High School Study Abroad in North America

I enrolled in the Art History course because, at the time, I was considering studying the subject in college. New York felt like the perfect place to explore every aspect of what I was considering for my future, and I found it to be an amazing experience. My favorite day of the program was when a group of friends and I went to SoHo together. All of us were from different backgrounds, but we all bonded that day. We went to a nice cafe, shopped a bit in SoHo. My experience at Summer Institute helped me to transform my passion for art history into a concrete plan to pursue it further in college. It also exposed me to different cultures and languages, further reinforcing my interest in international relations.

I decided to enroll in Summer Institute because I’ve always known I wanted to work in the art market, and this program felt like a perfect transition into that world. The first week focused on the buying and selling of artworks in auction houses, while the second week introduced us to galleries of all scales—from small independent ones to mid-tier and blue-chip galleries. I took the Art Business course because I am captivated by Sotheby’s auctions and look up to auctioneers like Phyllis Kao. My favorite day of the program was our visit to Sotheby’s auction house. I even got to stand behind the auctioneer’s podium! In the auction room, my class participated in a Q&A with professionals from private sales, finance, and marketing, where we were able to ask questions and hear about their experiences firsthand. My day-to-day experience was a wonderful mix of structure and exploration. Speaking with professionals from Sotheby’s and different galleries confirmed that I want to study art history in college, just like them, and eventually pursue a master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute.

I was curious about how the art world really operates beyond the studio, and Summer Institute felt like the perfect place to explore that intersection. I enrolled in the Art Business course. What I loved most was how the program made these big ideas accessible and real through site visits and discussions with industry professionals. It gave me a much clearer sense of direction and made me realize that I want to pursue a career where I can bridge creativity with business, possibly in art management, advising, or luxury branding. My days were always packed with new exciting experiences for example we visited the Guggenheim to see Rashid Johnson’s show. The exhibition was incredible. The best part was that we actually ran into Rashid Johnson himself that day, and totally by chance! It felt like one of those unplanned New York moments that make the city and this program so special. Going into the program, I felt uncertain about how to turn my love for art into a future career. Summer Institute gave me the clarity I needed.

I enrolled in the luxury business course because it aligned closely with my interests in contemporary art, the art market, and fashion. I was also motivated by my interest in curatorial practice. One of the most interesting aspects of the program was seeing how interconnected the art world is by looking at how history, commerce, creativity, and global perspectives all converge in the city in a very tangible way. One of my favorite days during the program was when we visited the Museum of the City of New York and saw the influence of street art, dance, and culture throughout the decades. Another significant day for me was when we visited Sotheby’s auction house to look at pieces of jewelry that were planned to be auctioned. As someone who has always been immersed in the jewelry world, seeing these pieces was surreal, especially as we learned about both their monetary and historical value. Summer Institute clarified my interests and gave me greater confidence in pursuing a future within the art and cultural sectors, more specifically, a career in curating. It helped me understand the many career paths available and showed me how academic study can translate into professional practice.

“Thank you Lisa for everything. I am currently at my layover in Toronto and I am leaving for Germany in an hour. Thank you for the amazing time in Canada and all the organization. I really enjoyed my trip here and i am so sad to leave. But at least i have these amazing memories and a lot of new connections to people from all over the world. That all would not have been possible without you and i am so grateful for you and that you pour your whole heart into the kids experiences in Canada. Thank you so much!!” Aylin - Germany

I attended the MEI International Business program and would highly recommend it to any students looking to learn more about business and investing. This is an action packed course with great teachers and lessons that are a great preparation for the future.

I am truly grateful for my experience at SMART Schools International. The supportive teachers and engaging curriculum helped me grow academically and personally. I was able to improve my skills, build confidence, and feel motivated every day. The online learning system is well-organized, interactive, and easy to follow. I especially appreciate the care and dedication shown by the staff toward every student, making it feel like a real school community even though it’s online. Thank you, SMART Schools International, for your commitment to quality education and for supporting students like me throughout our journey!

I had an amazing experience, met so many new people, and learned so many new things. Visiting Chichén Itzá and swimming in a beautiful cenote with a platform to jump from were unforgettable highlights of the trip.

My experience with Smart Schools International’s online program has been truly rewarding. Despite the distance, the support from the staff and instructors was exceptional from day one. The curriculum is highly interactive and engaging, providing practical skills that go far beyond traditional learning methods. I especially appreciated the flexibility of the platform and the opportunity to connect with students from all over the world in a global virtual classroom. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a high-quality, flexible, and well-organized online education.

The overall experience with Arcos has my top rating 10/10! The benefits from this immersive experience are undeniable. My daughter was able to experience life in the beautiful city of Oaxaca, Mexico with a wonderful host family who provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. This was such a cultural gift! Trust the process and enjoy!

With Arcos, communication and proper expectations were set from the beginning. I am very pleased with the entire Arcos Journeys Abroad team. All of the pre-departure documentation made preparation extremely easy. I am grateful for my son's increased confidence in his ability to be independent and know how to follow a calendar schedule.

Hi, I'm an 11th-grade student at SSI. Although I joined Smart Schools International (SSI) only a few months ago, it has already turned out to be one of my best decisions. It is a place I sincerely and highly recommend to any student willing to learn! Whether due challenges, responsibilities, or limitations beyond their control, Many students lose access to education. What makes this school special is that it provides an opportunity for students anywhere in the world to continue their education through an officially recognized, standard and structured academic system ensuring learning remains available to those who are willing to study. As an online school, the learning system is easy to adapt to and well-organized. Here I listed my my thoughts and experiences about SSI: 1.The platform is student friendly, which allows students to study at their own pace and manage their schedules effectively. 2.The Flexibility is a major strength; students can study anytime and anywhere, fitting their education around their llives. 3.The teaching approach is clear, with topics explained step by step. For me Learning feels like solving a puzzle piece by piece; it makes complex topics interesting and fun to learn rather than overwhelming. 4.Assignments, exams, and quizzes are designed in way that reinforce learning rather than creating stress. I have personally learned many key points from them. 5.Teachers and staff provide consistent care and support. Each student is assigned a proctor who regularly checks in and offers encouragement. For example my proctor, Ms. Laura Payne, has been incredibly supportive, ensuring I feel noticed and motivated throughout my studies. Overall, SSI offers a supportive and inclusive environment that truly adapts to student needs. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to study here and hope my experience helps other students seeking a reliable educational option.

This online school offers a smooth and effective learning experience. The website is easy to use, and all lessons are well organized, making it simple to stay on track. The recorded video lessons are clear, informative, and helpful for understanding topics without pressure. Studying through videos allows me to learn independently and manage my time better. I can review lessons whenever needed, which really helps with revision and confidence. The teaching style is straightforward and student-friendly, making learning from home comfortable. Overall, this online school is a reliable choice for students who prefer flexible, video-based education. It provides quality learning in a calm and supportive way.

For me SSI is the best choice for studying because they provide the best studying material for their students, they are responsive, and communicate the best way they can, and thats a very effictive way for reaching to their students and help them understand better, especially for someone such as myself who is studying online from abroad the SSI has provided the best studying enviroment for me.

I just finished my first year at smarts school international Online, and I can honestly say I've never learned this well before. The traditional classroom setting never quite clicked for me, but this self-paced program was a complete game-changer. The biggest difference was the shift in my own mindset. It stopped feeling like a chore—"I have to do this assignment"—and started feeling like curiosity-driven exploration. When a topic grabbed my interest, I could dive deep immediately, following my own "oh, I'm curious, let's find answers" instinct without waiting for a bell to ring or a class to move on. I was learning for me, not just for a grade. A fantastic example was the science curriculum. I didn't just read about experiments; I got to actually write detailed lab reports from scratch, which taught me how scientific thinking is really communicated. Even more surprisingly, I performed virtual lab experiments right on my laptop. Using interactive simulations, I could practice procedures, manipulate variables, and see the results in real-time. It was hands-on learning in a digital space, and it made complex concepts stick in a way a textbook diagram never could. This experience showed me that education can be flexible, engaging, and truly built around how I learn best. I gained academic skills and a newfound confidence in my own ability to seek out knowledge. If you're a self-motivated student who craves a more personal and explorational learning journey, I couldn't recommend this more. Pros: · Self-paced structure fuels curiosity and deep learning · Engaging, modern curriculum (loved the virtual labs!) · Develops real-world skills like scientific writing · Freedom to explore topics of interest in-depth Cons: · Requires strong self-discipline and time management · Not the traditional "social" school experience (but clubs & forums help!) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My daughter had a great experience and is already making plans for next summer with friends she met in Oaxaca. Our daughter usually prefers joining activities with a friend and was excited to go on this adventure solo. She met new friends she's kept in touch with and plans to visit. Highly recommend!

My son attended the 3-week program at McGill in Montreal and absolutely loved it. He has been to many camps over the years, but he said this was by far the best experience he’s ever had. He connected with a wonderful group of kids, many of whom he’s still in touch with today. The program itself was very well organized, and the counselors did an excellent job keeping everyone engaged, entertained, and connected. Overall, it was an outstanding program, and I would highly recommend it.

Graduating from Smart Schools International has been an amazing experience. The flexible online setup allowed me to manage my time easily while still receiving a quality American education. The lessons were clear, and the teachers were always supportive and quick to help whenever I needed guidance. SSI didn’t just help me finish high school—it boosted my confidence and prepared me for college and future opportunities. I’m proud to be an SSI graduate and highly recommend the program.

Arcos provides a robust program with a great diversity of experiences. I think the best aspects for my child were the ability to feel independent as a traveler in another country, the opportunity to connect and bond with the host family, the chance to explore and enhance her language skills (through classes and just being out in the community), and the array of cultural experiences. Definitely read all the materials sent before the trip! The packing list was especially helpful. My daughter's host family was absolutely wonderful. She really felt at home with them, to the point that she felt sad leaving at the end!

I studied in Merida, Mexico in June 2025 with CIEE on the language and culture program. From the moment I started my application, CIEE staff was available to help. They went above and beyond by calling me to ask additional questions about my allergies. Their attention to detail assuaged many of my fears about traveling as I knew the staff was prepared. My homestay enriched my experience by giving me opportunities to practice my language skills and immerse myself in Mexican culture. My favorite memory of my host mom is when she taught me how to make empanadas. Spending hours with her in the kitchen gave me unforgettable memories and valuable knowledge. Despite not knowing anyone when I went on the trip, I made friends quickly and spent most afternoons hanging out with them. Merida is very walkable and Ubers are cheap, so it was very easy to get around the city. We had student IDs and were able to get into some museums for free. I attended daily language classes and we had cultural activities every day to deepen our understanding of Mexican culture. In class, we learned practical language skills focused on conversation. By the end of the program, my Spanish speaking had improved significantly because I had so many opportunities to practice. Whether I was taking an Uber, ordering at a restaurant, or talking with my host mom, there were many opportunities to practice my Spanish. My favorite part of the trip was the overnight excursion to Chichen Itza. It was incredible seeing it in person as it had been on my bucket list for a while. We also got to see some cenotes, which were beautiful. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their language skills and immerse themselves in Mexican culture.