11 Best Summer Study Abroad Programs in 2023

While many students choose to go overseas during the academic year, summer study abroad programs are popular, too. They vary in length, with many programs offering short-term options, making it easier to fit academics into your summer plans. Whatever your reasons for choosing summer, though, you can look forward to all the benefits of the studying abroad experience and using your summer break productively.

How do I find a good summer study abroad program?

Finding the right summer study abroad program for you will require you to do some research and establish your travel and academic goals.

As you search for programs, follow these useful tips:

• Give yourself plenty of time to choose a program, apply for scholarships, and save up.
• Consult your home university’s study abroad department.
• Set a realistic budget and search for programs that fit, with the help of scholarships and grants!
• Get your credit transfer pre-approved, or choose a program that has a relationship with your home university.
• Go beyond the program description and read real reviews from previous alum (we have thousands of these reviews right here at Go Overseas!)

Keep reading: How to Choose a Study Abroad Program

What are some of the most popular countries for studying abroad?

While the popularity of a destination does not equate to it being the best fit for you, certain countries stand out for being exceptional options for most students, making them some of the most popular. These include English speaking countries like Scotland, England, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as countries that offer language immersion opportunities like Spain, Japan, and South Korea.

Remember, just because a destination isn’t a primarily English-speaking country doesn’t inherently mean you can’t take classes in English, but always confirm this before enrolling!

Keep reading: The 10 Best Places to Study Abroad in 2023

What are the benefits of studying abroad during the summer?

Using your summer break to study abroad is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable international experiences, including cultural immersion and developing a broader perspective, without disrupting your course-load or graduation schedule. Some additional benefits are:

• The opportunity to gain course credits expeditiously
• Grow a diverse group of friends
• Participate in generally smaller classes
• Travel on a smaller budget than the equivalent semester or year program

A summer study abroad experience is also an excellent option for a first-time traveler, as the shorter timeframe will help with common experiences such as homesickness.

Keep reading: 8 Benefits of Studying Abroad in Summer

Program length: 5 - 10 weeks
Price point: $$$
What's included: tuition and fees, shared apartment. visa guidance, airport pick, 24-hour emergency support, field trips and activities

The Italy: Viterbo - Intensive Italian Language, History, and the Arts program from USAC offers students the opportunity to take courses in journalism, history, art, environmental sciences, and more, while learning Italian and exploring the gorgeous medieval university town of Viterbo, Italy.

Viterbo is a small, charming town away from Italy’s typical English-speaking tourist areas. In addition to the many included field trips, students will also have the chance to travel to Southern Italy for an optional field study, where they can enjoy fun activities such as sailing, horseback riding, or exploring the local mountains and beaches.

Through a mix of practical and sociocultural activities, you’ll learn about the country’s traditions and folklore and engage with Viterbo residents. You'll grow your knowledge far beyond the classroom in this program!

✅ Pros:

• The program is tailored specifically for history, environmental sciences, art, and journalism majors.
• Includes both cultural and Italian language immersion experiences.

❌ Cons:

• Availability of certain courses depends on the term, so not all classes will be available during the summer.
• Limited interaction with Italian university students.

Program length: 4-12 weeks
Price point: $$$
What's included: tuition, excursions, accommodation

CIEE is a non-profit NGO with 75 years of experience developing international study and exchange programs. CIEE has various summer study abroad options, including 4, 8, or 12-week programs, providing flexibility for various budgets and circumstances. Currently, CIEE is running a sweepstakes, the #CIEEMainCharacter Abroad sweepstakes, where ten prospective study abroad students will win $3,000 for fall programs and $1,500 for summer programs, helping make the study abroad dream a reality for more students.

With scholarship and funding options, various length programs, decades of experience as a trusted operator, and programs hosted in most regions of the globe, CIEE offers its students fantastic flexibility in designing the summer of their dreams.

✅ Pros:

• Highly experienced staff that provides support throughout the entire experience
• Immersive excursions and activities throughout the program

❌ Cons:

• Little accommodation options in many destinations
• Fast-paced academic schedule

Program length: 2 weeks
Price point: $$$
What's included: tuition, accommodations, meals, field trips and activities

Oxford Royale Academy’s Summer Study Abroad attracts students from all over the world. There, you’ll live in either a manor house or one of the University of Oxford’s colleges for the duration of the two-week courses.

Subjects include everything from Engineering to Creative Writing and Chemistry to Archaeology, and there are also cultural and recreational activities to complement your studies.

✅ Pros:

• Programs are available for students ranging from age 8-25.
• Students from all over the globe intermix with over 170 nationalities being represented in 2019.

❌ Cons:

• The program is relatively costly for being hosted in a single location and lasting a short duration.
• Courseload includes significant work for the program length.

Program length: 3 - 6 weeks
Price point: $$
What's included: tuition, accommodations, airport transfers, 24 hr support, travel insurance, field trips and activities

Join around 500 students from around the world at Florence University of the Arts (FUA). Students interested in studying in English can pick from a range of subjects, including Digital & Studio Arts, Literature & Creative Writing, and the Natural Sciences. Outside of class, there are a variety of events and excursions organized by the university.

FUA prides itself on providing stellar support to study abroad participants before, during, and after their time in Florence. This means that students will have help with applications and visas, housing, health insurance, and more.

✅ Pros:

• Program includes a "survival Italian" language class.
• SAI is known for its strong support in coordinating all aspects of the study abroad experience.

❌ Cons:

• While many English courses are taught, the options are limited.
• Reviews indicate program housing is relatively small.

Program length: 4 weeks
Price point: $$$
What's included: tuition, field trip excursions, conservation fees, room and board, emergency air evacuation cover

The EDU Africa summer study abroad program offers a transformative learning journey for students, providing them with the opportunity for culturally immersive experiences in some of Africa's most diverse and beautiful countries.

Through strong relationships with local communities, EDU Africa enables students to engage with community members and organizations to enhance their academic experiences, broaden their knowledge,, and gain a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability and community development.

Students will also gain exposure to the local history, different cultures, art and music, natural environments, global issues, and more. This unique approach to learning and strong emphasis on community engagement makes EDU Africa a top choice for students seeking a transformative learning journey and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

✅ Pros:

• Engagement and immersion with community members throughout Africa
• Program and activities are guided by a local facilitator

❌ Cons:

• Less access to technology than most students are used to
• Long travel times

Program length: 4 weeks
Price point: $$
What's included: tuition, accommodations, transportation, some meals, activities

College Year in Athens boasts experience-based opportunities for learning. The Study in Greece Summer Program makes the most of the country’s rich history, offering visits to archaeological excavation sites, different islands, and more.

You’ll take one course during four-week sessions that consist of 60 contact hours, and then in your free time, you can enjoy a beautiful Greek summer.

✅ Pros:

• Programs are short and content-dense, with 60 contacts spread across four weeks
• Classes are experience based

❌ Cons:

• The short duration means this is a fast-paced program with less time to travel outside of included learning activities.
• Athens is very hilly, so if you have mobility issues, it might be challenging to get around.

Program length: 3 - 6 weeks
Price point: $
What's included: accommodations, activities, airport transfer, meals

World Campus in Japan gives students a chance to take academic classes in English while immersing themselves in the local community. Students live with Japanese host families and integrate with community members to bridge cultural, political, and social understanding. Students in World Campus' Japan program come from over 15 different countries, allowing you to learn from your classmates both in and out of the classroom.

✅ Pros:

• There are various program lengths to choose from, including 3, 6, and 9 weeks.
• Program includes many culturally immersive activities.

❌ Cons:

• This program has an intense cadence of activities, so be prepared to be tired.
• There is limited language training to teach basic words and phrases.

Program length: 10 days
Price point: $$
What's included: tuition, facility tours, accommodation, meals, transportation, excursions

The GREEN Program is an experiential education program that balances sustainability-focused coursework, exclusive industry exposure, and immersive excursions. The program provides access to industry-leading facilities and topic experts and challenges those involved to work on real-world sustainability challenges through innovation.

The GREEN Program cares about student safety and the program’s environmental impact. They also implement sustainable travel practices throughout the program, including offsetting the flights’ carbon emissions, making The GREEN Program safe for students and the environment.

✅ Pros:

• Many exhilarating and safe activities
• Networking opportunities during and after the program

❌ Cons:

• Busy schedule with little downtime
• Accommodation often has little personal space

Program length: 2 - 4 weeks
Price point: $$$
What's included: accommodations, activities, equipment, meals

If you're looking for a unique, hands-on study abroad experience overseas, check out the Virgin Islands to Antigua - 20 Days program offered by Seamester. In this 20-day program, you'll sail 360 nautical miles, gain credits, and return home as a certified scuba diver.

More importantly, you'll also come back with a new sense of confidence and personal responsibility, new friends, and a set of skills that you can take with you beyond academics!

✅ Pros:

• This program will provide unique access to a diverse set of remote areas.
• Learning is experiential and part of the lifestyle on-board.

❌ Cons:

• Seasickness can be a genuine concern.
• Life on a ship requires significant work.

Program length: 8 weeks
Price point: $$$
What's included: tuition, on-campus accommodations in a dormitory, out-of-classroom activities

CET provides students with various language programs and internships throughout five Chinese cities. As Chinese is the most widely spoken language on Earth, CET Greater China offers students an intensive language immersion experience that will develop their written and spoken Chinese skills while earning course credit. With small class sizes and plenty of activities outside the classroom, students will gain a deep insight into Chinese culture while simultaneously improving their language skills.

✅ Pros:

• Students live with Chinese roommates, increasing immersion.
• One-on-one lessons and experiential learning activities are included.

❌ Cons:

• Expect hot and humid weather during the summer.
• The program’s intensive curriculum will require significant work.

Program length: 4 weeks
Price point: $$
What's included: tuition, accommodation, excursions, most meals, domestic transportation, emergency, and in-country support staff

Therapy Abroad offers hands-on experience to students interested in gaining real-world, international experiences in their field of study. With programs designed by clinicians, university professors, and public health professionals, Therapy Abroad provides students the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing lifelong skills, all while enjoying immersive excursions and hands-on learning with partner organizations.

By offering programs that prioritize immersive experiences and community service, Therapy Abroad has proven to be a valuable resource for those looking to develop their professional skillset in a practical setting. Their commitment to excellence has earned Therapy Abroad recognition for their programs, including our very own 2022 Go Overseas Community Choice Awards, where they were acknowledged for their fun and memorable excursions.

✅ Pros:

• Exposure to a wide range of clinical experiences
• Culturally immersive and impactful excursions

❌ Cons:

• Not all meals are not included in program fees
• Advanced activity scheduling is limited

Whatever your academic goals or interests, there is likely a summer study abroad program on this list to match them. These programs are indeed the best of the best, and you can feel more confident knowing that Go Overseas students have not only tried them but thrived in them. Have a great summer studying abroad!

Read next:

• The 10 Best Places to Study Abroad in 2023
• How to Choose a Study Abroad Program
• Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants to Apply for in 2023
• 9 Ways to Have the Best Study Abroad Experience
• What is it Like Living With a Host Family Abroad?