests.
• High School Study Abroad Articles. Read more about the high school study abroad experience from our travel experts.
• High School Study Abroad Directory. Browse 100s of high school programs abroad based on country, focus, and timeframe.

To further prepare, make a list of what you’d like to get out of a study abroad experience—is being in nature important to you or would you like to experience big city life? Do you want to learn a new language or is a shorter, outdoor adventure experience more your style? There are sure to be other factors, but having a few bucket list items is a great start.

Get matched to 5 high school programs for FREE with our Online Advisor

Studying abroad in high school is always a good idea!

The world is calling. What are you waiting for?

There is no better time to study abroad than right now. Your first study abroad experience will impact every decision you make thereafter—you’ll return home a true global citizen. If cost is a concern, check out shorter term programs or those that offer scholarships.

If you’re close to graduation, a gap year program may be a great choice prior to going to college or entering the workforce. Research the programs and locations that interest you to fully prepare, and take advantage of any orientations and resources that may be offered before, during, and after your trip abroad. Make the most out of your high school education and choose to study abroad!

Check out ALL high school study abroad programs at GoAbroad.com!