Hiking Programs in Western Europe

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that blends education, culture, and personal growth, consider attending a Folk College (in Danish: højskole) in Denmark! Folk colleges are unique, non-formal schools where you learn through experience rather than exams or textbooks. These vibrant communities welcome students eager to discover new ideas, forge friendships, and explore personal passions. You’ll live, eat, attend classes, and relax alongside fellow students and teachers—creating a close-knit, family-like atmosphere. In this supportive environment, you're encouraged to be yourself, try new things, make mistakes, and grow from them. With the scenic Danish countryside as your backdrop—complete with rolling hills, historic towns, and charming villages—you’ll find daily inspiration for learning and self-discovery.

Help promote healthy and active lifestyles among young people from under-resourced communities in this sports volunteer program at an after-school facility, a local school, or a community center. No matter where you’re placed, you play a vital role in building sportsmanship and teamwork skills while keeping youth and teens active. International Volunteer HQ offers meaningful placements across Central and South America, Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. Choose from sports development or education projects in countries like Argentina, Indonesia, Brazil, Greece, Fiji, and Ghana. Program fees start from $275 for a minimum participation of 1 week. Stay for up to 24 weeks and see tangible results of your work. This is an ideal program for energetic, sports-loving volunteers. Make an impact by designing lessons or coaching sessions integrated with fun games and activities.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

Protect endangered sea turtles while basking in the sun on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia. Get an in-depth look at conservation efforts, both on land and water. Snorkel in crystal clear waters and explore white sand beaches as you learn how to save turtles amid growing manmade and natural threats. Our Greek Island Turtle Conservation takes students to a part of Kefalonia Island, where endangered loggerhead turtles migrate every spring for food, mating, and nesting. You’ll work with survey teams that regularly walk along the beaches to protect nests while monitoring vulnerable seagrass meadows and dunes that are important for the turtles. It’s a unique opportunity for students interested in environmental science and nature. Combine the popular Northern Italy Adventure and Greece Island Turtle Conservation programs for one epic experience! Start your journey exploring the highlights of Northern Italy: the sights, the foods, the history, and more. Then jump to the Greek Island of Kefalonia and dive into the life of a marine conservationist as you help protect endangered sea turtles.

Spain attracts travelers with its old-world charm and vibrant people. Explore the country in a way most tourists never will! Beyond experiencing ancient sites and modern cities, you become exposed to a beautiful and untainted Spain. Dive into an unforgettable and authentic experience through community collaboration in our partner local communities on this student travel program to Spain! Focus on environmental conservation as you connect with locals. Our Spanish adventure takes you through all the must-see places and beyond the tourist track. These are adventures you do not want to miss! Program Options: Spain: Sustainable Communities & Mediterranean Culture - 17-day high school program through Madrid, Malaga, Granada, and Barcelona

Travel through Ireland and Scotland as you build your writing craft in two countries with world-renowned literary traditions. Begin in Edinburgh, drawing inspiration from storytellers, historic streets, and daily writing excursions. Continue west to Inishbofin for a quiet island writers’ retreat, then conclude in Dublin, where you share your work at a public reading. With guidance from published authors and mentors, develop new pieces, refine your voice, and return home with a polished portfolio and a strong creative community.

Experience the ancient pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago, hiking through the stunning landscapes of northern Spain. This historical journey, dating back to the 10th century, invites you to walk in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who have ventured this sacred path before you. Each day, you’ll trek from village to village, soaking in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that defines the region. The journey culminates in the breathtaking city of Santiago de Compostela, home to the shrine of St. James the Apostle. Along the way, you'll stay in authentic albergues (pilgrim hostels) or cozy guest houses, connecting with fellow travelers from all over the world. As you hike, you’ll witness firsthand the spirit of community that unites pilgrims on this incredible trail. From the picturesque countryside to the vibrant towns, every step brings you closer to history, beauty, and inner peace. Join this transformative experience in Spain, where the Camino offers a unique opportunity to connect with yourself, embrace nature, and create lifelong memories.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Iceland is one of the hottest destinations of the year. Here is your chance to discover it with Westcoast Connection. Join a program that lets you discover breathtaking landscapes together with like-minded teens from around the world! Revel in the land of fire and ice as you hike to the top of glaciers and relax in bubbling hot springs. Explore magma chambers of dormant volcanoes and partake in an incredible whale watching experience. It doesn't take long to be amazed by Iceland's extraordinary natural beauty, as well as its kind and friendly people. Since you’re visiting in summer, expect bright nights - a truly incredible phenomenon in Iceland from May to August. Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets that never end, also referred to as the midnight sun. This occurs as the sun lowers into the horizon, but never sets! This program is part of our Iceland & Greece Global Adventure.

Join the educational trip to Spain offered by Seville Abroad. This is a truly memorable and unique way to gain a deeper love and respect for the country’s language as well as develop more interest in your future studies. Our Spanish educational trips help you learn firsthand about a lot of things - language, way of life, culture, and history. You will have the chance to add the program with “family immersion”, allowing you to experience daily life, habits, customs, and local foods of a local family. Our network of host families consists of hospitable people who welcome foreigners with open arms. They are eager to share their life as well as experience the culture of visitors. They are typically affluent families who are respected and known in their local community. The trip will be based in Seville because of its truly Spanish characteristic. Although it is a cosmopolitan city, it boasts of rich artistic historical legacy. From Seville, you will participate in a broad selection of excursion together with other students. If you cannot find a trip that matches your preferences, let us know and we will design a trip you will enjoy.

This exciting adventure will take our students to some of the best destinations on the Greek islands and mainland Greece, introducing them to one of the oldest, richest, and most awe-inspiring cultures of the world. Our students will marvel at the natural beauty of Crete and the Cycladic islands, washed by the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea, the colorful seaside villages, and some of Europe’s most spectacular beaches. They will learn about Greek history, mythology, and culture in a fun and engaging way, based on our Experiential Learning Method. The students will also participate in community service projects with our Greek partners, protecting animal habitat and fighting deforestation, sea pollution, and climate change. Key Details: Dates: July 10 - July 24 Locations visited: Crete, Santorini, Naxos, and Athens Housing: Hotels and student apartments

The International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT®) is a premium, award-winning summer experience for students aged 13–18. Held in the world-famous university towns of St Andrews and Oxford, it combines academic excellence, personal growth, and global friendship in a safe, inspiring setting. Students create their perfect summer by selecting one academic subject — such as Global Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Law & Economics, Academic English, IELTS, Medicine, or AI & Computer Science — and one elective, including Golf, Tennis, Sports Leadership, Theatre, or Photography & Digital Media. This dual-study model blends intellectual challenge with creativity and fun. With students from over 100 nationalities, ISSFT offers full English immersion, developing confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. Beyond academics, teens enjoy cultural excursions, evening events, and supervised adventures across the UK’s most historic and scenic locations. At ISSFT, every student is supported, inspired, and encouraged to realise their potential — it’s more than a summer school, it’s a transformative journey of discovery, friendship, and adventure.

Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of cultures on our 21-day summer program across Spain and Morocco. Engage deeply with Southern Spain's vibrant culture and Northern Africa's captivating traditions while enhancing your Spanish through lessons with local instructors. Enjoy a feast of traditional flavors, from savory tapas and aromatic mint tea to the unique spices of Moroccan tagine. Experience the rhythm of flamenco and the art of Spanish cooking, and wander the striking blue-washed buildings and medinas of Chefchaouen. Stay with a traditional Amazigh community in the High Atlas Mountains for a true cultural exchange between our students and local residents. This program for teens from 9th – 12th grades fosters cultural understanding and language skills through language lessons and community engagement.

Volunteer with animals and preserve nature in the bright lands of Valencia, Spain. The endless coast draws many, but the beautiful mountains, forests, islands, and cool rivers further in, offer just as much fun. The plethora of geography brings with it a wide diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are in need of human support. Volunteers can choose between the two different locations and types of work. The first places volunteers in Albufera Natural Park which is home to Spains largest lake and many rare species yet it is an easy bus ride from the city of Valencia. The second option will take volunteers further inland to work on different nature reserves. This placement is only available from October to June and focuses more on the environment and vegetation rather than animal populations.

Learn Spanish in Malaga, Spain, with Agualivar. Participants are welcomed into the school where they experience the local way of life as part of a warm, friendly family. Besides living together with teachers, participants speak only Spanish every day. Teachers and the rest of the Agualivar staff help students find the right words to say in daily conversations. Courses are specifically designed to meet individual needs. The school is not a traditional academy; it is a beachfront village where students enjoy an unforgettable holiday while learning Spanish. Classes have a maximum of four students and lessons tackle all language skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture. The tuition is usually in the morning, leaving the afternoons and evenings free for activities, visits, excursions, and/or private study. The great advantage of this program is that participants live in the house with teachers so that learning does not stop at the end of the lesson.

Adventure, Culture, and Purpose: Grow, Connect, and Explore the Mediterranean Sail the Aegean, wander ancient cobblestone streets, and awaken your sense of purpose on this six-week journey through Greece and Croatia. Island-hop among sun-soaked shores, explore ruins that tell the stories of ancient civilizations, kayak hidden coves, and immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures. Learn traditional crafts and cuisine alongside locals, practice teamwork while sailing between islands, and reflect on your growth with a close-knit group of like-minded peers. This program blends adventure, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning to build confidence, resilience, and clarity about your path forward. Whether you’re taking a gap year, seeking an alternative to study abroad, prioritizing ethical travel, building skills and leadership, or craving authentic cultural experiences, this journey meets you where you are—helping you grow, connect, and discover meaning. This isn’t just travel—it’s a transformative experience that shapes your story.

At Peak Tennis International, our summer camp programs are designed for youth aged 10 to 17 who are eager to grow both on and off the court. Nestled in the stunning natural landscapes of Switzerland and Austria, our camps blend world-class tennis training with holistic personal development. We want kids to disconnect from the busy world, phones, and the virtual world to connect with themselves, nature, and reality. Participants benefit from expert coaching, wellness practices, and a wide range of activities—from mindset training and life-skills workshops to adventures like hiking, lake outings, and forest games. Each camper is supported in a safe, fun, and multicultural environment that fosters confidence, resilience, and lasting friendships. More than just a camp, it’s a transformative journey where sport, nature, and personal discovery shape tomorrow’s champions.

Experience the magic of arctic nature in Nuorgam, Utsjoki, with a captivating tour to witness the Northern Lights. This tour offers accommodation in unique settings like AuroraHut Igloos and cottages, alongside various outdoor activities. Inclusions: Accommodation in AuroraHut Igloos or cottages Activities such as snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling Guided hiking and camping tours Access to sauna and jacuzzi Perfect for adventurers and nature enthusiasts looking to experience the unique arctic environment and witness the Northern Lights. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lapland with the Nights of Northern Lights tour. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, exciting activities, and unforgettable Northern Lights sightings.

The Mont-Blanc Program is designed for teens aged 14 to 16, offering the perfect mix of language learning, outdoor adventure, and cultural discovery. Located in the stunning French Alps, this program provides a unique opportunity for participants to improve their English or French skills while exploring the beauty of Megève. Language lessons are tailored to all levels and focus on practical, interactive methods to boost confidence and communication. Outside the classroom, teens enjoy a variety of thrilling activities, including hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and more. The program also encourages teamwork and leadership through group challenges and creative workshops. This international camp is ideal for teens looking to connect with peers from around the world, develop independence, and create unforgettable memories. With a focus on safety and personal growth, the Mont-Blanc Program combines education, adventure, and cultural immersion for a truly transformative experience.

Experience summer with a difference in this camp! Based in an outstanding boarding school in Wiltshire, two hours away from London, XUK Excel offers children and teens aged 13 to 17 the opportunity to specialize in the activities they love. Campers will focus on one of three electives in the morning: • Adventure (paddle boarding, mountain biking, bushcraft, climbing, and more) • Sport (football, swimming, archery, rugby, cricket, badminton, and more) • Creative (photography, filmmaking, arts, crafts, and cookery) In the afternoons, campers come together to experience new and exciting activities such as cookery, dance, arts and crafts, sports, and more. With outstanding facilities, including a dance studio, top-class cooking rooms, and a sports hall, XUK Excel provides choices for our young participants. With experienced staff and safety being a constant priority, we allow campers to thrive in a fun and friendly atmosphere.