High School Study Abroad in North America

Although there are only three countries which constitute North America, its huge presence on the global stage outweighs the relatively small sum of its component parts. Embarking on a high school program in North America will introduce you to a dynamic and diverse continent amidst one of the most unique and well-preserved environmental backdrops on the planet. Vastly influential along a variety of political, economic, and cultural avenues, North America is a must-visit destination for any high school student with a drive to adventure in the big time.

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91 High School Programs in North America

9.783 reviews

Arcos Journeys Abroad

Spanish Language & Mexican Culture

Travel to the enchanting colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico for an u...

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CIEE High School Abroad

CIEE High School Semester/Year Abroad in Mexico

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Travel For Teens

TFT: Hawaii Sea Trurtle Service and Adventure

Join us this summer for some sun, sand, and sea turtles as we exp...

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GVI

NEW Under 18’s Spring Break Marine Conservation Expedition

Use your spring break to take a volunteer trip this year. Our vol...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

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THINK Global School

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

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ISSOS International

ISSOS at Yale: Summer School in the US

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Rustic Pathways

USA: Hawaii and New Orleans Travel with Rustic Pathways

Explore diverse travel experiences in the USA! Rustic Pathways’ U...

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Projects Abroad

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

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Oui-Connect

Reciprocal High School Exchange: Host and Be Hosted

Participants aged 13-17 will host a Spanish, French, Italian, or ...

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Edu-inter, International French School in Quebec City

French Summer School for Teenagers in Quebec City

The summer French immersion school for teenagers has been offered...

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USCA Academy

USCA Academy International and Private School

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Westcoast Connection

Western Sprint - 11 Days

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day adventure and discover the best...

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ARCC Programs

Colorado & Utah: Canyons and Conservation

Enter a world of red-rock spires and intricate canyons as we expl...

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Putney Student Travel

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High School Abroad - Arcos (PremierSpon2)

Arcos Journeys Abroad

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AFS-USA

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CIEE High School Abroad

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Latest Program Reviews

It really was the experience of a lifetime

December 17, 2024by: CharlieProgram: Reciprocal High School Exchange: Host and Be Hosted

Our son participated in the reciprocal exchange over summer, meaning our family hosted a great French student Achille for 3 weeks in San Diego and then our son spent 3 weeks in France with Achille’s family. It was so awesome for our family learning so much about French culture and having fun showing off California. Then our son had the best summer he could have asked for - he saw so much of France, beach, lakes & Paris (even going to the Olympics!) with a fabulous French family. Charlie’s French was SO much better afterwards. It really was the experience of a lifetime and the friendship and connection with Achille’s family is something we will treasure.

Most amazing two weeks!

November 25, 2024by: Maggie Patricio - United StatesProgram: TFT: Hawaii Sea Trurtle Service and Adventure

The trip started off with a few delays in flights, but our counselors and group just took the opportunity to bond even closer! When we made it to Waikiki we started the trip off with a nice, relaxing walk around the area and some great food. The next few days were filled with surfing, beach time, Pearl Harbor, and bonding. Then, we left for Maui. In Maui we stayed at an amazing hotel, about a 5 minute walk from the beach. Our service leaders were so kind, and we got to help clean up beaches, learn about wildlife in the area, go snorkeling with turtles and fish, learn about coral reefs, and even visit an aquarium with a sea turtle rehabilitation area. The food on this trip was amazing, we got to try hawaiian poke, acai bowls, shave ice, and more. Plus, the people and counselors that made up our group made it even better. From working together on our service trips to hanging out at the hotel pool after dinner, our group was so tightly knit, even with how different we all are. Going on this trip brought me so amazing friends from all around the globe. The counselors on this trip were amazing as well. Even though they are older than all of us teens on the trip, they felt like friends throughout the two weeks. They hung out with us by the pool and beach, and took pictures with us by the sunsets. Overall, this trip was absolutely amazing and I loved my experience so much!

It really was the experience of a lifetime

December 17, 2024by: CharlieProgram: Reciprocal High School Exchange: Host and Be Hosted

Most amazing two weeks!

November 25, 2024by: Maggie Patricio - United StatesProgram: TFT: Hawaii Sea Trurtle Service and Adventure

A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in North America

Locations

Although some definitions of North America are expanded to include the island countries of the Caribbean Region, most measures designate the continent as encompassing just the countries of Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Mexico, the southernmost nation on the continent, stands out as a distinct destination because it is the only one of these three which is technically also part of Latin America. Therefore much different culturally than its heavily industrialized Western neighbors, Mexico will prove a very enriching location where to land through a high school program in North America.

One step to the north, The United States is typically the most popular destination for high school programs in North America because of its pre-eminence on many fronts of the global stage. Embarking on a high school program in the United States will enable you to experience a whole new side of the world superpower, debunking many preconceptions you may have developed from its portrayal in media and popular culture.

Canada, the northernmost country on the continent, can also be a great place where to enroll in a high school program in North America. Although Canada is the second largest country in the world by land area, it is actually home to a relatively small population of just 35 million inhabitants. Nonetheless Canada has a very powerful economy and also measures very highly on most measures of human development and social equality; a great model to learn from for high school students abroad.

Program Opportunities

There are many different types of high school programs in North America that you can enroll in, the most traditional being a study abroad program. Generally running for anywhere from two weeks to two months over the summertime, a study abroad program in North America will enable you to explore a variety of academic subjects such as math, science, and history alongside local high school students. Language immersion programs are especially popular within this type of high school program in North America.

Volunteer programs are also quite popular among high school students abroad in North America. While there is a tremendous amount of wealth in North America, there is also a great deal of economic inequality that is pervasive throughout the continent. High school students from around the world can lend a helping hand by providing valuable services in education, healthcare, and infrastructural development to aid the continent’s underserved.

Lastly, cultural exploration and adventure travel programs can also be a great way to explore the continent through as a high school student abroad. These types of high school programs in North America will often travel throughout several different destinations on the continent, making them a good option for students who do not want to stay in just one place.

Scholarships & Costs

The United States and Canada are both quite expensive places to travel, while Mexico is considerably more affordable because it is a developing country. In all three locations, the fees for a high school program abroad can nevertheless run up to be quite expensive. Our Scholarship Directory and Fundraising resource are two great places to get started working to cover the costs of the trip.

Accommodation & Visas

Again, the type of accommodation you have during a high school program in North America will vary significantly depending on your destination within the continent. Homestays and student dormitories are generally the most popular options for high school students abroad in North America, while adventure travel programs will often utilize a variety of different housing situations as you move about between locations.

Visa policies differ for Mexico, Canada, and the United States depending on your home country and the duration of your high school program in North America. In many circumstances you will be able to enter Mexico or Canada without obtaining a visa prior, while in the United States you will almost always have to apply for a visa before entry into the country. For information about visa policies on the continent, check out our Embassy Directory.

Benefits & Challenges

Diversity. The immense diversity of people, cultures, cities, and landscapes throughout North America makes it an incredible place to travel. Come experience the so-called “melting pot” firsthand.

Education. North America boasts some incredible learning opportunities, from its prestigious higher education system to the lessons embedded in travel itself. Get ready to return a wiser person.

Demystification. North America consistently finds itself at the center of the world stage in politics, finance, culture, and entertainment. Yet what you experience while on the inside may be quite different than what you’d have come to expect.