High School Experiential Learning Programs in North America

Join us for a transformative adventure in Mexico! This action-packed program combines surfing, hiking, and cultural exploration, perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. Kick off your journey in Oaxaca City, the cultural hub of Mexico, where you'll spend a couple of days discovering vibrant street art and savoring the incredible local cuisine. Next, venture into the stunning mountainous terrain of Hierve el Agua, known for its bubbling springs and petrified waterfalls. Then, travel to Puerto Escondido and settle into surf camp on the spectacular coastline. Spend a week surfing the Pacific, taking lessons, and exploring the breathtaking beaches of Puerto Escondido and Chacahua. Surf in the morning and enjoy coastal activities, including snorkeling, paddle boarding, aquatic tours, and more! This program has everything you’ve ever dreamed of, and more—adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences await! What are you waiting for? Join us for this incredible journey filled with waves, nature, and camaraderie.

Living with a French-speaking host family in the province of Quebec, you will learn to speak French with a North American touch and have the opportunity to utilize your language skills within your host family and community. Lovers of the great outdoors will find great adventure in exploring Quebec’s natural world, which changes with the seasons. Canada’s welcoming culture will charm you and the relationships you build are sure to last a lifetime! Canada is a paradise for outdoor lovers and campers, with its lakes, forests, mountains and oceans. Because of the extent of its territory, Canada boasts communities from a wide variety of backgrounds; like the U.S., many people emigrate from countries like India, China, and the Philippines, so you’re sure to encounter different cultures everywhere you go.

Grow and strengthen your Spanish with four weeks of language immersion in one of the safest and most scenic cities in Mexico—Mérida. After language classes, engage in conversations with locals at bustling markets and on visits to cultural centers, like The Palace of Music and The Great Museum of the Mayan World. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of lively squares, such as the iconic Plaza Grande, and meet local teens while taking part in Yucatecan customs, like the Mayan ball game Pok ta Pok or the "jarana" dance during La Vaquería’s celebrations. Living with a host family will immerse you in the rich traditions of Mexican life. Experience weekend excursions to awe-inspiring places, such as El Corchito, where you’ll dive into refreshing cenotes among lush mangroves, and el pueblo mágico (magic town) of Valladolid, where you’ll find Chichén Itza, a large pre-Columbian city built by the Mayans. In Mérida, you’ll take your Spanish to the next level and unlock a world of adventure among Mayan ruins and history.

Join us this summer for some sun, sand, and sea turtles as we explore the Hawaiian islands! From vibrant Honolulu to laid-back Maui, this program covers some of the best highlights of Hawaii, including beautiful waterfalls, postcard-perfect beaches, and plenty of adventure! Spend some time learning about sea turtle conservation and participate in several projects to protect the endangered hawksbill sea turtles. Projects include snorkeling and reef surveying, nest watches, night patrols, and watching over sea turtles as they bask on the island’s beaches. Plenty of adventure will complement our service projects. Zipline through lush jungles, walk through bamboo forests to waterfalls, hike to the top of a volcanic crater, take a surf lesson and more on this incredible journey to discover the best Hawaii has to offer!

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Join us in beautiful Boston this summer for an authentic pre-college experience while taking full advantage of living on a college campus right in the heart of the city. Choose your academic track: 1) SAT/ACT prep with College Admissions, 2) Marketing, or 3) Journalism. All courses are taught in small group settings by local Boston professors or working professionals. Daily classes in SAT or ACT prep and four full-length practice tests are designed to help you achieve your best scores. Taught by current Harvard students, you can expect to see 100-200 point increases at the conclusion of the course. In our Marketing Academy, students will learn the components of a successful marketing campaign, integrating social media marketing with more traditional best practices. Our journalism program is an exciting hybrid course combining journalism and digital media. On weekdays, we give students the option to tour nearby colleges. Schools we may visit include, Harvard University, Boston University, Tufts, Boston College, MIT, and Northeastern. On weekends and free time during the week, we offer a wide array of activities.

At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high school, students live and learn across four countries each year, gaining the skills, perspectives, and friendships needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. In an age of constant digital connection, TGS prioritizes authentic human experiences through real-world immersion and genuine cultural exchange. Students ages 16–18 experience life in up to 8 countries over two years while earning a fully WASC-accredited diploma. Instead of textbooks and lectures, students dive into project-based learning through TGS's innovative Changemaker Curriculum, tackling real-world challenges while drawing inspiration from each host country's culture, environment, and community. With a 4:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive individualized guidance from multicultural educators who act as mentors. Since 2010, TGS has called 34 extraordinary countries home, creating a truly global classroom. TGS uses sliding-scale tuition based on family circumstances, ensuring accessibility for qualified students from all backgrounds who have a passion for travel and a desire to improve the world.

Join ISSOS at Yale and get the chance to experience student life at an Ivy League university. This summer school program is open to young people between 13 and 18 years old. It lasts 3 weeks and combines academic learning with creative enrichment and adventure. You choose one academic course from options like Debate, English Language, and Creative Writing and one elective from options like Outdoor Leadership, Tennis, and Theater. These are supplemented with fun activities, workshops, and cultural trips. Yale boasts a picturesque campus and gothic architecture. But the University campus and vibrant student life aren’t the only exciting aspects. Its location in a historic university town gives you easy access to shops, restaurants, cafes, and attractions. Students stay in one of Yale University's Colleges, which is exclusive to ISSOS. ISSOS at Yale is paused for 2026.

Step into the fast-paced world of media and journalism in either London or New York, two of the world’s most influential media capitals. Immerse Education’s Media & Journalism Summer Program introduces you to the foundations of storytelling, reporting, and digital communication, exploring how information shapes public opinion and global events. Through interactive workshops, news analysis, and hands-on writing and multimedia projects, you’ll develop key skills in communication, research, and critical thinking. You’ll also build a personal portfolio project, whether it’s a feature article, podcast, or digital media campaign, providing a strong foundation for future study in media, communications, or journalism.

Use your spring break to take a volunteer trip this year. Our volunteers get to travel to the Caribbean and immerse themselves in the world of marine conservation. A highlight of the trip is earning your PADI Open Water certification and learning research techniques to help contribute to marine conservation efforts in the future. Mexico has some spectacular sights to explore; use this opportunity to discover the ancient Mayans and the area's cultural delights. Explore Mexico! The region, along with diving, is famous for its bountiful cenotes, stunning beaches, historical ruins, and vibrant atmosphere.

Study abroad in Montreal this summer and prepare for college with engaging courses on the campus of McGill University, often referred to as the “Harvard of the North.” This pre-college summer program for high school students is designed to balance academic enrichment and personal growth with fun group excursions, new experiences, and free time to explore one of the top student cities in the world! Students will enjoy the independence and freedom they desire, balanced with the structure, guidance, and staff supervision that parents expect. What better way to spend the summer than making new friends, getting a taste of college life, and immersing yourself in Montreal? Available for 14 or 21 days, this program is open to students completing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Explore diverse travel experiences in the USA! Rustic Pathways’ USA programs are designed to offer students impactful and adventurous experiences close to home. From immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures to engaging in meaningful community service, these programs are perfect for developing leadership skills and broadening perspectives. Whether you’re helping rebuild communities in New Orleans or exploring the pristine waters of Hawaii through surf and snorkel adventures, each program is packed with opportunities for growth, connection, and unforgettable memories. Surf, Snorkel, and Service in Hawaii – Join local organizations in preserving Hawaii's biodiversity and enjoy activities like hiking, beach relaxation, and surfing in your free time. Rebuilding New Orleans – Work with local organizations to rebuild homes and join community-building initiatives.

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!

Participants aged 13-17 will host a Spanish, French, Italian, or German student for three weeks, followed by their own three-week stay abroad with the same exchange student’s family. This can take place any time between June and August. The Reciprocal Exchange is a uniquely shared experience. Both participants embark on the same adventure, creating a strong and lasting bond that enhances their language-learning journey. Participants share not just a cultural exchange but a deep friendship. It’s the best of both worlds—combining all the benefits of hosting with the excitement of going abroad. Plus, the financial advantage of this program makes it even more attractive due to its reciprocity. Participants are carefully matched based on age, gender, and shared interests.

Explore the past, present, and future of aviation and space exploration on this immersive STEM career program through Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park, and Houston, Texas. Examine the evolution of flight and see world-changing aircrafts up close. Head into the Blue Ridge Mountains to test aerodynamics principles, construct and launch your own model rockets, and stargaze under dark skies with a NASA Solar System Ambassador. Then travel to Houston to go behind the scenes at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, meeting the engineers, scientists, and astronauts shaping missions to Mars and beyond. Gain hands-on experience, build confidence in STEM environments, and discover what a future in aerospace could look like for you.

Take your paddling and leadership skills to the next level on our 29-day expedition down the legendary Missinaibi River, a Canadian Heritage River. Over 530 km you’ll navigate thrilling rapids, paddle through pristine wilderness, and experience breathtaking waterfalls along the way. Expect big days on the river, hands-on learning, and meaningful leadership challenges that build confidence, resilience, and teamwork. This immersive program is designed for dedicated young paddlers between the ages of 15-17 years old, who want to develop advanced tripping skills, gain leadership experience, and earn certifications such as Canoe Tripping and Intro to Moving Water Canoeing. As the journey concludes in Moose Factory, participants will spend time engaging with local community members, learning about Moose Cree culture, northern history, and life along James Bay. This cultural experience offers a powerful perspective on the land and its people. By the end of this journey, participants leave with advanced paddling skills, leadership confidence, a deeper appreciation for the wilderness and the communities that call it home, and lasting memories from one of Canada’s most iconic rivers.

USCA Academy, an esteemed international and private school in Mississauga, Ontario, prides itself on delivering exceptional education by experienced educators. Our comprehensive programs, spanning elementary to high school, including the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, University Preparation, and Grade 1-8 Full Day programs, highlight our commitment to academic excellence. As a leading Mississauga private school, we provide Language Preparation Coaching (IELTS/TOFEL/ESL), Waterloo Math Contest Coaching, Quality Tutoring, and more. Amidst the overwhelming school choices in Mississauga, USCA Academy stands out, offering a supportive environment for students to build fundamental knowledge and practical skills. Our dedicated staff ensures a holistic educational experience, empowering students not only academically but also for real-world applications, setting the stage for successful careers. Discover a transformative educational journey at USCA Academy, where we equip students with resources and guidance for academic success and personal development. Choose us for a comprehensive and empowering education that prepares students for a future filled with opportunities.

Enter a world of red-rock spires and intricate canyons as we explore the critical environmental issues shaping the American West. Live the ultimate adventure with a 2-day rafting trip down the Arkansas River, delving into water rights and the geological history of these sacred lands. Volunteer at a wolf sanctuary to study the elusive Gray Wolf and learn about sustainable living practices rooted in nature. Hike through slot canyons sculpted over millennia and navigate a labyrinth of twisted orange spires and jagged arches. Walk the historic lands of the Ancestral Puebloans and Hopi people, discover the diverse wildlife of the region, and experience the breathtaking desert sunsets that define the West!

Enjoy a summer French immersion is one of the world's most picturesque cities in the world! UNESCO declared Quebec city a World Heritage site. Enjoy this old walled city, with its characteristic green copper roofs and fortified Citadel. Explore its narrow cobbled stoned streets, small boutiques and street cafes which emphasize the European air of the 'Upper Town'. Quebec City is the center of French culture in Canada with a 95% French-speaking population. In addition to its Old World charm, Quebec also bills itself as the World's Snow Capital during the Winter months. Located on a beautiful college campus.

Live on an iconic conservation ranch amidst the rolling hills of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana with a Rocky Mountain backdrop. Engage in diverse volunteer projects as a way to show gratitude to this honorable community for sharing their lives with us. Attend cultural ceremonies, connect with the landscape, and prepare for a powerful experience that will resonate for a lifetime. - True Immersion, Cultural Events & Ceremonies - Glacier National Park, Swimming Holes & Scenic Hikes - Carpentry, Conservation, Animal Care & Social Services