Are you daydreaming of maps, flight tickets, and selfies at Machu Picchu while your friends are making plans for summer break at the pool, sleep away camp, or sports practice? We get it. Lots of other teens get it too. Find your squad with high school summer travel programs, alternative winter and spring breaks, or even a gap year, that will expand your horizons and provide you with a more thrilling answer to the age-old back-to-school question “How was your break?”
We’ve got all the answers for you to find the best teen travel programs!
A few FAQs on teen travel programs
What are Teen Travel Programs?
Consider teen travel program options to bike across national parks, do meaningful community service, master a foreign language, or simply tour some of the world’s most stunning cities. Whichever type of adventure is calling your name, the most important part is that you’re getting outside of your comfort zone bright and early. Programs often are comprised of small groups of students, two to three counselors, who come together for a fun and life-changing experience.
Who is Eligible for Doing Teen Travel Programs?
Well you, of course. Teen travel programs are an exciting opportunity for anyone who craves an adventure outside the scope of normal high school life. If you feel mature and ready, start your research with finding a program and checking their eligibility requirements. This might be a specific age or even could be related to your good ol’ GPA. Next, check the price list and determine if a particular program is in your budget. Otherwise, there are plenty of scholarships available to enable you to confidently submit an application to the program of your dreams!
What are Popular Destinations for Teen Travel Programs?
Teen travel programs can take you as far away as around the world or as close as the next state over, but several popular destinations continue to attract students from year to year. For many students embarking on their first travels without family members, the European trio of England, France, and/or Spain might seem like the perfect introduction to a future full of travels. For those with more linguistic goals or who are interested in an immersive challenge, try programs in Costa Rica or China.
You’ll live without your latte for one summer— or, if you won’t go to Guatemala and learn about your fave caffeinated bevvie.
How Much do Teen Travel Programs Typically Cost?
Ahh, the question all parents need to know the answer to immediately when you mention that really cool summer program in New Zealand. For most programs, you can expect to be paying somewhere between $2,500 and $5,000. It’s no small chunk of change, but the experience itself will be priceless.
While overall program cost will vary between organizations and destinations (Europe will be a little pricier than Central America, for example), most teen travel program fees are inclusive. Meaning your flights, housing, meals, and all those fun excursions and cultural exchanges you’ll be going on, are included in that final price tag. It’s still always a good idea to double check that your program fee is inclusive, and if it isn’t, you’ll want to know what isn’t covered. That way, all you need to worry about once you’re abroad is a little extra spending money for a nice souvenir to thank Mom and Dad, and anyone who helped fund your experience— looking at you Aunt Gail.
[Start fundraising for your trip with FundMyTravel]
How Long Do Teen Travel Programs Usually Last?
The most popular time for teen travel programs are during the classic schools-out summer holiday months of June-August. For a longer program from 3-8 weeks, the summertime is your best bet, if you’re not taking a full gap-year or term. Short-term programs are also offered in the summer or even can be a quick transformative opportunity during the winter holiday or spring break.
What Are The Benefits Of Teen Travel Programs?
Maybe you crave a new perspective, need to beef up your college application, or just need a break from your parents or friends at home. No matter what your motivation, a teen travel program is an amazing gateway to a future life of studying abroad or working abroad. Before embarking on the program application process, take some time to reflect on what your reasons are for wanting to travel abroad and then make the most of every moment once you hop on that plane!
[Is Studying Abroad in High School Right for Me?]
Want to rule the school with your Insta game? Spend your next break abroad.
How to find teen travel programs
Finding the program of your dreams is a one-stop shop when it comes to making the most of GoAbroad (hey, that’s us!). Follow these easy-peesy steps and you’ll be on your way to booking a flight ticket in no time — it’s like we’re doing your homework for you. :-)
- Create a MyGoAbroad account: A MyGoAbroad account makes it easy to browse programs, read reviews, and compare details to make a final choice.
- Visit our directory of too-good-to-be-true teen travel programs.
- Filter based on where you or your child wants to travel. You can also further filter based on what focus you want the program to have (such as community service or language immersion) or how long the program should be (such as a few weeks to a full year).
- Save and bookmark programs to later review from your Dashboard.
- Narrow down your list of dream programs, then compare your favorites side by side to choose the ultimate one for you.
- Sign up, pack your bags, and get your show on the road!
[Learn How to Find & Apply to Programs on GoAbroad]
A lucky few recommended teen travel programs
Gap Year Teen Travel Programs
If you’re interested in a teen program for the long haul or you’ve already caught the travel bug from past teen travel programs, consider taking a gap year either during high school or before continuing to university or a job. Just like more short-term teen travel programs, gap year opportunities are limitless in scope and the variety is expanding as more and more students are opting for these experiences. Join in the trend and take a gap year to put invaluable international experience and skills on your resume in preparation for your next step.
[Prepare Early: Download This Planning Timeline We Made Just for You]
#StudyAbroadBros4Life
Pros: With a gap year you’ll undoubtedly gain a competitive edge when applying for jobs or university study. In addition, you’ll start building a network overseas that will enrich your future possibilities.
Cons: Gap year programs can be expensive depending on the type of activity and destination. In addition, make sure you have strong motivation and justification for where you want to go and what you want to do. This will make all the difference during and after your program abroad.
Recommended gap year teen travel programs:
- Winterline Global Gap Year Program
- Carpe Diem Latitudes Program
- Pacific Discovery Central America Gap Year Semester
[See all gap year teen travel programs here]
Community Service & Volunteering Teen Travel Programs
Volunteer teen travel programs are both a great way to get service hours for your school or extracurricular groups, gain a first-hand understanding of global issues, and to connect with local communities. When volunteering, you’ll work side-by-side with community leaders and have the emotional experience of seeing the direct impact of your actions on the lives of others. Some examples of common teen community service programs include constructing homes or community buildings, teaching or tutoring, or working on eco-farms.
Pros: Community service programs are active, so if you’ve been fidgeting through your classes all year, these programs are for you! Plus, you’ll return home with a greater appreciation of cultural differences and a new view of your life at home.
Cons: Get ready to get down and dirty and to roll up your sleeves because volunteer teen travel programs are hard work! From a bigger picture view, be careful when researching these programs to ensure that the company is partnering with local groups, rather than imposing a foreign idea of how to serve the community.
Recommended international programs for teen volunteer work:
- Environmental Volunteer, Costa Rica
- Community Service, Thailand
- Volunteers for Peace, France
[See all community service & volunteering teen travel programs here]
Sure, you could beat Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess for the umpteenth time, or you could go on an actual adventure IRL… Up to you, dude.
Language Immersion
Teen travel programs that double as language immersion programs for high school students is the perfect occasion to actually learn to speak the language you’ve been learning (for years) in high school! Look for programs that offer a combination of classroom instruction and a homestay in order to maximize your language immersion. Then get ready to show off your new linguistic skills all day err’ day whether at the club or grocery shopping.
Pros: There’s nothing like traveling and living with native speakers to learn the local slang and get rid of your textbook twang. Plus, you’ll meet plenty of new friends to continue your language practice with Whatsapp chats and Skype sessions when you get home.
Cons: Be prepared for some culture shock when diving into a full foreign language environment. While it may get frustrating to have your tongue-tied, just think of the look on your foreign language teacher and classmates’ faces when you show up in September.
Recommended language immersion programs for high school students:
- China High School Program, CIP
- Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru High School Programs, Maximo Nivel
- Quebec City French Summer School, Edu-inter
[See all language immersion teen travel programs here]
Work experience
Skip another summer working at the Peach Pit and embark on working high school summer travel programs. If you’re ambitious and independent, a high school internship or work experience abroad is a great way to kickstart your resume and evaluate your interests as you get ready to make some pretty big future decisions about a major or permanent job. Look for programs that will customize your work placement based on your experience and interests.
Pros: With a job or internship placement you’ll get the real feel for what it’s like to live abroad and work in an international environment. This will set you apart when applying for future positions with global companies who seek intercultural competence.
Cons: Programs might be more hands-off after the initial orientation period, so be prepared to take your abroad experience into your own hands. Also, given that your placement is unique, be prepared to constantly explain your experience and what you learned.
Recommended internships for high school students:
- Travellers Worldwide
- CrossContinental
- Westcoast Connection / 360° Student Travel
[See all work experience teen travel programs here]
#SquadGoalsAbroad
Teen travel programs are YOURS for the taking
Get out of the classroom, off the couch, and out into the world! And no— we do not mean going to the mall. We want you to seriously get the heck out there. Haven’t had the opportunity to leave your small town? Travel to the far reaches of the Earth and explore every corner of southeast Asia. Mom really breathing down your neck about going outside more? Show her just how far outside you’re willing to go and trek the Inca trail.
The opportunities are out there, you just have to be brave enough to get after them, and we know you have what it takes. So only one question remains: what could you possibly be waiting for?
Are you ready to find the perfect teen travel program? Start your search!
Whether you’re looking for an alternative spring break, a better way to spend your summer or winter break, or a gap year between high school and college, there’s a program out there for you. So, get started with your search and build a strong case for mom & dad to make all your travel dreams come true.
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