Dreaming about the flying buttresses of Notre Dame or the fresco murals covering Renaissance period walls in Florence? If you read that thinking “What in the world is a flying buttress?!”, then a high school Europe trip is the perfect enlightening cherry on top of a K-12 education. For everyone else...we can all still benefit from a little summer in Europe, right?
Want to stroll the streets of a beautiful European city? Of course you do!
The second you exchange HAGS in classmates’ yearbooks and bolt out your high school doors, it’s time for the real world education to begin. Are you on the cusp of adulthood and hungry for a wonderfully adventurous experience to highlight your high school years? If you’re the type to prefer a view of the Mediterranean over a view from the lifeguard chair of kids splashing in the community pool, then keep on reading. Summer programs in Europe for high schoolers may be just the fix.
Why participate in high school student travel programs in Europe?
First off, begin by asking yourself “why not?” If you haven’t come up with a convincing enough answer, let’s discuss the boat loads of advantages that will float you straight over to European summer programs for high school students pronto.
Jetting off to a new country with a dissimilar culture and language is as thrilling as it can be terrifying. The benefits of experiencing culture shock range from challenging yourself with a new routine to boosting confidence to unmatched educational experiences. High school student travel programs in Europe typically combine some level of cultural immersion with experiential travel. This means that when you’re not chatting about the local elections with a host family, you’ll probably be learning about cultural customs in hands-on workshops.
You’ll be learning like a local student in no time!
Studying abroad in general is a big decision for anyone and their family to make due to the many unknowns. Studying abroad in high school is an even bigger deal due to age. However, youth and inexperience don’t have to be obstacles. If anything, the unique factors associated with teen years are all the more reason that a high school Europe trip is a right choice to make. Wanting to discover more about yourself, unlocking potential career opportunities, and having a unique resume by graduation are only the start.
10 awesome high school student travel programs in Europe
From Spanish paella to Hungarian goulash, we’ve got a whole buffet of high school student travel programs in Europe to pique any high school teen’s appetite. *Editor’s note: This information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. Germany: International Relations & The E.U.—9.75 Rating
Although mainly taking place in Germany, this politically charged high school Europe trip takes you through Belgium and the Netherlands too. The program’s main focus is delving into the region’s politics, Germany’s history and governmental system, and of course getting a good dose of German culture. With a population of over 80 million, Germany’s culture varies vastly from East to West, and you’ll get a sprinkle of it all from Cologne to Munich.
You’ll get to stay with a host family and take German language classes for a portion of the summer as well. During your stint as a local, you’ll also participate at a local high school. If visiting the European Commission, exploring the E.U’s structure, and taking a seminar on European asylum politics sounds good to you, then you won’t want to miss the tons of other activities jammed into this summer program!
- Where? Germany, Netherlands, Belgium
- What? Homestay, experiential living
- More info: Read the Experiment in International Living reviews
2. TFT: Eastern Europe - Budapest, Krakow and Prague—10 Rating
How much do you know about Eastern Europe? Chances are unless you have familial ties or a friend from the area, you probably haven’t heard much of this region at school or in the news. Discover the historical cities of Budapest, Krakow, and Prague on this 1-2 week adventure through the heart of Europe!
Learn the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and see how the cities have since evolved first-hand. From Nazi occupation to the Communist Bloc and beyond, these fascinating cities have been continuously shaped into the world hubs they are today. You’ll be joined by other students from around the world looking for adventure on summer programs in Europe.
- Where? Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland
- What? Experiential learning
- More info: Read Travel for Teens reviews
3. High School Greece Marine Conservation Awareness—10 Rating
Not many can say they’ve helped sea turtle conservation efforts across the globe on high school student travel programs in Europe. On this program, 15 to 17 year old teens eager to volunteer somewhere a little more “out of the box” will be guided by leaders in the field as they live and work alongside other international volunteers in Giannitsochori, Greece.
The project’s mission is to conserve and protect the loggerhead turtles at one of their most important nesting areas in Greece. As a volunteer, you’ll monitor the turtles’ behavior and protect against predators, while educating international visitors and locals with conversation information. Unwind on the weekends with some interactive cultural activities in a scenic region of Greece!
- Where? Greece
- What? Volunteering
- More info: Read GVI reviews
4. Summer Art programs in Italy—9.75 Rating
Italy may be one of the first places to come to mind when thinking about the classical arts. Afterall, the country has stood as a leading force in producing drama, opera, painting, and world class composers since the Renaissance. Although summer programs for high school students in Europe offer a world of knowledge, few revolve purely around the arts like this one.
Students reside in a 15th century remodeled convent in a historical district of Spoleto, Italy. It’s conveniently located near classes and the main part of town, with full amenities and plenty of room to chat with new friends or practice dance routines. For four days a week, students attend intensive, hands-on art classes in topics such as chamber music, drama, photography, and singing. Of course, weekly day trips let you see the beautiful surrounding areas of Umbria and Tuscany!
- Where? Italy
- What? Experiential learning
- More info: Read Spoleto Study Abroad reviews
5. France: Language & Leadership—9.67 Rating
See your français come to life as you explore some of France’s most beloved treasures and dine with a local host family! This program plunges you straight into the heart of French language and culture, while also developing leadership skills through service learning projects. Highlights include strolling through Versailles, environmental and historical restoration initiatives at the Alps, and a homestay while teaching English at a youth summer camp.
For three weeks, this program sprinkles in the best aspects that European summer programs for high school students have to offer. You’ll learn French, celebrate Bastille Day with fireworks, and participate in a range of volunteering initiatives, all while surrounding yourself in local culture.
- Where? France
- What? Volunteering, homestay, language immersion
- More info: Read Global Works reviews
6. The Netherlands: LGBTQ+ Rights & Dutch Advocacy—9.78 Rating
The Netherlands is known for its long-standing progressive society and historical international human rights advocacy. This high school Europe trip immerses you in more than just Dutch culture. You’ll learn all about the country’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights, gender issues, and sex education through workshops and visits to organizations advocating in these fields.
Apart from increasing your knowledge of LGBTQ+ rights and immigration, and holding discussing on topics related to gender and sexuality, you’ll also experience a slice of Dutch life. The itinerary includes a night stay at a castle, learning to bike around like the locals, a homestay, and meeting up with local youth and elderly from the LGBTQ+ community. There’s plenty of city life in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, as well as glimpses into small-town Netherlands to go around as well!
- Where? The Netherlands
- What? Experiential learning, homestay
- More info: Read the Experiment in International Living reviews
7. The Oxford University Experience-Summer Course for Teens—10 Rating
High school will probably be the first time in your life when faced with the eternal “adulting” question of what to do with your life. If you’re thinking about college, Oxford may seem like a far-fetched dream only heard about in British Literature classes and Hollywood films. However, the Oxford University Experience will have you living on campus and attend seminars. Sounds like a pretty cool deal, right?
Since 1984, high school students have been able to experience Oxford undergraduate life at the university that dates back almost a millennium. Apart from academics and feeling like a part of the academic elite across the pond, you’ll enjoy a selection of excursions and activities to to taste England’s culture and tradition.
- Where? England
- What? Experiential learning
- More info: Read Summerfuel reviews
8. Spanish Language Immersion in San Sebastian—9.88 Rating
Housed in the mountainous Basque country, San Sebastian is a prized beach-side gem popular among Spaniards as a relaxing retreat. This program offers high school students 2-4 week programs in an almost millennia-old city, where participants live with a homestay to learn Spanish and soak up the local culture.
Intensive Spanish classes take place Monday-Friday in the morning to make sure participants leave with a developed understanding of the language. A cultural enrichment component connects students with the local scene through activities, excursions, and discussions. For students looking to get a truly immersive and language intensive experience to compliment their high school academics, this program’s a must!
- Where? Spain
- What? Homestay, language immersion
- More info: Read SPI Study Abroad reviews
9. TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris—9.78 Rating
If you’re wrapping up 11th or 12th grade, this adventure is an ideal backpacker experience among high school students travel programs in Europe. The program blends together some of Europe’s most cherished gems and takes you through the Mediterranean, Swiss Alps, and wraps up in the City of Lights—Paris. Participants are encouraged to take a more independent approach to travel, taking public transportation and truly diving into the local culture.
Some highlights include the cherished Renaissance city of Florence and the beachside, picturesque town of Cinque Terre, followed by some outdoor-sy fun in Switzerland. Adrenaline junkies and appreciators of the arts won’t want to miss this deep dive into the heart of Europe!
- Where? France, Italy, Switzerland
- What? Experiential learning
- More info: Read Travel for Teens reviews
10. Writing in Ireland - Putney Student Travel—10 Rating
Interested in beefing up your writing skills in a place famed for its rolling, green pastures and history of literature? What if we told you Dublin is also an official UNESCO City of Literature? If that alone doesn’t make your literary heart smile, perhaps penning a masterpiece from inside a stone castle may be more in line with your dreams.
This program is specially constructed for those looking to grow in their writing together with other like-minded students. You’ll be mentored by published authors and experience the Irish storytelling traditions at concerts, plays, and a number of other locations. Those looking for fresh scenery to inspire need not look any further.
- Where? Ireland
- What? Experiential learning
- More info: Read Putney Student Travel reviews
Summer programs in Europe—yes, please!
Try to capture every moment on your high school student travel program in Europe!
From saving sea turtles in Greece to stepping into the shoes of an Oxford student in England, high school student travel programs in Europe come in all shapes in sizes. Think about what you’re looking to gain out of the experience, then dive into programs tailored towards that cause. Volunteering, homestays, and intensive coursework are just a taste of what you can do.
After you have the program type nailed down, consider your ideal destination. Don’t worry if you can’t choose a single country either, because there are summer programs in Europe with several locations bundled together. The only step left is to get your family on board (not literally—they get to stay home for this one) and you’re ready to pick out that ideal program.
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