11 Best High School Study Abroad Programs in Mexico

One of the best decisions you will ever make in your life is to travel, study, work, or volunteer abroad. Why not follow through on this decision as soon as possible and study abroad as a high schooler? Stay on this continent while enjoying the unique culture of Mexico. You will learn so much while having a blast.

Why sit in a classroom when you can learn in a place like this?

The first step is to determine the best high school study abroad programs in Mexico. Lucky you, GoAbroad has researched, reviewed, and analyzed high school study abroad programs in Mexico just for you!

Study abroad programs in Mexico for high school students will start a lifetime journey of meaningful travel. Living in Mexico even for a short time will open your eyes to new ways to live and enjoy life! These programs were specifically picked to help you choose the right program for you for your life-changing study abroad journey in Mexico.

What makes these programs the best?

All programs listed on GoAbroad have been vetted and verified by the GoAbroad team. Programs are chosen based on several key factors that determine a program’s worth.

We research the provider’s reputation by looking at reviews from alumni either on the provider’s website or on our provider pages. Sometimes, we interview employees to get a better understanding of the mission and goals of the organization.

Moreover, we look for program inclusions such as housing, field trips, quality of education offered, and so on. We take the time to research if the excursions are worthwhile or if the program locations are interesting and safe while offering adequate accommodations. Essentially, GoAbroad has got you covered, because we take the time and pride ourselves in picking quality programs.

11 best high school study abroad programs in Mexico

1. Conservation Work in Mexico for Teens

• Why? This short-term program gives you a taste of what life abroad can be like. For two weeks, you will get ten total hours of Spanish language lessons. Along with this, participants get to help out with conservation projects. This means you will help protect life and resources along the coast of Mexico. Your accommodations will be in a guesthouse, so you will get to meet other people your age who are interested in protecting the environment, like you!
• Where? La Paz
• Duration: 2-week minimum
• Read Projects Abroad reviews

2. Active Mexico! Hike & Surf Camp

• Why? Arcos Journeys Abroad is well known for its excellent programs for teens—and this Hike and Surf Camp is just one of the most adventurous and positively reviewed programs they have. All levels of surfers and hikers are welcome on the program. Other activities on this program include snorkeling, paddle boarding, going on a cruise, hiking the mountains, exploring a cloud forest with an indigenous guide, and more! You will never run out of fun adventures on this program.
• Where? Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, and more
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Arcos Journeys Abroad reviews

3. Under 18’s Spring Break Marine Conservation Expedition

• Why? Get your volunteer hours in during your spring break! This program’s goal is to educate teens about marine conservation. On this program, you will see gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, and more. What makes this program stand out from the others is that you can earn your PADI Open Water diving certification.
• Where? Puerto Morelos
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Read GVI reviews

4. Public Health Work in Mexico for Teens

• Why? Projects Abroad has an excellent reputation for taking teens on educational and adventurous trips abroad. This particular program seeks to inform students about public health issues. Participants in this program help with public health campaigns and medical outreach activities to educate the public. You will get the opportunity to shadow and work with doctors and nurses on this program. This means you will get to participate in diagnosis, perform basic procedures, and assist with immunization drives. Essentially, this program is a crash course in the public health field.
• Where? Guadalajara
• Duration: 2-week minimum
• Read Projects Abroad reviews

5. Diving for Marine Conservation

• Why? The coral reefs need protecting! This provider gets it and wants to help. As a participant in this program, you will support the researchers’ work conserving the Mesoamerican Reef. For the first three weeks, you will be trained on how to collect data while earning your PADI Open Water certification. In the final weeks, you will be in the field cleaning beaches, recording data on fish and coral, sanitizing equipment, and helping with outreach initiatives.
• Where? Puerto Morelos
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Read GoEco reviews

6. CIEE High School Summer Abroad: Youth Development in Mexico

• Why? CIEE is well known in education abroad circles. This program’s goal is to get teens involved in social work by working with a local NGO. Participants will get to work with the NGO to help run their day-to-day tasks. This could include playing with children to teach them how to be team players. Excursions include going to the Mayan World Museum, touring the Music Palace, visiting local art galleries, and taking a boat ride in the mangroves.
• Where? Merida
• Duration: 3 weeks
• Read CIEE Study Abroad reviews

7. Spanish Language & Mexican Culture

• Why? Immerse yourself in Mexican culture and improve your Spanish learning skills. Each day, students will take classes ranging from Spanish to literature, history, culture, and fine arts in the colonial city of Oaxaca. Learning in a UNESCO World Heritage Site is just one of the amazing benefits of participating in this program. You will get to go on day trips to the Monte Alban ruins, Pacific beaches, and indigenous villages nearby.
• Where? Oaxaca
• Duration: 15-29 days
• Arcos Journeys Abroad reviews

8. Baja Marine Science & Conservation | Nat Geo Student Travel

• Why? This National Geographic Student Travel program will look great on your resume and give you the opportunity to make your summer more meaningful by learning about marine conservation and getting photography tips from the pros! You will also have plenty of time to go off and snorkel, surf, kayak, and more.
• Where? La Ventana and Punta Marquez (outside Mexicali)
• Duration: 12 days
• Learn more about National Geographic Student Travel

9. CIEE High School Summer Abroad: Language & Culture in Mexico

• Why? Spend four weeks in Mexico practicing your Spanish and immersing yourself in the culture by visiting markets, cultural centers, and museums, and see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá! On this program, students live with host families so it’s easier to practice Spanish and engage with the Mexican culture firsthand.
• Where? Merida
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Read CIEE Study Abroad reviews

10. High School Marine Conservation & PADI Advanced Open Water

• Why? Mexico is the place to be to study marine conservation as a high schooler. With GVI, you can learn to distinguish coral and various fish, then you can help figure out how to help them live their best lives. You will have mentors on this program who will help guide and teach you all about marine conservation.
• Where? Puerto Morelos
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Read GVI reviews

11. Mexico - Jaguar Jungle Conservation

• Why? If the jungle calls to you, then this might be the best program for you. This volunteer opportunity takes you into the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle so you can help track and collect data on jaguars in the wild! You don’t need to speak Spanish to participate. Bring your energy and passion for the outdoors and you’ll have a blast!
• Where? Campeche
• Duration: 1-12 weeks
• Read GoEco reviews

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Elevate your high school experience and study abroad in Mexico!

Apply for one of the best high school study abroad programs in Mexico and get ready to make friends and learn in an amazing environment.

The best high school study abroad programs in Mexico involve learning and education with adventure and travel mixed in! Study abroad programs in Mexico for high school students will challenge your language skills and intercultural communication knowledge while you explore Mexican history, culture, food, business, and more.

Now that you’ve got your options on high school study abroad programs in Mexico, it’s up to you to take the next step and apply!