High School Study Abroad in Western Europe

The countries of Western Europe feature an all-around global vibe utilizing only the finest ingredients to create modern cities, an artistic culture, and dining to die for. Though more expensive than most alternative high school program destinations, students who choose Western Europe will get what they pay for. Whether adamant about language learning, anxious to embark on a European adventure, or seeking inspiring cultural immersion, high school programs in Western Europe are sure to provide students with the experience of a lifetime.

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393 High School Programs in Western Europe

Arcos Journeys Abroad

4.76

Spanish Immersion in Granada, Spain

Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture in Granada, Spain! Classes are offered for all levels at a Cervantes Accredited language school. Multiple sessions are available throughout the summer. The Arcos Journeys program is a holistic approach to learning and immersion. Live with a home

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AFS-USA

4.08

AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in France

Develop fluency in the French language and culture by living with a host family and studying at a local high school. Paris is magnificent, but France is more than one city. AFS students have lived in communities ranging from the snowcapped Alps to the sparkling Mediterranean. Most host families liv

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CIEE High School Abroad

4.43

CIEE High School Academy in Barcelona

Explore the vibrant capital of Catalonia, studying with a cohort of American students as you immerse yourself in Spanish life. Spend a semester abroad following U.S.-aligned high school classes with a cohort of American students. Our hybrid model allows you to customize your schedule with in-person

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Travel For Teens

4.83

TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris

Adventure through Europe with us and get a real backpacking experience as we navigate from Italy through Switzerland to Paris! Our approach is rooted in the classic backpacker strategy—get a rail pass, explore cities with various daily choices, and leave ourselves open to the spontaneous possibiliti

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International Medical Aid (IMA)

5

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Multiple Countries 2026

Physician Assistant & Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA

International Medical Aid’s Physician Assistant and Pre-PA Internships welcome undergraduates, pre-PA and PA students, pre-med and medical students, graduates, and certified PAs and other healthcare professionals. High-school applicants follow IMA’s high-school pathway, with activities suited to the

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

4.76

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

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 med

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THINK Global School

0

THINK Global School: The World's First Traveling High School

Imagine spending Grades 11 and 12 living and learning across eight different countries. At THINK Global School (TGS), the world’s first traveling high school, students discover just how much the world has to teach them, broadening their perspectives and growing in confidence along the way. Through

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Seville Abroad

4.8

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

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Expanish

4.5

Spanish Summer Camp for Teens in Spain

Experience an unforgettable summer in vibrant Barcelona, Madrid, or Málaga with Expanish’s teen immersion camp for ages 13–17. The program includes 20 group Spanish lessons per week (max 15 students), led entirely in Spanish by certified native teachers, focusing on communication, grammar, listeni

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MEI Academy World High School

5

English in the Mediterranean

Opening in Paris, The City of Light, gets this summer program started with a charge! We visit The Louvre, D'Orsay, and Pompidou museums and galleries that have stunned the wealthy and elite for generations. We climb the Eiffel Tower after a dinner at its base. Then after golden hour photos looking

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Greenheart Travel

0

High School Abroad in Germany with Greenheart Travel

Study abroad as a high school exchange student in Germany! Greenheart Travel provides an in-depth language and cultural immersion program for high school students who are interested in getting the full experience. While studying alongside your German peers and eating dinner with your host family, yo

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Nacel Educational Travel

4.75

High School Exchange in Italy

Participate in this high school exchange program and live an unforgettable Italian immersion and a cultural and academic experience in Italy with Nacel. Exchange students must be interviewed in their home country before being accepted at a high school in Italy. A minimum of two years of Italian stud

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LITA

4.75

LITA: A Unique Approach to Language Immersion in Spain

LITA is a full-immersion program that offers high school students a dynamic experience far removed from English-speaking tourism. Participants advance their language skills through small, intimate groups of 12-16 students and three group leaders, with extensive homestay experiences in small towns, i

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Westcoast Connection

4.93

Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Join us this summer on an amazing Greece and Italy adventure travel program for teens. Explore ancient ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes, and savour the freshest, most incredible food in this program that takes you off the beaten path. See breathtaking views from the seaside villages of Cinq

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Centro MundoLengua

4.2

AP® Spanish Summer Program in Spain

Are you prepared to be the best in AP® Spanish? If so, our AP® Spanish Summer Program is perfect for you! This is the only AP® Spanish Program available in Spain, offering you a unique course. Where better to study Spanish than in Spain itself? Experience the language and culture firsthand in an unp

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Cambridge Scholars' Programme

5

Cambridge Summer School for High School Students

Join our one or two-week (or both!) Cambridge Scholar’s Programme, a summer school established by graduates of the University of Cambridge for high school students. This offers highly motivated young people a taste and feel for education in one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Throughou

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Rustic Pathways

4.78

Greece: Island Turtle Conservation with Rustic Pathways

Protect endangered sea turtles while basking in the sun on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia. Get an in-depth look at conservation efforts, both on land and water. Snorkel in crystal clear waters and explore white sand beaches as you learn how to save turtles amid growing manmade and natural t

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Putney Student Travel

5

Spanish Language & Culture Immersion in Valencia

Jumpstart your Spanish on this two-week adventure that blends immersive language learning with cultural discovery in Spain. Begin in Barcelona, exploring iconic neighborhoods before heading to the green foothills of the Pyrenees. Take daily Spanish classes with native instructors and practice with S

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Reach Cambridge

4.89

Reach Cambridge International Summer Courses

Join us for the experience of a lifetime! Reach Cambridge offers students aged 14-18 from across the world the unique opportunity to prepare for their future staying in university accommodation in the beautiful University City of Cambridge. We offer a diverse range of subject courses taught by expe

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Global Works

4.75

Spain Teen Travel Programs

Spain attracts travelers with its old-world charm and vibrant people. Explore the country in a way most tourists never will! Beyond experiencing ancient sites and modern cities, you become exposed to a beautiful and untainted Spain. Dive into an unforgettable and authentic experience through communi

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A Guide to High School Programs in Western Europe

Best Countries for Teens

With 17 countries to choose from and a wide array of programs available, students won’t have any trouble finding the perfect high school program in Western Europe.

France. There is a reason France holds the title as the world’s top tourist destination, it has earned it! With a collection of world class art second to none, a wide variety of regional cuisines and specialty dishes, and an art de vivre (art to living), high school programs in France will leave students planning their return trip before their first week even ends.

Italy. It won’t take high schoolers very long in Italy to conclude that Italians do in fact live la bella vita (the beautiful life). Whether fashion, food, history, art, or natural exploration take precedent, high school programs in Italy will provide students with everything they are looking for and more.

Spain. Students with a passion for the Spanish language who are seeking a more contemporary Western experience abroad will thrive among the passionate people of Spain. The informal atmosphere, flavorful Spanish food, and musical heart and soul of Spain will captivate high school students who choose Spain for their study abroad experience.

Popular Program Types

With a range of academics, languages, and cultural activities available, students have a number of options to choose from when participating in high school programs in Western Europe.

Exploration Programs are common throughout Europe, and generally feature multiple destinations, last anywhere from two to eight weeks, and entail less of emphasis on academics and more of a focus on adventure. These programs are perfect for students seeking to fill their short trip abroad with as many experiences as possible.

Language Learning. High school programs in Western Europe focused primarily on language acquisition generally require students to spend a large number of hours in the classroom, but likewise, a good amount of time will be specifically set aside for immersion activities. The majority of language courses will be taken alongside other international students, but immersion activities will put students face to face with locals in various environments and situations.

Student Exchange. The most time-intensive and academically challenging option for high school programs in Western Europe are full, long-term immersion experiences that give students the opportunity to attend local schools in their chosen country. Either through direct-enrollment or participation in a student exchange program, students will have the opportunity to learn alongside locals and typically live with a local host family.

Anticipated Costs

Generally speaking, the cost of living in Western European will be higher than in the United States. With such iconic metropolitan destinations, like Rome and London, high school students should likewise expect the cost of living in larger cities to be even higher still. For example, day-to-day spending in Florence will cost much more than life in smaller, more rural towns, which may therefore be more appropriate for students on a stricter budget. Luckily, fundraising is always a possibility and is increasingly common, not to mention scholarships are often available for extended high school study abroad programs.

Accommodations & Visas

The most popular and readily available form of accommodation in Western Europe is homestays. Not only is living with a host family safe, supervised, and comforting, it also provides incomparable opportunities for immersion and language learning. Occasionally, alternative housing will be available for students who favor dorm life, and sometimes hotel accommodation is also utilized. No matter where students choose to stay, high school program coordinators are dedicated to student safety, so parents of can rest easy while their student is abroad (or as easy as possible).

For nearly all high school programs in Western Europe, the only documents necessary for students to obtain will be a passport valid for three to six months beyond their stay and a return ticket home. In the rare case of programs that last beyond 90 days, additional visas warranting prior planning may be required. If participating in an extended program or study abroad program, students should always check with their program provider and embassy to ensure proper documentation is obtained. Find all of the embassy information you need at GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory.

GoAbroad's Inside Scoop

Cost. Though the higher cost comes with high rewards, students on a shoestring budget need to be aware of the reality of costs that will be incurred during high school programs in Western Europe. Financial restrictions should not stop ambitious students from pursuing their ideal program, however; instead this challenge should fuel students to complete thorough research and choose an appropriate destination for their budget or spend time fundraising and applying for scholarships.

Artful Living. If travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer, students passionate about the finer things in life will find no better destination for programs abroad than Western Europe. With deep historical context, top-notch cuisine, and an endless collection of inspiring art, students will learn the true value of travel during high school programs in Western Europe, opening themselves up to new experiences and ideas.

Additional Travel. One of the biggest benefits of high school programs in Western Europe as a whole is the close proximity to surrounding countries. No matter which European destination students choose, they will be in a prime location for additional exploration leading up to, during, or following their program.

Western Europe has a little something for everyone, no matter if you want to explore castles or scour the city streets for the best cafes.

Popular Providers

High School Abroad - Arcos (PremierSpon2)

Arcos Journeys Abroad

Step through the arch and start your journey today!

AFS-USA

Scholarships available for high school students to study abroad with AFS-USA!

CIEE High School Abroad

Broaden your horizons and spend a High School semester or summer abroad!

Latest Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences

The best summer of my life!

October 31, 2026by: Mya Weddle - United States

Program: AFS Programs: France Summer Language Study

During this program, I grew as a person, global citizen, and in the French language! The camp was amazing and we got to do so many fun activities like going to the beach and exploring cities around us. I also had a huge improvement in my language skills thanks to the classes we took on campus. I made lifelong friends from around the world as well! It was truly a once in a lifetime experience!

Life-changing: an Understatement

October 31, 2026by: Tristan Papuga - United States

Program: AFS Programs: France Summer Language Study

In December of 2025, I had no plans of studying abroad; everything seemed to expensive or out-of-reach. It was half-way through that month that my French teacher approached me with an opportunity to pursue a scholarship that funded the majority of this program. Upon winning that scholarship (on my birthday!) and another financial aid tuition cut—all thanks to the amazing AFS donors who made that possible—I was given the chance to attend this program. Together with 24 other people from the United States, we were thrown into a whole new world. As would be an expectation by anyone who had never experienced an opportunity of such a scale before, the beginning of the program was difficult. It was easy, at this point, to only see what was negative about being in France at that time: the rooms were hot and muggy, I was unsure of my roomates, and I hadn’t slept well because of adrenaline. It was the end of June of 2026, and I had only just began my month-long program; I couldn’t wait for July to come faster. Almost exponentially, in a sense, my experience of the program skyrocketed in a good direction. Simultaneously with all the enjoyment and excitement studying abroad brought me, I learned to enjoy things that were different from what I was used to: we learned work-arounds to cool off the dorms at night, I learned to see the dorm bed as my own and finally be able to rest and process what was going on, the people around me developed too—we were all in it together, and those fellow attendees became some of the best friends I’ve ever made. Come the time of my graduation in 2028, I want to continue what I started this summer and pursue a degree in France at university. I’ll never forget my time in France. To whoever happens to be reading this—either adult or youth—the risk is worth it: the heat, the stress, fear, were all worth it. Life is far too short, and the world is far too divided to never see it all. Take the chance if you have it!

Plage de la Mala, July 6 2026. (Dear applicants and future attendees, do consider this question, would you trade seeing the most beautiful beach of your life at the expense of your calves- walking up far too many stairs?)

Not of the program specifically- but of the final day at the airport. Everyone who attended shares this very same photo, all from different angles, but alike the same; a symbol of the connection you can build.

A sunset on the CMEF campus, during one of the night-time activities, July 5 2026.

Incredible Trip!

October 31, 2026by: Mae Kerfoot - United States

Program: Travel For Teens : Greece and Italy

Wow! Travel For Teens organized an incredible trip! There were fun activities, great food, and lots of memories! This trip was a great combination of sightseeing, beaches/boating, and learning about a new culture. The three trip leaders were absolutely incredible, they were fun while still being very responsible and organized. I absolutely loved this trip!

It was so fun, I loved it so, so much!!!

October 23, 2026by: Meriah Bloom - United States

Program: Travel For Teens : Greece and Italy

My trip to Italy in Greece was the trip of a lifetime. I met so many amazing people who I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life! Spending two weeks abroad with people my age was one of the funnest times ever!!! I loved getting to go to new places, try new foods, buy way too many souvenirs and take so many photos and videos!!!

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

Most Valuble Experiance

October 19, 2026by: Portia Gill - United States

Program: Travel For Teens : Amsterdam, Belgium and Paris

This trip changed my life and allowed me to grow in more ways than one. I met my best friends, learned independence, and became a more global citizen. This trip was the highlight of my high school experience, creating lasting friendships with people I still talk to today. Each day was filled with fun, new activities and gave me the chance to be independent with the support of my trip director and the other TFT staff. The program could not have been more memorable.

Best time of my loce

October 17, 2026by: Mary Tanghe - United States

Program: CIEE HS Summer Abroad: Creative Writing & Culture in London

This program made 2026 the best summer of my life. London is my favorite city and this program couldn’t have been more perfect. A perfect mixture of education (classes were so much fun, and I also loved our workshops too where we learned about British culture) and free time to explore the city. We also did so much fun things as a group in the city, but you get a lot of free time with your friends. I learned so much in the creative writing classes and all the lessons were fun rather than boring. I really felt like I got to see London inside and out and get a real Londoner experience rather than as a tourist. I also loved our trips to Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon as well. I made so many friends and many great memories. The staff are also very caring and awesome. Overall, everything about it was perfect and I miss it everyday. Thank you CIEE for this trip of a lifetime!

AMAZING TIME!

October 15, 2026by: Maggie Maclean - United Kingdom

Program: TFT for Older Teens: Amsterdam, Munich, Swiss Alps & Venice

I had a life changing trip. I met so many friends that I am still friends with now two years later. I learned so much about the countries I went to and how to navigate internal travel in Europe. Seeing different cities and cultures broaden my horizons of the world and what I want to do in life.