Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast series and official travel report for 2019. ☆ High school is a time for growth and figuring things out… kind of. It can definitely be a challenging time of finding and using your own voice, especially when you’re trying to fit in with a crowd. Fortunately for you, there are some incredible opportunities abroad that will help you gain independence, confidence, and a global perspective. Not only will you have a voice of your own, but you’ll come back not afraid to use it.
Read the GoAbroad Official Report on the 10 Best Gap Year Destinations in 2019
Exploring a new part of the world, while putting the rest of your life on pause is a great way for you to gain perspective. It may seem intimidating walking away from high school for a semester, or even a year, but trust us, it’ll be worth every moment. There will be highs and lows, but no matter where you are on the rollercoaster of being abroad, there are always lessons to be learned. If expanding your mind and your perspective sounds right up your alley, check out these best places to study abroad in high school in 2019 according to our community of meaningful travelers, program administrators, and international education experts!
The best places to study abroad in high school this year
According to Nikki Powers, a long time traveler and the CCO of GoAbroad: “A main focus this year for high schoolers will be language immersion and developing skills that can set them apart on college applications. With parents are still playing a big role in the decision, familiar destinations that are also top travel spots for U.S. families will lead the list.”
1. England
England is one of the funnest places to study abroad in high school for many reasons. For one, English is spoken here making it a bit easier to navigate around and communicate with people—especially if this is your first time abroad. England also has some incredible international hubs, **cough** London **cough**, that have many options for sightseeing, history learning, and the excitement of experiencing a new culture in a new city! England is also known for their incredible, world renowned universities, which means that you can spend some time learning from some prestigious thinkers. Whether you want to explore drama over the summer, or a gap year of transformation, England has plenty to offer. As GoAbroad COO Kayla Patterson put it: “This is a great way to dip your toes in.”
- Traveler’s program pick: The Oxford University Experience-Summer Course for Teens with SummerFuel
2. Spain
Spain is an ideal location for high school abroad—you can put your Spanish skills to practice in real life situations, and, remember those naps you miss so dearly from your childhood? Well, in Spain siestas will be the highlight of your day...especially because nightlife in Spain doesn’t start until late and lasts well into the early morning. From short term options to full year programs, you can spend time immersing yourself in the Spanish language and culture by living with a host family, exploring concepts of international business, or shadowing nurses to gain an understanding of a new healthcare system. You’ll have ample opportunities to learn and to relax under the Spanish sun. You can spend a weekend at the beach or exploring the art museums dedicated to the work of world-renowned artists! No matter what your interests are, you’ll find the perfect way to spend your time.
- Traveler’s program pick: SPI High School Spanish Language Immersion in Santander
Whatever kinds of Spanish foreign exchange programs you’re considering, they’re guaranteed to be loads of history, cultural immersion, and language skills packed into one affordable study abroad package.—Kaylan Reid Shipanga in 9 Low Cost Programs for High School Study Abroad in Spain in 2019
3. Japan
Japan is one of the best places to study abroad in high school because it is a unique combination of tradition and modernity. You’ll find cultural differences in many of your day-to-day interactions. Learning from this beautiful way of life will help you to expand your cultural understanding and competency. You’ll learn how to live within a distinct culture, as well as how to learn, work, and travel in it as well. Places like Tokyo offer a very exciting glimpse into big city life in a different country, but you can also find more tranquil places to relax and connect with nature and the serenity of Japanese culture. Through high school programs abroad in Japan, you’ll have opportunities to live with local host families, expand your Japanese language abilities, and even explore your interests in Anime & Manga! Open your mind and heart to Japan, and be ready to fall in love with its intricacies.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: AFS-USA
- Traveler’s program pick: Greenheart Travel’s Language Camp in Fukuoka or Tokyo
4. France
Ah, France, a place of romance… and cheese… and many other things! High school programs in France will open up doors to charming neighborhoods and quaint pockets of French culture. Practice your French skills and explore the love that can be felt in the air. Whether you are looking for travel opportunities, fashion, art, and cuisine exploration, or culture and language immersion, French high school programs have it all. Your mind will expand through exposure to new ways of living and new ways of speaking—and with the incredible food options, your stomach may do a little expanding of its own as well. Although France is painted as this place for love and romance, it is so much more than that. You can walk through landscapes that leave you breathless due to the watercolor hues and thrilling mountain peaks, as well as museums that hold some of the world’s most famous pieces of art. Warning: your time in France may result in more confidence, as well as a more refined palate.
- Traveler’s program pick: AFS Intercultural Programs
5. Australia
Take a trip to the outback during your high school trip abroad if you want an experience filled with adventure, amazingly unreal-but-real landscapes, and some cool new mates! Whether you are interested in exploring Australia’s wildlife, surfing its waves and enjoying the coast, or experiencing true cultural immersion through learning about the Aboriginal history and experiences, high school programs in Australia have got you covered. While in Australia, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for living that city life, as well as that nature-centric life! Exploring more than one location is recommended as Australia has some great opportunities for hitting the open road. If you spend time out on the beach, don’t be alarmed if someone talks about wearing thongs—they just mean the ones (flip-flops) that go in your feet! Although Aussies speak English, it is common to be a little lost in their use of slang words, so do a little studying before you make the trek down under!
- Traveler’s program pick: Safari with Campus Education Australia
6. Italy
Italy is one of the funnest places to study abroad in high school because you can eat as much gelato as your stomach can handle since your parents aren’t telling you to eat your veggies first or wait until after dinner! Although, you’ll probably want to save some room for pasta… and pizza… and other treats because you cannoli live once! With high school programs in Italy, you can spend your time immersing yourself in the language and culture, learning culinary techniques from the best in the kitchen, and working on service-learning projects! You’ll often feel that you are walking through a history book—in the best way possible! Around every corner in all of the major Italian cities is a jaw-dropping view of incredible architecture, a dramatic coastline, or a historical site. Your love for the Italian language will grow, and as you become accustomed to Italian time, so will your love for Italian culture. Make sure to pack some stretchy pants so you can enjoy each day, bite by bite!
- Traveler’s program pick: Summer Art with Spoleto Study Abroad
“Student exchange is probably the most common reason high schoolers study abroad in 2019, but I think going abroad for work or volunteering would be an interesting experience—not to mention tremendously beneficial.”—Cathryn Fortuna, GoAbroad Editor
7. South Korea
Jump into the history and the present of South Korea with high school programs abroad! If you come to study, you’ll experience education within one of the top systems in the world—so be prepared to learn a lot, through all of the ups and downs. Enjoy some Korean BBQ while you explore some of the best cities in South Korea, seeing everything from modern skyscrapers to ancient temples. You’ll be walking the fine line between old and new, tradition and modernity. You’ll be able to improve your Korean skills, build your confidence in a foreign country, and fall (more) in love with K-Pop! Programs vary in theme, but some great options include peace building and modern culture, discovery and service, and culture immersion with homestays!
- Traveler’s program pick: GoGo Hanguk
8. Germany
With high school abroad programs in Germany, you’ll be able to live in the past of your history textbook while learning in the present. With incredible scenery and traditions, you will be able to enjoy German culture throughout your program. Whether you are looking to learn more about international relations, study the German language and immerse yourself in the culture, or gain observation experience through shadowing doctors, Germany has a lot to offer! Germany has a long standing history that you can still feel in the architecture and local neighborhood finds, so embrace the learning experiences that pop up around each corner. Plus, there’s a lot of good food and drink for you to indulge in such as white asparagus and chanterelle mushrooms, as well as world-class wines—and of course the cliches of beer and pretzels!
- Traveler’s program pick: AATG
9. Costa Rica
If you are looking for a high school experience abroad that includes incredible biodiversity, luscious green foliage, and adventure, Costa Rica is one of the most fun places to study abroad in high school that encompasses all of these exciting qualities. In Costa Rica, you’ll find opportunities for gap year programs, service learning experiences, and conservation projects—all great experiences for you to learn more about yourself, your global perspective, and the world around you. Whether you hope to spend your days on a surfboard or yoga mat, Costa Rica will leave you in awe of its volcanic landscapes, warm culture, and vibrant energy for life. Hiking, zip-lining, biking, rainforest exploration… you name it, Costa Rica has it. Learn to live the pura vida and open up to its embrace.
- Traveler’s program pick: Sol Abroad
Spanish will continue to be the most popular foreign language to study for US students, and Latin America encompasses a rich variety of cultures and geographies to Spanish language students.—Nicole Berry, Linguistic Horizons
10. China
Through high school programs in China, you’ll have opportunities to be immersed in Chinese culture, learn the language, and experience true and authentic cuisine. China will continuously surprise you and stop you in your tracks. The Great Wall of China? Incredible. Mountains topped with Temples? Serene. The mere size and diversity? Unimaginable. Experience the tradition, and see the change that has developed over time as you embrace each moment in China. Stay with a host family and experience life in China as much like a local as you can while becoming part of the family. Immersive programs will challenge you to step outside of what you think you know and encourage you to step into a space of accepting the ambiguity of life. The more open you enter the experience, the more that your high school experience in China can change you.
- Traveler’s program pick: The Experiment in International Living
Next steps to book high school programs abroad
Here are handful of resources to get you started on your very own journey to passport stamps and new locker decoration inspo. 2019 could be YOUR year to travel—and we can help make it happen! Get free program recommendations that match your travel goals, or use MyGoAbroad to bookmark and compare program options with confidence.
Still hungry for more? Bookmark these bad boys:
Youth Travel Inspiration
- Why Consider Study Abroad in High School?
- How to do High School Abroad
- 8 Awesome Types of Teen Tours
Program Selection Advice
- The 12 Best Study Abroad Programs for High School Students
- 7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a High School Study Abroad Program
- How to Respond to Your Family’s Study Abroad Concerns
Paying for Teen Travel
- The Secrets to Cheap Study Abroad in High School
- Tips on Funding Study Abroad
- Dozens of High School Travel Scholarships (plus how to win them)
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Studying abroad in high school is your opportunity to take on this big ol’ world we are so fortunate to have at our fingertips. Traveling abroad, although not cheap, is a priceless experience. So, if you need help making your dream of traveling to one of the best places to study abroad in high school a reality, consider creating a crowdsourcing fundraiser with FundMyTravel or check out our scholarship directory!
We know that going abroad is a BIG decision, so we totally get it if you are nervous and excited to say “yes” and take that next step! The best way to experience your international adventure completely is to be fully supported from home, so if you need help getting your family on board, we’ve got your back! Once they understand your reasons for wanting to go abroad and your desire to expand your global perspective, it’ll be that much easier to find the perfect opportunity for you. Find what makes you come alive and follow it wherever it leads! This article was written with help from Hannah Sorila
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