Studying abroad for a whole semester is a big commitment. It can be overwhelming to move away from home for months at a time, all while juggling your studies and adjusting to a new culture. If only there was a more accommodating alternative…

Well, there is: a summer abroad program! Rather than idling away those long summer months back home, why not finally fulfill those travel ambitions you’ve long been nursing?

Summer study abroad programs are much shorter and more affordable than a semester-long study program, and they sometimes offer the same college credits too! Furthermore, there’s far greater freedom to immerse yourself in the culture and get hands-on with your studies.

To give you a flavor of summer travel, we’ve put together a list of five of the most exciting summer study abroad programs. Covering different courses and continents, we’re confident that there’s something for everyone on this list!

5 Top Summer Traveling Programs

Our list of summer study abroad programs was compiled based on a range of factors, including the quality of learning opportunities, degree of cultural immersion, and level of environmental and community sustainability.

For each program, we’ve included unique benefits and a sample itinerary for your reference.

From the verdant foothills of the Andes to picture-perfect Tuscan valleys, here are five of the best summer study abroad programs.

1. History in Greece

Greece is a bucket-list destination for any history buff, but even students that don’t know their Socrates from their Plato will find abundant treasures awaiting them in this marvelous country. What’s not to like about ancient ruins and island-hopping in the Mediterranean sunshine?

Our selected study abroad program allows students to get up close and personal with the history of Europe’s oldest culture, detailing the development of a nation from the Bronze Ages through to its independence in the 1820s.

From the crumbling walls of the Acropolis to bold Byzantine churches, the course explores Greece’s rich cultural history in the best way possible: by seeing it first-hand. With trips to Athens, Crete, Nafplion, Delphi, and Thessaloniki, you certainly won’t be getting bored.

Sample program: History and Culture in Greece: Ancient to Modern

Unique benefits: hands-on fieldwork, gorgeous weather, rich cultural history

Sample itinerary:

Spend three days in Athens, visiting the city’s iconic landmarks and relaxing on beautiful nearby beaches in your downtime.
Take a ferry to Crete for more coastal landscapes and some fascinating Bronze Age sites. After a couple of days, travel to the enchanting port town of Nafplion for its famed ancient ruins.
Head north to mountainous Delphi, stopping by at the sacred sanctuary of Apollo and his prophetic priestess, the Pythia.
Continue inland to Thessaloniki, making time for the former kingdom of Alexander the Great at Pella. Finally, fly back to Athens to complete your trip.

2. International Business in Colombia

Over the last couple of decades, Colombia has emerged as one of the foremost options for study abroad in Latin America—and there's a good reason for that! With a colorful culture, a buzzing urban life, and a wide variety of ecosystems, Colombia really is the full package.

There’s certainly a lot to fit into your Colombian summer abroad. In between study time and stop-offs in the likes of Medellin and Bogota, you’ll be hiking Andean valleys, surveying pre-Hispanic archaeological sites, and connecting with indigenous rural communities.

Our selected sample program will also take business-savvy students right to the source of the international flower supply chain to meet local farmers whose goods are exported worldwide. The course offers a fascinating insight into the logistical management of a global operation.

Sample program: The Business of Flowers in Colombia

Unique benefits: vibrant cities, world-class biodiversity, affordable cost of living

Sample itinerary:

Arrive in Medellin. Tour the city’s many sites of cultural interest and its globally-renowned Botanical Gardens.
Leave behind urban comforts and travel to Saint Elena, the country’s flower capital. Break bread with one of the local farming families and hike the leafy forests of Parque Arvi. Return to Medellin via cablecar.
The next morning, fly out to Bogota. Learn more about the flower industry with talks from the US Embassy and the president of the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters.
Walk the capital’s stunning colonial center and visit the Gold Museum for insights into the country’s pre-Colombian culture. Ascend to the top of Monseratte and reflect on your learnings before flying home.

3. Cultural Studies in Jamaica

You might think of Jamaica more as a tourist destination rather than a place to study abroad, but the country offers incredibly enriching experiences for students willing to venture beyond its palm-fringed beaches. Don’t worry—there’s plenty of time for those too!

During our selected summer program, students will learn about the culture and history of the African diaspora on the island, gaining perspective on the country’s colonial past that has shaped the society today.

Visits to important historical sites in Kingston and Montego Bay as well as homestays with indigenous communities provide an authentic account of Jamaica. Away from your studies, hike the mesmeric Blue Mountains and traverse dense jungle before relaxing on the coast.

Sample program: Legacies of Resistance in Jamaica

Unique benefits: rich socio-political history, tropical beaches, Caribbean climate

Sample itinerary:

Arrive in Kingston. Visit the capital’s major landmarks including Devon House and Emancipation Park while finding your feet.
Travel to nearby Port Royal, an important heritage site and former home of infamous pirate Henry Morgan. Head to Liberty Hall to check out the Marcus Garvey Museum.
Tour Jamaica’s historic Maroon settlements, the communities established by runaway slaves three centuries ago, in Charles Town and Moore Town.
Head to the other end of the island to learn about the Rastafari religion at the Rastafari Indigenous Village. Continue to Montego Bay, taking in the Cultural Center in Sam Sharpe Square and soaking up the sun before heading home.

4. Fine Art in Italy

With unbeatable cuisine, scenic landscapes, and an intriguing history spanning many millennia, there’s plenty of reasons to travel to Italy. Throw gorgeous summer weather into the mix and it’s an offer few can refuse!

Boasting sun-kissed beaches, modern cities, and an innumerable list of important historic sites (the Colosseum, Pompei, and the Vatican to name a few), Italy holds a wide appeal, but it’s perhaps best suited to the artistically inclined.

Aspiring painters should look no further than Boston University’s Tuscany Landscape Painting Program, which allows students to hone their talents in an unparalleled setting: the picturesque vineyards and olive groves of the Mugello Valley.

Sample program: Tuscany Landscape Painting Program

Unique benefits: amazing food, rich cultural history, beautiful summer weather

Sample itinerary:

Fly into Rome and spend a couple of days touring the main sites of this hallowed city, indulging in pizza and red wine to your heart’s content.
Travel north to the Tuscan capital of Florence. Marvel at the city’s Renaissance art and architecture, making sure to inspect works from Michelangelo and Botticelli.
Head to the plush hillside estate of Capitignano for a six-week masterclass in landscape painting.
Push on through Pisa, securing your cheesy photo against the Leaning Tower on the way, and into the port town of Livorno for some white-beach action before heading back to Rome to complete your trip.

5. Language and Culture in Japan

From cozy kimonos to sushi bars, Japanese culture can be found in all corners of the world—but there’s no place better to see it than the Land of the Rising Sun itself!

A summer study abroad program allows students to experience the country first-hand, and even learn the language. When you’re not touching up your Japanese in the classroom, lose yourself in labyrinthine cities or escape to the rural regions for some awe-inspiring vistas.

Our selected program is based in the cultural capital of Kyoto, where Shinto shrines and Zen temples hide around every corner. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Japanese adventure, this is the place to be.

Sample program: Seasonal Japanese Language Course in Kyoto

Unique benefits: fascinating culture, ultra-modern cities, immense natural beauty

Sample itinerary:

Arrive in Tokyo and spend a few days taking in the best of the capital’s attractions, including Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, and the world-famous Ginza shopping district—save the temples; there’ll be plenty of these further down the road.
Begin your journey southwest on the bullet train, stopping off at the iconic Mount Fuji for one night.
Push on for the lengthier leg of the journey to Kyoto where you begin your six-week course. Spend free time soaking up Japanese culture in local restaurants, theatres, and places of worship.
Spend your final day gazing into the endless waters of Lake Biwa outside Kyoto, reflecting on your study abroad experience. Fly home.

Selecting Your Summer Abroad Program

We hope this list of summer study abroad programs has given you the inspiration and impetus to pursue summer study abroad.

To decide on your destination, carefully consider your learning goals, travel ambitions, and budget. Once you’ve settled on a program, all that remains is to throw yourself right in!

If you’re interested in organizing a summer study abroad program, don’t hesitate to contact Learn from Travel’s expert study abroad providers here.