High School Study Abroad and Teen Travel Programs

In addition to traditional high school exchange and program providers, the teen travel and study section includes gap-year opportunities. Whether it’s called a gap year, taking time off, or an interim experience, more U.S. students are considering participating in a structured sequence of activities before college that may include service and cultural exchange. With so many options available for students, researching programs is essential. Issues to consider when comparing options may include: supervision and structure (particularly if a student is younger and/or an inexperienced traveler); program fees and additional costs (e.g., travel and health insurance, if applicable); whether scholarships are available; whether a student prefers being with a group or is interested in a homestay experience; mastery of a foreign language is recommended or required; health and safety issues in a host country; and the program’s track record in these areas. Most programs will provide contact information for past participants who can offer valuable references and recommendations. Some students may be interested in whether they can arrange academic credit for their experience (which generally calls for up-front consultation with a college or university). Information provided by programs—such as locations and prices—can change, so please check the websites and/or directly with program staff for updates. —Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson, co-authors of The Gap-Year Advantage

Cactus Language
High Quality Language Programs for Juniors
A Cactus Juniors programme give youngsters the unique opportunity to take a fun-packed few weeks of language classes combined with a range of social and sporting activities. Specially geared to students from 6-18 years, our junior programmes have a real international flavour, with young people from many different countries coming together to study the local language, take part in activities and above all have fun. Language classes take place in the morning and then the afternoons are filled with activities ranging from watersports, tennis, horseriding and golf to craft workshops, barbecues, campfires and parties - more often than not in beautiful natural surroundings. Parents can be assured that all programmes are fully-supervised and coordinated by a professional team of teachers and monitors. And students can be assured that, as well as making lots of new friends, they will come back with a variety of language, sporting and social skills valuable for the rest of their lives.

Dates: All year round
Contact: info@cactuslanguage.com
Web site: www.cactuslanguage.com

Teen Language Programs Abroad
Teenagers Abroad specializes in sending young students between the ages of 13 - 18 to exciting places and programs in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Morocco, Switzerland, Austria, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica & China. Our programs include accommodation and offer a full schedule of language lessons, sports, leisure and cultural activities. Programs are designed to introduce young students to another culture and to encourage them to make friends with other students from around the world.

Dates: All year round start dates
Costs: From $1500 per month
Contact: Andy Stephenson, Teenagers Abroad, 386 Ontario Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5A2V7 Canada Tel. 1 800 219 9924 Fax 1 416 925 5990
Email: info@teenagersabroad.com
Website: www.Teenagersabroad.com

Be a Local High Schooler in Austria
Ages 16-18 please take note of this unique opportunity to study at high school, live with a family and become a "normal Austrian highschooler"! Learn German & learn first hand the Austrian culture, values and traditions in your own Austrian home! Get involved in your Austrian School's activities to enrich this once in a lifetime experience.

Cost: Varies depending on the duration of your stay (6 months, 1 year).
Dates: Starts in August.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Telephone: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

ASA Summer Study Abroad Programs
Three to four week summer study abroad programs in England (Oxford or Cambridge Universities) and Italy (Florence) for students completing grades 9-12. Combine a taste of college life with exploration of another culture! Excellent classes in exciting subjects, a wide range of activities to choose from, and guided excursions to all the best sights. Spend this summer with ASA!

Cost: $5995 - $7595
Dates: Multiple sessions in June, July & August
Contact: Assistant Director, Academic Study Associates (ASA), 375 West Broadway, Ste 200; New York, NY 10012.
Tel: 212-796-8340; (800) 752-2250. Fax: 212-334-4934.
Email: Summer@asaprograms.com
Website: www.asaprograms.com

ASA Language Immersion Programs
Month-long language and cultural immersion programs: Barcelona, Spain; 4 Homestay locations in Andalucia, Spain; Nice, France; Florence, Italy; and Homestay w/ Community Service in Heredia, Costa Rica. For students grades 9-12 who have completed at least 1 (residential and Costa Rica) or 2 (homestays) years of language study. Daily language classes taught by native speakers, electives and activities in everything from Flamenco guitar to French cooking, and excursions to all the best sights. Spend this summer immersed in another culture with ASA!

Cost: $5395 - $7295
Dates: June - July
Contact: Assistant Director, Academic Study Associates (ASA), 375 West Broadway, Ste 200; New York, NY 10012.
Tel: 212-796-8340; (800) 752-2250. Fax: 212-334-4934.
Email: summer@asaprograms.com
Website: www.asaprograms.com

Teen Summer Immersion Spanish Camp
Intercultura Costa Rica offers a Spanish immersion program for Teens which allows adolescents to learn Spanish and immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture. In addition to intensive Spanish classes, the summer program offers a variety of fun, chaperoned adventure activities. Students may study at the beach or in the city.

Dates: June 11th- August 13th
Contact: Barbara Miller, INTERCULTURA, Costa Rica, Language School & Cultural Center, P.O Box 1952-3000, Heredia Costa Rica, Central América; Tel. (506) 260 8480; Fax(506) 656 0127.
Email: info@interculturacostarica.com
Website: www.interculturacostarica.com/teen_spanish.html

Study Spanish in Costa Rica
High School Students – This summer Spanish immersion program takes place in 3 parts of Costa Rica, including Monteverde and Flamingo Beach. Homestay for two weeks, hotel stay for one week. Take intensive Spanish classes, earn university credit, hike, swim, zipline through the rainforest, socialize and make new lifelong friends.

Cost: $4880 / includes airfare from San Francisco or NY, all activities/excursions, medical insurance, all meals, 30 students, three full-time chaperones.
Dates: June 25-July 19, 2009
Contact: Phyllis O'Neill, Edu-Culture International (ECI), P.O Box 2692, Berkeley, California 94702; tel.: 866-343-8990; fax: (510) 845-2231.
Email: info@educulture.org
Website: www.educulture.org

Learn French in France
ECI, specializing in summer study abroad and exchange programs for high school students, has exciting summer trips in Lyon, Aix-en-Provence and Toulouse. These programs provide unique opportunities for pre-college teens to earn credit, study French in France, and offer the choice of staying with host families or in university-style dormitories.

Cost: $4350 - $7370 / includes airfare from San Francisco or JFK, all activities/excursions, 3 days in Paris, medical insurance, most meals, three full-time chaperones.
Contact: Phyllis O'Neill, Edu-Culture International (ECI), P.O Box 2692, Berkeley, California 94702; tel.: 866-343-8990; fax: (510) 845-2231.
Email: info@educulture.org
Website:www.educulture.org

ECI Summer Study in Spain
High School Students – Learn Spanish in Spain this summer! 3-4 week study and travel trips. Experience local culture, make friends you'll never forget, earn university credit. Build your future college application while having more fun than you can imagine. Join ECI for a life-changing adventure this summer!

Dates: Various sessions throughout the summer. 30 students per session.
Cost: $4350 - $7900 / includes airfare from San Francisco or JFK, all activities/excursions, medical insurance, classes, most meals, three full-time chaperones..
Contact: Phyllis O'Neill, Edu-Culture International (ECI), P.O Box 2692, Berkeley, California 94702; tel.: 866-343-8990; fax: (510) 845-2231.
Email: info@educulture.org
Website: www.educulture.org

Junior Programs in Spain
Enjoy a unique opportunity to take a fun-packed few weeks of language classes combined with a range of social and sporting activities. We offer students between the ages of 13 - 18 the possibility of visiting exciting places all over Spain in customized programs that meet all needs.
We offer too the option to combine blend adventure, hands-on learning, community service, cultural immersion and international travel.

Dates: Any Monday throughout the year.
Contact: Jose Lopez, Instituto Hemingway, Bailen 5, 2 Dcha, Bilbao 48003.
Telephone: + 34 94 416 7901. Fax: +34 94 416 5748.
Email: info@institutohemingway.com
Web: www.institutohemingway.com

GIC Argentina: High School
High School Abroad with GIC Argentina: Summer, semester and year programs available. Experience going to classes at a top private high schools in Buenos Aires. Make a lot of new Argentinean friends while quickly improving your Spanish language skills. Program available for High School students (14 to 18 years old).

Dates: Every month of the year
Cost: Check website for details
Contact: Mirian Balducci, Program Advisor, GIC Argentina, Av. Rivadavia 2009 - 1D, C1033AAK, Buenos Aires
Tel.: +54-11-49514003
Email: info@gicarg.org
Website: www.gicarg.org

Central American Service Expeditions
Students! Travel way beyond the beaten path to rural lodges in Costa Rica which are owned and run by local communities. Support sustainable development through adventure travel and service with real people in real communities.

Dates: All year
Contact: Matthew Cook, Central American Service Expeditions, Interlink #508, PO Box 02-5635, Miami, FL 33102
Phone in Costa Rica: +011 506-839-0515
Email: info@serviceexpeditions.net
Website: www.serviceexpeditions.net

Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI)
High School Abroad in Argentina
Currently enrolled university students and recent grads can gain practical experience in their field while deepening their understanding of Australian culture and business practices. Participants are placed in internships with companies in Sydney and Melbourne. Placements are available in most fields. Homestay with Australian host families and organized weekly social activities with other interns are included.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year start in September; Spring semester begins in January.
Cost: $4790 for the semester program and $5790 for the academic year includes placement with host family and school, orientation, full support and supervision throughout the program,  full board (three meals daily), and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Australia
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Australia! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with an opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local school high school, and experiencing the daily life of an Australian teen. CCI is a non profit with over 20 years of experience in cultural exchange. Our staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to each student and their parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year start in July; Spring semester begins in January.
Cost: $9990 for the semester program and $18,200 for the academic year includes placement with host family and school, orientation, full support and supervision throughout the program,  full board (three meals daily), and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Belgium
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Belgium! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with the opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local high school, and experiencing day-to-day life in Belgium. Choose from placements in southern French-speaking Walloinia region or the northern Dutch-speaking Flanders. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs. Our friendly staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to students and parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester /year begins in September; Spring semester starts in January.
Cost: $6300 for a semester and $7150 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Brazil
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Brazil! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with an opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local school high school, and experiencing the daily life of a Brazilian teen. CCI is a non profit with over 20 years of experience in cultural exchange. Our staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to each student and their parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year start in July;  Spring semester begins in February.
Cost: $4390 for the semester program and $5890 for the academic year includes placement with host family and school, Portuguese tutoring, orientation, full support and supervision throughout the program,  full board (three meals daily), and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Denmark
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Denmark! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with the opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local high school, and experiencing the day-to-day life of a Danish teenager. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year programs begin in August; Spring semester begins in January.
Cost: $7,660 for a semester and $8,300 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, orientation, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Ecuador
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Ecuador! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with an opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local school high school, and experiencing the daily life of an Ecuadorian teen. CCI is a non profit with over 20 years of experience in cultural exchange. Our staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to each student and their parents throughout the program.

Dates: Spring: January - June (Galapagos location April - September). Fall: September - December (Galapagos location July - January).

High School Abroad in Finland
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Finland! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with the opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local high school, and experiencing the day-to-day life of a Finnish teenager. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs. Our friendly staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to students and parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year programs start in August; Spring semester programs begin in January.
Cost: $7,660 for a semester and $8,300 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, orientation, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in France
CCI's High School Abroad Program provides outgoing students (age 15-18) with an opportunity for a unique, rewarding experience that they will remember for a lifetime! Participants spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local school high school, and experiencing day-to-day life in France. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs. Our friendly staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to students and parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year starts inSeptember; spring semester begins in January. 3 month option also available.
Cost: $6200 for a semester and $8300 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Germany
CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with an opportunity for a unique, rewarding experience that they will remember for a lifetime! Participants spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local high school, and experiencing day-to-day life in Germany. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs. Our friendly staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to students and parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year starts in September; spring semester begins in January. Three month option also available.
Cost: $6650 for a semester and $7990 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Ireland
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Ireland! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with the opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local high school, and experiencing the day-to-day life of an Irish teenager. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs. Our friendly staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to students and parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and year programs begin in August; Spring semester begins in January. Three month program option is also available..
Cost: $9,370 for a semester and $13,690 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, orientation, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Italy
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Italy! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with an opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local school high school, and experiencing the daily life of an Italian teen. CCI is a non profit with over 20 years of experience in cultural exchange. Our staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to each student and their parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year start in September; Spring semester begins in January. Three month program option is also available.
Cost: $7960 for the semester program and $10,990 for the academic year includes placement with host family and school, orientation, full support and supervision throughout the program,  full board (three meals daily), and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Japan
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Japan! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with an opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local school high school, and experiencing the daily life of a Japanese teen. CCI is a non profit with over 20 years of experience in cultural exchange. Our staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to each student and their parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year start in August; Spring semester and academic year begin in March.
Cost: $5490 for the semester program and $6850 for the academic year includes placement with host family and school, orientation, full support and supervision throughout the program,  full board (three meals daily), and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in the Netherlands
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in the Netherlands! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with the opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local  high school, and experiencing day-to-day life in Holland. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs. Our friendly staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to students and parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and year programs begin in August; Spring semester starts in January.
Cost: $7600 for a semester and $8590 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, one week orientation upon arrival, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in New Zealand
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in New Zealand! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with an opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local school high school, and experiencing the daily life of a "Kiwi" teen. CCI is a non profit with over 20 years of experience in cultural exchange. Our staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to each student and their parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year start in July; Spring semester begins in February.
Cost: $8790 for the semester program and $14,990 for the academic year includes placement with host family and school, orientation, full support and supervision throughout the program,  full board (three meals daily), and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Norway
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Norway! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with the opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local high school, and experiencing the day-to-day life of a Norwegian teenager. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs. Our friendly staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to students and parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year programs start in August; Spring semester programs begin in January.
Cost: $7,660 for a semester and $8,300 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, orientation, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Spain
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Spain! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with the opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local high school, and experiencing the day-to-day life of a Spanish teenager. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs. Our friendly staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to students and parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year start in September; Spring semester begins in February.
Cost: $7,990 for a semester and $9,980 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, orientation, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Sweden
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Sweden! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with the opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local high school, and experiencing the day-to-day life of a Swedish teenager. CCI is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience with organizing successful exchange programs. Our friendly staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to students and parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year programs start in August; Spring semester programs begin in January.
Cost: $7,660 for a semester and $8,300 for an academic year includes placement with host family and full board, orientation, high school placement, full support and supervision, and medical insurance.

High School Abroad in Taiwan
Learn about yourself and the world through an incredible life experience- study abroad in Taiwan! CCI's High School Abroad Program provides students (age 15-17) with an opportunity to spend a semester or academic year living with a host family, attending a local school high school, and experiencing the daily life of a Taiwanese teen. CCI is a non profit with over 20 years of experience in cultural exchange. Our staff provide expert guidance and personalized support to each student and their parents throughout the program.

Dates: Fall semester and academic year start in September; Spring semester and academic year begins in February.
Cost: $5850 for the semester program and $6790 for the academic year includes placement with host family and school, orientation, full support and supervision throughout the program,  full board (three meals daily), and medical insurance.

Contact: Center for Cultural Interchange, 746 N. Lasalle Dr., Chicago, IL 60610.
Tel: 1.312.944.2544 or direct 312.264.1601.
Email: info@cci-exchange.com
Website: www.cci-exchange.com