Can You Study Abroad in High School?

Choosing to study abroad as a high school student is a great way to learn outside of a traditional classroom, and build confidence through travel and cultural immersion. Some students choose to take what’s called a “gap year” between high school and college, while others embark on a four to six week summer program while still enrolled in high school. 

Should You Study Abroad as a High Schooler? 

Traveling to a foreign country alone takes courage, especially as a teenager. It can be challenging to make friends and navigate a new climate and culture, especially with a language barrier, but this experience will lead to growth and confidence as you learn to creatively solve problems and overcome difficulties. You’ll get a taste of indepence, with backup of course, as well as create connections and memories that will last a lifetime.

Your summer abroad program will likely place you with a host family so you’ll have a support system to help you navigate a new culture, especially if there’s a language-learning component. When you immerse yourself in another culture and live with people different from you, not only will you create family, friends and a “home away from home” in another country, but your perspectives will change and you’ll have a better understanding of the world outside of what you’ve been familiar with. 

When you step outside of your comfort zone, you learn to become comfortable with the unknown and confident in yourself to navigate uncharted waters. You’ll have a chance to craft your own identity, separate from your family, and discover new interests and skills. You’ll learn about different cultures and traditions, and have a chance to make decisions for yourself, giving you an opportunity to grow in ways that you wouldn’t be able to by staying at home for the summer.

Summer Abroad Programs for High Schoolers

Whether you’re a seasoned world traveler or have never left your home state, there are a number of different types of summer programs that you can take advantage of while you’re still in high school. If you’re not ready for the intensity of traveling to another country, there are many programs within the U.S. that will provide you with a change of scenery and a chance to learn and grow in a less intimidating way. 

If you’re eager for international travel, there are programs designed specifically for high school students that allow for cultural immersion and self-discovery in a safe and supportive way. The world is a big place, so ask yourself is there a specific country, language, culture, tradition, etc that you’re drawn to? From there, you can start exploring programs that peak your interest.

Language immersion is a common interest and starting point for these types of programs. If you want to learn Mandarin, why not experience a homestay in China to not only learn the language in a practical and supportive way, but also about the rich culture and traditions of China. Are you interested in human rights, conservation, ecological systems or economic development? Find a program that gives you goosebumps with anticipation and excitement. 

These summer trips are usually four to six weeks long, so you’ll still have time to connect with friends and family at home before the school year starts up again. Where There Be Dragons curates trips from Colorado to Cambodia, British Columiba to Bolivia and so many places in between! We’d love to answer questions and get you on your way to an incredible summer adventure. Call 800.982.9203 or contact us today!