How to Travel After High School

How to Travel After High SchoolNow that you’ve graduated, here comes the big question: what do you do after high school? The options seem endless. Going to college, starting your first adult job, traveling the world…Wait, did someone say traveling? Where, when, and how can you travel after high school?

Short answer: from taking a gap year in France to studying Spanish in Mexico, you can travel wherever you want! That said, it depends on your budget, time, and interests.

For example, if you want to take some time off from your studies, a gap year program offering a glimpse into a new culture might be a good fit. Alternatively, if you want to gain new skills while contributing to a greater cause, you may enjoy volunteering abroad.

Let’s take a detailed look at how to travel after graduating high school and which activities should be on your travel bucket list!

Is it a good idea to travel after high school?

Graduating is only the beginning!

Traveling after high school can be a great idea. Meeting new people, managing your travel budget, and navigating life in a different language all contribute to your personal developments. Not to mention all the impressive things you’ll do, be it studying in a different country or working as an English teacher abroad. Thanks to these new experiences, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to study in college, the potential for much stronger college applications, and perhaps even what kind of career you want in the future.

That said, there is a lot to consider before traveling. Budgeting is one of the most important ones—make sure you save enough money and choose a program that aligns with your budget. Similarly, book through reputable organizations to avoid any travel scams. As long as you’ve researched carefully and planned your budget, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t travel after high school!

7 ways to travel after high school

From studying abroad to learning a new language, there are many ways to travel abroad as a high school grad. We curated the 7 best ones, along with program suggestions from our program database.

1. First year abroad

• Why it’s great: Struggling to choose between traveling after high school and going to college? You don’t have to. With CIEE’s First Year Abroad program, you get to do your first semester or year of college abroad in one of 14 global locations. Once you’re back in the US, you’ll get to choose from Dean College’s Bachelor’s programs or transfer to another institution of your choice.
• But before you think of coming back, there’s another important choice you need to make: the destination! You have 14 amazing options, such as Kyoto, London, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, and more. No matter where you go, you’ll have a wide range of interesting courses, from language classes to business management.
• Recommended program: CIEE First Year Abroad
• Application Deadline: June for Fall; July or August for Spring 

2. Take a gap year

There are plenty of ways to travel after high school.

• Why it’s great: If you want the perfect balance between traveling and getting some rest, a gap year is a good option. With plenty of time for yourself, you’ll get to learn about other cultures and gain real-world experience beyond the classroom.
• As for the activities to do in your gap year, don’t forget that your gap year is what you make it to be. Travel, learn a language, discover a new culture, or find a program that offers all these activities at the same time. You’ll come back refreshed, ready to continue your studies or start your new job!
• Recommended program: CIEE Gap Year Abroad
• Application Deadline: June 1, 2024, for Fall 2024; October 1, 2024, for Spring 2025

3. Volunteer abroad

• Why it’s great: Whether it’s wildlife conservation in South Africa or building houses in Nepal, volunteering abroad can profoundly shape your worldview. The best part? You’ll help communities in need and meet so many inspiring people working toward making the world a better place.
• This will increase your empathy and cultural awareness, making your travel experience an unforgettable one. Delve into the world of meaningful travel by adding volunteering abroad to your after high school plans!
• Recommended program: African Big 5 and Wildlife Conservation in South Africa

4. Intern abroad

• Why it’s great: It’s always smart to get some work experience, especially when you’re a fresh graduate. Why not combine it with your love of travel? An internship abroad will provide you with relevant work experience, international connections, and a headstart in the competitive job market.
• You’ll also develop plenty of soft skills, such as communication and cultural sensitivity. By the end of your internship, you’ll have an idea of which tasks you enjoy and which ones you don't. This way, you’ll make more informed decisions before committing to a specific degree program.
• Recommended program: AIFS Abroad Internships in Dublin, Ireland

Take our travel quiz and get matched with programs right now!

5. Teach English

Teaching English abroad is one of the most reliable opportunities around.

• Why it’s great: English is one of the most demanded languages in the world, which means that many countries are looking for English teachers and language assistants. As a paid English teacher abroad, you’ll work part-time or full-time depending on your contract.
• The rest of the time is yours — you can travel, discover your new city, or hang out with fellow English teacher expats. If this sounds like a good plan, your first step should be to get a Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification. Then, research countries where you can teach English without a Bachelor’s degree, so you can apply as a high school grad. Spoiler alert: from Cambodia to Costa Rica, there are so many great countries on the list!
• Recommended program: Award Winning TEFL Courses for Teaching English Abroad

6. Learn a new language

• Why it’s great: One of the best ways to learn a language is to travel to a country that speaks the language you want to learn. This will give you daily practice, as you’ll use the language while speaking to your host family, ordering food, shopping at the mall, and more. Language schools and immersion programs offer language-focused travel experiences.
• Depending on the program you choose, you’ll have language classes, tandem exchange practices, language exam preparation, and additional activities, such as day trips, surf classes, and scuba diving certification.
• Recommended program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

7. Go on an adventure travel program

Adventure awaits in all shapes and sizes for those looking!

• Why it’s great: Trek through remote landscapes, kayak amidst picturesque views, or go snorkeling around coral reefs. If these already got you excited, adventure travel might be the right type of travel for you. As a recent high school grad, you’re full of energy and curiosity to discover the world, which makes it the perfect time to go on an adventurous trip!
• Along the way, you'll meet like-minded travelers, who share the same passion for the great outdoors. Many adventure travel programs combine a wide range of activities, such as surfing, yoga, snorkeling, hiking, scuba diving, and zip lining, depending on the country’s geographical conditions.
• Recommended program: Australia Adventure with Gapforce

Explore ALL High School Programs Abroad on GoAbroad.com!

Looking for plans after high school? The world is waiting!

There are so many ways to travel post-graduation.

Will it be learning Spanish in Latin America? Teaching English in Asia? Or taking a gap year in Europe? The world is your oyster if traveling is part of your plans after high school! No matter what you decide to do, you’ll come back with tons of new experiences that will help you decide what to do next.

Find & Compare High School Programs Abroad with MyGoAbroad

CIEE is one of the world’s leading study abroad providers. CIEE offers high school summer abroad programs where you can explore topics you’re passionate about, including languages, social issues, STEM, business, and more. With over 35 international destinations, you’re bound to find your dream program.