High School Experiential Learning Programs in United States

Live out the last days of summer in the Golden State and Grand Canyon! We’ll begin our journey in the star-studded city of Los Angeles. Stroll the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and admire the city lights at sunset from Griffith Observatory. Hang out in Venice Beach and ride the ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier. In San Diego, hang ten as you learn to surf at one of the city’s most famous beaches and kayak through secret caves in La Jolla while looking out for sea lions. On our way to the Grand Canyon State of Arizona, we’ll make a pitstop in Nevada in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Ride the High Roller ferris wheel and enjoy a delicious feast at an interactive dinner show! There’s no downtown in America quite like the Las Vegas Strip! The flashing lights and fountains complement the high energy of Vegas. No better way to end this road trip through some of the most famous places in America than at one of the seven natural wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon. See it for yourself and try to envision how the Colorado River created such a masterpiece over hundreds of thousands of years. Using Flagstaff as our home base, we’ll also travel to Page, Arizona to see hidden gems!

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.

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.

A transformative two-week summer programme for motivated students aged 15-18, built around the art of communication, storytelling, and public speaking. Through a blend of theory and practice, small-group collaboration, and personal coaching, participants learn to shape powerful ideas and deliver them with clarity, confidence, and presence. The experience culminates in each student presenting their own TED-style talk to a live audience, captured on video. Why choose TED Summer School? Great communicators don’t just inform, they inspire action. TED Summer School offers ambitious students a rigorous, high-support environment to master the skills that make ideas resonate: clear structure, compelling narrative, evidence, voice, presence, and visual design. Beyond the talk, participants leave with a toolkit they can use across essays, interviews, leadership roles, and academic or professional pursuits. Locations: London, New York, Singapore

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.

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.

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day adventure and discover the best of the American West! Bear witness to legendary landscapes and journey through iconic cities like Park City, Las Vegas, and San Diego. Explore the magnificent wonders of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend, and experience adrenaline-filled activities in Park City. From thrilling excursions to chill moments surrounded by the grandeur of nature, our skilled leaders create a close-knit, inclusive experience for every participant. Join us on this epic Western Sprint, where adventure knows no bounds, creating memories that will last a lifetime! Western Sprint is available to students completing grades 8, 9, and 10. Separate departure dates are assigned to create compatible co-ed age groups.

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!

Oxbridge in New York is housed in Barnard College, Columbia University. For 4 weeks, students in grades 9-12 live in the same rooms as undergraduates during the year and work with leading academics, business practitioners, and creative professionals. They choose two courses - a major and a workshop - from a myriad of offerings that include Advertising and Media, International Business, and Medical Science. Outside the classroom, students take advantage of a full calendar of activities designed to help them discover what the world's most vibrant city has to offer.

This sports camp brings international athletes ages 13 to 18 together for high-quality tennis development, daily training sessions, and an immersive cultural experience. All training is delivered in partnership with Galindo Tennis Academy, one of the region’s top training environments for junior players. Athletes train with certified coaches in a structured program focusing on technique, footwork, tactical awareness, match play, and physical conditioning. Each session is designed to help players improve rapidly while gaining confidence on and off the court. Participants stay in safe and comfortable accommodations organized by GMG United. Options include vetted host families, Airbnbs, or hotels, depending on the group and program week. All accommodations offer supervision, meals, and a supportive environment for international students. Outside of training, students enjoy excursions, cultural activities, and group events in the Tampa, Lakeland, or Orlando area. This camp is perfect for athletes seeking elite coaching, meaningful friendships, and a memorable introduction to the U.S. tennis pathway.

Our wolf conservation and adventure program takes place in the mountains of Colorado. We partner with a wolf sanctuary on important conservation efforts, including activities that directly affect and improve the lives of the 30 resident wolves. This unique experience allows participants to learn about these magnificent animals, have face-to-face interactions with them, and help a truly brilliant cause. When not hanging with the wolves, we explore the range of adventurous scenery that Colorado is famous for! Call of the Wild is an old RLT favorite and an experience you will not forget! Program Includes: Animal Care and Rehabilitation, Community Service, Explore, Hike, Rock Climb, Whitewater Raft, Wolf Conservation Service Hours: 20-30 Sessions: Multiple session dates - Check out our website for dates and full trip details!

Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) offers an engaging and comprehensive Middle School Program designed for international students aged 11-14. Located in Massachusetts, WMA provides a supportive and challenging academic environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The Middle School Program, 6th to 8th grade, emphasizes intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a global perspective. Core subjects Include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, and World Languages. And Extracurricular activities include sports, arts, and Clubs and Organizations. WMA focuses on the all-round development of students, encouraging academic excellence, athletic participation, artistic expression, and social responsibility. Learn from highly qualified and dedicated teachers who are committed to student success. Beautiful Campus: Experience life on a picturesque New England campus with state-of-the-art facilities. Embark on an enriching educational journey with Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Middle School Program. Apply now to join a vibrant community of learners and lay the foundation for a successful future!