Many students don’t realize that studying abroad isn’t something they have to wait until college for, and there are a ton of valid reasons to hit the road (or jet streams) during high school.
To get here...
Are you antsy with a few years left until graduation, and want to escape the monotony for a little while? Are you bored with the curriculum, and want a greater challenge in your studies? Are you looking for a parent-funded vacation? (Not the best reason to study abroad, but hey, no judgment.)
Then read on to learn about the secrets to cheap study abroad in high school—like affordable study abroad programs and more.
No, you can’t study abroad in high school for free…
Whatever your own reasons are for studying abroad in high school, none of them will get you around the one major factor that stands in the way of what might be your first foray into the world of travel: cost. Free study abroad high school programs, unfortunately, only exist in the imagination. If you land a sweet, sweet scholarship, you could potentially study abroad for free; but while it’s a good idea to still apply, scholarships are usually extremely competitive and there are no guarantees.
Plus, there are so many associated costs with high school abroad beyond tuition (books, airfare, transportation, visas, the list goes on) that it’s next to impossible to study abroad in high school for free either way. However, the good news is that it’s fairly easy to find cheap study abroad in high school. Whether you’re paying for it on your own, or whether Mom and Dad are gracious enough to fund your expedition, cheaper is always better, amirite?
… But you can find affordable study abroad programs in high school (like these)
It’ll take some time and research, but it is totally possible to find cheap study abroad in high school. The key is to consider the factors that have the greatest impact on program costs: location and duration. Some parts of the world are more affordable than others, and the longer you stay somewhere, (obviously) the more it will cost you. Here we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most affordable study abroad programs in high school. It’s important to keep in mind that program costs almost always include food, accommodation, tuition, and activities.
1. Sol Abroad
Affordable and absolutely astounding in every way, Costa Rica is the best of both worlds—you can’t go wrong studying abroad in one of the most ecologically diverse countries on the planet, and Sol Abroad makes it possible. Excursions and cultural activities are included in the program fee; and by the way, Spanish classes are on a mango farm (come on), which should make studying for the AP exam a bit more enjoyable than at home. If in the end you feel like you haven’t had your fill of Costa Rican sunshine, you’re able to extend by the day or week.
- Where? Costa Rica
- Cost of living: Low
- Rough program cost: ~$2,600 (summer), ~$8,200 (semester)
- More information can be found here.
You might need to put in an extra shift or two here.
2. GoBeyond
A more service-oriented program than others, you won’t be spending all of your time with your nose buried in textbooks with GoBeyond. If you hail from North America or Europe, Thailand might feel like a bit of a haul, and way outside your comfort zone, but that’s partially what will make it worth it. Thailand is a crazy-affordable country in general, so if finding free summer abroad programs in high school is still on your agenda, this is about as close as you’ll get.
- Where? Thailand
- Cost of living: Low
- Rough program cost: ~$3,800 (summer)
- More information can be found here.
3. CrossContinental
Come for the wildlife (zebras, lions, giraffes, elephants, and more!), stay for the change-making. CrossContinental makes it easy to tailor your high school study abroad experience to your needs, and to commit your time in Kenya to a project that will make a difference in the community you’re serving. Healthcare, teaching, and AIDS work are just a few of the many areas you’ll be able to choose from for your program’s focus. One might think that given the ultra-affordability that these are bare-bones fees, but accommodation, meals, and activities are still included. Nice!
- Where? Kenya
- Cost of living: Low
- Rough program cost: $180 (per week)
- More information can be found here.
4. Projects Abroad
A few weeks with Projects Abroad is great for a service-meets-study combo in Peru. You’ll spend your time working with children or the elderly, but you will also have the chance to take Spanish lessons and develop your skills in a practical way. Homestays are included, as is 24/7 support, insurance, food, and accommodation. If Peru isn’t quite up your alley, Projects Abroad provides many affordable study abroad programs for high school across the world.
- Where? Peru
- Cost of living: Low
- Rough program cost: ~$3,500 (4 weeks)
- More information can be found here.
And to get here...
5. China Internship Placements
Talk about Beijing for your buck. For students who are career-driven and have specific goals for college and the future in mind, China Internship Placements is a Godsend. You’ll be able to explore a beautiful country and ancient culture without sacrificing the hard work you’ve put in back home. Fees for this program include one-on-one Chinese lessons, housing, networking events, insurance, and entrepreneurial training.
- Where? China
- Cost of living: Low-Moderate
- Rough program cost: ~$2,500 (4 weeks), ~$7,000 (semester)
- More information can be found here.
“Affordable” and “Europe” are rarely seen in the same sentence, so here you go: Europe is affordable! Nacel International will send you to France to live with a host family and attend an actual French high school without breaking the bank. Additionally, round trip airfare to France isn’t outrageous if you live in Europe or closer to the American east coast, and program fees include the usual suspects, such as accommodation and meals.
- Where? France
- Cost of living: Moderate-High
- Rough program cost: ~$1,800 (6 weeks), ~$6,700 (semester)
7. Travel For Teens
Students who have already mastered their foreign language skills (or who are waiting until college to do so) will enjoy a summer in the United Kingdom with Travel For Teens. This program will take you through England, Scotland, and Wales, leaving the summer wide open to adventure rather than studies. Ground transportation, meals, guides, and more is included in program fees. We think this would be an exceptional option for that typically lazy, post-graduation summer.
- Where? United Kingdom
- Cost of living: Moderate-High
- Rough program cost: ~$4,400 (summer)
- More information can be found here.
8. CIEE
CIEE in Sweden will take you to a local high school where you will study Swedish, as well as core academics, for up to an entire academic year. The program fees look hefty, but it will be well worth your while. Fees include airfare, homestay, orientation, access to the CIEE alumni network, a letter of recommendation upon completion, and much more. Plus, there’ll definitely be time to pop over to Norway to chase Northern Lights and knock an item off your bucket list (and to finally find out what hygge actually is)!
- Where? Sweden
- Cost of living: Moderate-High
- Rough program cost: ~$12,000 (semester), ~$14,000 (academic year)
- More information can be found here.
New Zealand is a country that most people will only ever dream about (and that most travelers will keep dreaming about once they’ve left). Greenheart Travel offers a semester-long high school immersion program in which you’ll study at a local high school and live with a host family. The fees look steeper than Mount Doom, but don’t get scared away—roundtrip airfare is included, mate. The price also includes orientation, insurance, and in-country support.
- Where? New Zealand
- Cost of living: High
- Rough program cost: ~$17,000 (semester)
- More information can be found here.
10. Edu-inter
For American students, Canada might not seem like the most exciting destination for a summer abroad. However, Edu-inter will take participants to Quebec City where they will attend intensive French language classes; afternoons are reserved for your choice of “after school” activity, including arts and sports programs. Dozens of students from across the world take part in the program, so you should have no trouble meeting new people and broadening your horizons. Plus, if you live in the US, airfare will be the most affordable you’ll find for any program.
- Where? Canada
- Cost of living: High
- Rough program cost: $8000 (summer)
- More information can be found here.
[None Quite Right? Browse ALL High School Study Abroad Programs]
Other ways to lessen the costs of high school abroad
You need to stay in school, do well, and finish the year strong.
Besides choosing affordable programs, there are plenty of other avenues towards lowering your costs of high school school abroad, like…
- Choose a low-cost location from the git-co. Consider cost of living, daily expenses, anticipated travel expenses, etc.
- Opt for budget accommodations, like homestays or shared rooms, instead of private or more luxury options.
- If you do go to a more expensive country, consider staying in a smaller city. Capital cities tend to have higher price tags than other places in more rural areas.
- Go your own way instead of signing up for tours or weekend excursions. It’ll take more work, but you won’t have to pay the overhead fees of someone else doing the planning.
- Buy used! You will probably need some new study abroad equipment, like a backpack or suitcase. Instead of going the brand-new route, borrow from a friend or a well-traveled aunt, or scour thrift stores and Craigslist to find high quality, yet gently used stuff.
[READ MORE: 8 Proven Ways to Lower Your Study Abroad Costs]
NOTE: Your only determining factor really shouldn’t be cost...
Bargains are awesome, but not when they sacrifice important aspects of high school study abroad like safety, integrity, and experiences. Avoid programs that seem too good to be true, and find out what you’ll be responsible for yourself—you don’t want to find out the night before your flight that you have nowhere to stay when you arrive.
Sticker shock is a very real thing when it comes to studying abroad, but the time and money you put into the experience is an investment that provides many returns in many forms. Your high school study abroad experience could very well set you up for success in college, introduce you to lifelong friends, or even launch your future career—you really won’t know until you go for it!
You’re ready for cheap study abroad in high school! Awwww yeah ?
If you LOVE travel like we do, these affordable high school study abroad programs are for you.
Now that you know where to look and what to look for (and you have accepted that free study abroad in high school is an unattainable unicorn), you’re ready to go forth and conquer your search for affordable high school study abroad programs!
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