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1-2 Year High School Programs Abroad

All of us fall in love with traveling sooner or later, and some of us get the courage to explore the world at an earlier stage in life. Studying abroad in high school is the perfect way to not only start maturing and gaining independence, but to also immerse yourself in a new culture, develop intercultural and language skills that you probably didn’t know you had, and make great memories and precious friends all over the world. Doing 1-2 years high school programs abroad will help you expand your horizons when deciding what college you should attend, and guarantee your future success.
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Featured High School Program Provider of the Month

33 1-2 Year Programs for High School Students

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.77

77

Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and animal shelters. All of our programs are vetted and are in line with our ethical values - only ethical and supervised interactions are allowed. A few examples of our offers include working with rescued sloths in Costa Rica, rehabilitating vervet monkeys in Malawi, observing and collecting data on Africa's Big Five species and doing survey dives with whale sharks in Mozambique, just to name a few.

See All 8 Programs

International Medical Aid (IMA)

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161

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Ecuador 2025
Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

Seville Abroad

9.78

37

High School Program in Spain with Seville Abroad

Our “High School in Spain” program lets you study at a top-quality Spanish high school in one of Seville’s most vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll live with a carefully selected host family, enjoy cultural activities and excursions, and have the full support of a locally based team. With an office right here in Seville, our staff is always close by and available to help you with anything you need—before, during, and after your stay. We offer summer, semester, and year-long programs, giving you the flexibility to choose the length that fits your plans. This program is perfect for high school students or recent graduates eager to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, improve their language skills, and experience life with a welcoming host family. While in Spain, you will live like any other local student. You’ll make new friends, experience the authentic Spanish way of living, and practice your language skills 24/7—all with the reassurance of having a dedicated local team just around the corner. Embark on this extraordinary journey, make unforgettable memories, and discover a new part of the world—your adventure in Seville awaits!

Go Abroad China Ltd.

9.71

7

High School Language & Cultural Immersion in China for Teens

Discover China Through Language & Culture. Founded in 2003, Go Abroad China (GAC) offers immersive Mandarin programs for international high school students. This program combines intensive classroom learning with real-world practice, cultural workshops, and social activities. Program Types: Short-Term (2-8 weeks): Summer/Winter camps. Long-Term (Semester/Year): Study at top Chinese schools. Customized Programs: Tailored to individual needs. What’s Included: Mandarin instruction at leading schools. Homestays, shared apartments, or dorms. One-on-one tutoring and language exchange. Cultural tours, networking, and excursions. 24/7 support for safety and guidance. Why Choose GAC? Achieve Mandarin fluency with certification. Gain cultural fluency and global exposure. Enhance college applications and career prospects. Build lifelong friendships and professional networks.

Smart Schools International

9.8

5

Your Online Pathway to Global Education

Smart Schools International (SSI) offers students around the world the opportunity to earn an accredited U.S. high school diploma entirely online. Designed for global learners, SSI provides a flexible, self-paced academic experience that allows students to complete U.S. coursework from their home country while continuing their local studies—no visas, travel, or relocation required. Through our online learning environment, students engage with certified U.S. teachers, receive personalized academic support, and develop the skills needed for university preparation and future careers. SSI serves a diverse student community representing more than 45 countries, creating a truly global classroom experience. Whether students are seeking a full U.S. diploma, a dual-diploma pathway, or supplemental online courses to strengthen academic readiness, Smart Schools International offers an accessible and affordable pathway to a world-class American education. SSI makes high-quality learning possible from anywhere in the world.

Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

See All 17 Programs

Aquinas American School

9

3

Getafe International Madrid Football Academy

Our GIMFA program gives young players the possibility to train in a professional setting, opening doors in the football world. We have recently signed an agreement with the 1st Division Spanish Club Getafe C.F. in order to become their International Football Academy in Spain. This is clearly an added value for our Academy and, more specifically, for our Sports Program, allowing our players to be part of the structure of this high-performance Club. Getafe International Madrid Football Academy offers the Soccer Development Program with the option of doing a full academic year (10 months) or just the semester (5 months). This option is perfect for those players who want to finish their High School Diploma in an American school in Madrid and develop their soccer skills in a professional setting. Please note this program is available to high school students (grades 9 to 12). You can get more details about this program by getting in touch with us today.

Margret Charitable Organisation

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Volunteer at an Orphanage in Uganda

My name is Moses, the director of Margret charitable organisation supporting orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged children. I run the center that was founded by my lovely mother Margret who unfortunately passed away in January 2020 (RIP)! Our mission is to see orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged children live better lives and achieve their desired dreams through Education, Health, Sport, Life skills education and community development. We also aim to help empower local, young girls and mothers to ensure they can live a productive life styles so that they can live better and successful in life whilst providing for their families. Our objectives are as follows: 1- To provide schelter and give hope to children, youth and women. 2- To provide mentorship to orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged children. 3- To provide and creating opportunities for All. 4- To provide, food and education to needy children 5- To provide financial support for girls and young mothers 6- To nature and develop sports and music talents among youths. Volunteer to help us achieve these objectives.

Manuel Antonio Spanish School

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Online Spanish Classes from Costa Rica

We provide regularly scheduled, private live Spanish sessions tailored to your proficiency level and language learning objectives. You can easily switch between learning Spanish in person and online, as the online curriculum progresses at the same pace as our in-person lessons. You will work through grammar points, vocabulary, and engaging themes in these conversation-based, interactive Spanish sessions to help advance your understanding of and proficiency in the language. Once you have an internet connection and a laptop or tablet, you may take live Spanish courses from anywhere. Direct from Costa Rica, your native-speaking instructor will be teaching the class. Even though you may be physically separated, your online courses will still offer the same warm, individual interactions and connections to the local culture you get when you visit our school.

One School At A Time

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Volunteer in India with OSAAT

OSAAT is seeking middle and high school students interested in utilizing their skills in art, leadership, public speaking, and digital technology to contribute to their initiatives during summer or winter breaks in India. This is a unique opportunity for students to make a meaningful impact while experiencing a culturally rich environment. By volunteering with OSAAT, students can actively assist in the organization's efforts to rebuild school infrastructure and empower children in rural areas. Whether through artistic endeavors, showcasing leadership abilities, delivering public speeches, or utilizing digital tools, students can play a vital role in supporting OSAAT's mission. This experience not only allows students to develop their skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of global issues and the transformative power of education. Join OSAAT in making a difference and create unforgettable memories in India during your summer or winter break.

Our Generation Voluntary Organisation

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Medical Internships for Groups of High School Students

Join our medical volunteering/internship in Ghana for teenagers and gain work experience by shadowing doctors in a clinical setting. You’ll get involved in health checks during outreach campaigns. You’ll encounter various diseases and conditions, and learn to diagnose and treat them. This is a valuable experience to add to your résumé, which could enhance your future career prospects. You’ll gain plenty of practical experience in Ghana. During outreach programs, you’ll treat minor wounds and measure blood sugar and blood pressure levels. You’ll also help raise awareness of specific diseases and their prevention methods. You’ll live and work in or outside Kumasi with a group of students your age and stay with a local host family. When you’re not working, we’ve organized plenty of social and cultural activities, including weekend trips, to keep you busy. Throughout your time in Ghana, OGVO staff will be available to assist you with any concerns. This volunteering/internship is perfect if you’re a young student considering a future career in medicine. You’ll get medical work experience by shadowing doctors on their rounds and other activities.

A Guide to High School Programs Abroad for 1-2 Years

Locations

When choosing your destination for doing high school programs abroad for 1-2 years, there are quite a few things to consider, but most of all, consider the type of activity you want to concentrate on most during your highschool years, and go from there. Here are some great locations that might spark your interest:

Germany. Whether you want to become fluent in German, explore the German culture, study art, music, politics, history, or science, doing 1-2 years high school programs abroad in Germany can become the backbone to your bright future. Offering a great combo of 50% studying and 50% interning at a local company, you have the opportunity to apply what you’re learning in class in a real life working environment. Popular cities like Berlin, Stuttgart, Munich, Frankfurt or Dusseldorf, each with their unique differences and potentials, offer great high school abroad programs for young, ambitious teenagers just like you.

England. If you’ve ever dreamed about attending college at Cambridge or Oxford, then doing high school programs abroad for 1-2 years in England will definitely help make your dream come true. Spending some of the most important part of your teenage years studying history, science, literature, or business in an open-minded society, surrounded by a variety of historical and cultural attractions, will make your high school experience highly educational and prosperous. Prestigious universities in cities like London, Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, or Liverpool offer great high school academic programs for ambitious young teenagers who want to take learning to a different level.

Netherlands. Known as an open society, Netherlands is a great place to experience high school programs abroad for 1-2 years. This small but great country offers one of the best international atmospheres and communities, high quality education, a perfect combination between busy city life and quiet, peaceful, small country sides, and some of the happiest and most easy-going people in the world. If you happen to fall in love with the country (like many others have), you can continue your studies at prestigious schools in Maastricht, Amsterdam, or The Hague.

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Latest Program Reviews

Shadowing Across Wards in Kenya: My Pre-Medicine Internship in Mombasa with International Medical Aid—Clinical Learning, Public Health Insight, and Personal Growth

December 21, 2025by: Avery Oppenheimer - United StatesProgram: Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA
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I spent three weeks in Mombasa, Kenya completing a medical internship that combined hospital rotations with community outreach. I shadowed doctors in surgery, the labor ward, and pediatrics, gaining valuable insight into patient care and healthcare delivery in a new environment. The hands-on learning and exposure to different medical challenges broadened my perspective and strengthened my passion for medicine. Outside the hospital, our community outreach work showed me how education can make a lasting impact in the lives of others. The accommodations were comfortable, and I especially enjoyed the local food—like the chicken dishes and chapati quickly became my favorites. When I was young, the doctor’s office was one of my least favorite places to be. I hated the smell of antiseptic wipes, the crinkle of the exam table paper, and especially the sharp sting of shots. If someone had told my childhood self that eight years later I would spend my summer in an East African hospital, shadowing doctors, observing surgeries, and rushing from ward to ward, I would have laughed and run in the opposite direction. But my fear of healthcare did not last forever. As I grew older, the very things that once scared me began to fascinate me: how the body works, how diseases disrupt it, and how doctors step in to restore balance. That curiosity is what caused me to apply for an internship with International Medical Aid and board a plane alone to a very unfamiliar location: Mombasa, Kenya. After interning in a hospital in San Ramon, California for a year, I thought I knew what to expect from my experience with International Medical Aid. I would be rotating through obstetrics, surgery and pediatrics. Also, because I have traveled in a handful of developing counties, I thought I knew what to expect from the environment around me. However, nothing could have prepared me for the totality of the experience in Mombasa. The city was chaotic, with crowded streets, blaring horns, and a humid air with the lingering smell of cooking fires and burning trash. A constant reminder that life here moved quickly and under challenging conditions. I was initially overwhelmed. Looking back, this experience has profoundly changed me. It enabled me to make a real difference in another human being’s life. Beyond a single patient’s case, the experience ignited my interest in global public health because I witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare delivery in such a resource-limited setting. I will never forget the day I observed an emergency C-section. Although Kenya is not among the top 10 African countries with the highest maternal mortality rates, it continues to experience a high maternal mortality (OD AWE 2023). In 2015, Kenya’s maternal mortality rate was 510 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (Muthee R 2025). This is an exceedingly high number when compared, for instance, to the US maternal mortality rate of 17 per 100,000 live births in 2023 (WHO 2025). That day at Coast General, the mom was in distress, lying on her side in pain because she had been in labor for hours, and everyone in the room was tense. When the doctor finally delivered the baby, I felt such relief when I heard the first cry. But then, everything changed as the baby stopped crying and became limp, not showing any of the normal reflexes babies usually have. I kept waiting for someone to do something fast to address the situation, but the nurse did not seem worried at all. The seconds seem to drag on like minutes. The nurse moved slowly, cleaning the instruments like nothing was wrong. My heart raced. I knew the baby was not breathing, and I could not just stand there, so Dani and I gently but urgently tried to stimulate the baby’s body, which did not open the baby's airway. I spoke up and asked if they could suction the baby’s airway, and the nurse finally grabbed the bulb and cleared the mucus, and after what felt like forever, the baby gasped and started to cry again. I could finally breathe, too. That moment shook me. In a hospital back home, a whole team would have rushed in right away. But here, with fewer resources and a calmer attitude toward emergencies, things moved more slowly. The nurse was operating in an environment that was under-staffed and to her the baby’s status was not an emergency. In that moment, I felt I witnessed a situation that teetered on the edge of life and death. Responding to my perception of an emergency, I also learned that even as a student, I have a voice, and using it can make a difference. I believe it is crucial to act quickly when someone’s life is at risk, regardless of where the emergency takes place. As I reflect back on this moment, however, I can see that “less” does not necessarily mean “worse.” It means using the tools around you to the best of your abilities. In this case, for the busy nurse, that included relying on the two interns to try to revive the newborn. After that moment in the operating room, I started paying closer attention not only to individual cases, but to the entire healthcare system around me. Working at Coast General gave me an unfiltered view of what it means to practice medicine in a public hospital in Kenya. The wards were crowded, sometimes with 70 patients in one large room, and just a couple of nurses caring for everyone. Each morning, before even entering the wards, lines of patients waited in areas overflowing with people, and many of them had been waiting since dawn. It looked very different from hospitals at home, where there is privacy, access to technology, and a sufficient number of staff. Even though the doctors were working with so little, they were incredible. They cared about their patients and took time to explain things to us students. They were patient teachers, despite being clearly exhausted. When the doctor could not do well, it was not because they did not care, but rather because they lacked sufficient resources, staff, or equipment. Or the patient came in too late in the evolution of a disease process. Sometimes doctors had to make hard choices about which patients to treat first because there simply was not enough time or supplies for everyone. My experience in Kenya taught me that healthcare outcomes are not purely just about medicine and physician expertise, but also about systems, access, and resources. I saw how strong clinical skills mattered more without advanced technology to rely on. And I learned how important it is to speak up when something feels wrong, even as a student. My internship with International Medical Aid was more than just a learning experience, it was a life-changing journey. I came to Kenya eager to observe medicine in action and care for people, but I left with so much more: a deeper understanding of health inequities, a stronger sense of compassion and independence, and a clearer vision for my future career. In the developing world, healthcare, I learned, is not just about curing disease; the human being, who has come into the clinic for help, has a particular life story and background that is relevant to their reason for being there. Their treatment is embedded within a complex health care delivery system with its own limitations. In a developing country, what I witnessed is that delivering healthcare means working to create the best outcome possible for that patient. I will continue to carry the lessons of Mombasa with me into every classroom I sit in, every patient I meet, and every decision I will make as a future healthcare professional. Through this experience, I learned that fear can evolve into passion, challenges can lead to growth, and even the smallest acts of care can change or even save another person’s life. Most importantly, this journey showed me that medicine is not just a career, it is a calling to help people who need it most in the worst or hardest moments of their lives. And it has shown me how great the need is in other parts of the world.

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