Are you looking for an adventure? Summer camps for high school students are perfect for you wanderlusting teens out there. That’s right, you can get outta your parents’ basement this summer and into another country for a life changing experience abroad. There are so many awesome travel experiences for teens these days, and they’re super accessible; travel isn’t just for college students and family vacations anymore.
Want to explore the bottom of the sea? Sign up for a scuba diving adventure program. Looking to expand your cultural awareness? Home stays abroad are all the rage. You can also get college credit for spending a few weeks adventuring, volunteering, and learning a new language. There are countless reputable programs dedicated to show teens a kick ass summer, so toss those books aside and grab your passport; you’ve gotta plane to catch.
You'll love teen summer camps abroad in these destinations!
Things to consider when choosing adventure summer camps for high school students
Activities
- Volunteer: Spend time abroad giving back to local communities through volunteering. Tons of teen summer camps abroad offer volunteer opportunities on the side, so you can spend time with kids, animals, or working outdoors.
- Language learning: Learning a new language is sooo much easier when you’re totally immersed in a culture. Programs that offer language courses on top of other activities are great if you’re looking to blow away those peeps in college admissions, or that cute boy/girl from Spanish class. Come se dice, “hottie alert”??
- Culture: You’ll be hella worldly after spending a summer in a foreign country. Many summer camps abroad for teenagers offer specific cultural exploration components, like historic tours, cooking or dance classes, and more.
- Adventure: Put on your hiking boots because adventure awaits abroad! Programs that have hiking + biking + extreme sporting opportunities count as “adventure” on this guide. Obvs anything you choose will be an adventure, but this icon refers to specifically action based activities.
Included Perks
- College credit: That’s right, you can combine summer fun with college prep! Some programs offer college language credits,
- Camping: If you’re living in a tent, you’re guaranteed a great story. Tap into your inner girl/boy scout and sign up for some rugged fun.
- Dormitory: Programs that put you up (food + board) are often dorm style living situations. Perk of living with people in your program = homies for life.
- Homestay: Stay home… except not at all. Homestays involve living with a local family. It’s a great way to practice the language, learn cultural norms, and make meaningful connections. Be nice to your host mama and she’ll cook you some bomb food.
5 best places to find summer camps abroad for teenagers
1. Bhutan
Since when did summer camps abroad for teenagers become so cool? Since they started offering them in Bhutan! This Asian country is nestled between India and China, and is known for its natural beauty. Sign up for an otherworldly expedition to the remote kingdom in the Himalayas. The philosophies of the two major religions, Buddhism and Hinduism, clearly play a role in the lives of Bhutanese. People are known to be friendly, happy, and generally understanding folk. They even measure Gross National Happiness, and tout it as more important than Gross Domestic Product.
Spending a summer in Bhutan is perfect for teens looking to connect with a radically different culture. The country was isolated from other countries to preserve culture for many years, and only started to allow tourism in 1970. Experience authentic Bhutanese lifestyle by assisting local farmers, cooking Bhutanese cuisine, touring monasteries, and learning to meditate.
- Activities: Volunteer, Culture, Adventure
- Included perks: College Credit, Dormitory
- Recommended program: Summer Community Service in Bhutan with API
2. China
You’ll get major world experience points if China is on your list of summer camps abroad. For teenagers looking to learn Chinese (literally the #nbd), spending the summer in the vibrant country is really the only way to go. You’ll get to experience a variety of cultural activities, visit The Great Wall, and reenact all your favorite scenes from Mulan.
Why China? Why not! Enjoy authentic Chinese food (dumplings for DAYS), visit the Forbidden city (how is this even possible if it’s forbidden…?!), bustling markets, and connect with locals by challenging them to a game of Mahjong. Cool down after an exciting day by practicing Tai Chi.
- Activities: Language, Culture
- Included perks: College Credit, Dormitory
- Recommended program: Hutong School - Summer Camp in Beijing
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is pretty much synonymous with adventure. Summer camps for high school students will take you for quite the ride in this spicy Latin American country. Challenge yourself by getting off the beaten path and into the jungle for the summer of a lifetime. Costa Rica’s has fantastic trekking opportunities, whitewater rafting, rappelling down waterfalls, scuba diving, and much more. A summer adventure camp in Costa Rica is ideal for those adrenaline junkies out there, but within a program that values and plans for safety.
When you’re not jumping off cliffs or exploring uncharted waters, relax on the pristine beaches for a well-deserved break. Costa Rican beaches are picture perfect! Literally every photo you take will be #instagood if not #instagreat. Caption your photos en Espanol after you’ve taken a few language classes for an added bonus of #PuraVida.
- Activities: Volunteer, Language, Adventure
- Included perks: Camping, Homestay
- Recommended program: Outward Bound Costa Rica
4. Saint Kitts and Nevis
The Caribbean is the perfect spot for teen summer camps abroad. The two islands boast beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and laid back culture. Put on your flippers and jump into an adventure by learning how to scuba dive. Not only can you see turtles, coral, and lobsters, but you can help protect them. Volunteer to help protect wildlife my collecting debris during some of your dives. Explore shipwrecks, go sailing, hike through rainforests, and even earn PADI diving certifications all in one summer! In the words of Sebastian, “What more is you looking for?”
- Activities: Volunteer, Culture, Adventure
- Included perks: Dormitory, College Credit
- Recommended program: Caribbean Underwater Discoveries Voyage with Broadreach
5. Nepal
Take a trip to Nepal for a true adventure. Summer camps for high school students offer the unique chance to connect with people and learn about yourself while abroad. Nepal is perfect for teens interested in volunteering. You’ll have the chance to live in a traditional Nepali village, learn the language, and experience true tranquility.
But don’t worry, it’s not all about namaste. Once you’re done meditating, put your adventure boots on, because there are endless opportunities to challenge yourself. You’ll find breathtaking views while hiking some of the world’s tallest mountains, and fascinating wildlife, like Chinese Pangolins. Nepal is also home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so you can knock those off your bucket list.
- Activities: Volunteer, Culture, Adventure
- Included perks: Dormitory, Homestay
- Recommended program: High School Volunteer and Adventure Experience in Nepal with GVI
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What’s not to love about teen summer camps abroad?
If you’re looking to amp up a college app, or just treat yourself to a summer you’ll remember for the rest of your life, summer camps abroad for teenagers are the best way to fulfill your #lifegoals.
Whether you decide to go to Bhutan, Costa Rica, or somewhere else not on this list, choosing to travel this summer is already the best decision you’ve made this year. When looking for the perfect teen summer camps abroad, there’s really no wrong choice. You’ll get to experience a different culture, try amazing food, and learn about yourself along the way. Look for an experience that suits your needs, and you’re going to have the time of your life.
Getting out of school will be so much sweeter when your next stop is an adventure summer camp abroad.
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