The 10 Best Summer Study Abroad Programs in 2022

While many students choose to go overseas during the academic year, summer study abroad programs are popular, too. They vary in length, so they can be easier to fit into your life. Whatever your reasons for choosing summer, though, you can look forward to all the benefits of the studying abroad experience and using your break productively.

The decision to study overseas might be relatively easy, but selecting the right program from the sea of options isn’t. That’s why we’ve analyzed data from former students’ reviews on Go Overseas and also thoroughly assessed reviews to determine the 10 best summer study abroad programs out there. Past participants have vouched for each of them in terms of providing strong academics, comfortable housing, and safe and fun environments that make for a memorable and worthwhile summer overseas.

• Best for Multi-Country Study: Forum-Nexus
• Best for Interning & Studying: ESAC
• Best for Professional Development: Red Tree Study
• Best for Short-term Study: Oxford Royale Academy
• Best for Support: SAI Study Abroad
• Best for Hands-on Fieldwork: CYA
• Best for Interactive Learning: CES Maastricht University
• Best for Cultural Immersion: World Campus, Japan
• Best for Outdoor Adventure: TEAN
• Best for Value for Money Adelante Abroad

Forum-Nexus Study Abroad’s Multi-Country Summer in Europe doesn’t make you pick just one city to study abroad in -- you can study in five, joined by students from around the world.

The Summer itinerary includes stops in Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece; along the way, you can earn up to 9 credits transferable to your school through classes, an internship, or an independent study.

Read what alumni had to say about the program in Europe:

• “This program is awesome. I was able to travel to five countries (Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece) (this changes based on the year) in just five weeks and it was the best experience. Not only that, but I can genuinely say that I have kept in touch with several people from the program 2 years later.” -- Jacob
• “This program gave me the courage to embrace new cultures and to not shy away from a new city for fear of getting lost. I was able to see many places and cities that I have dreamed of visiting for many years! And a bonus was that it counted as class credit towards my degree.” -- Abigail

The European Study Abroad Center’s Prague program offers students the chance to spend the summer in the Czech Republic. The program includes courses at the University of Economics in Prague, where you’ll live in on-campus housing alongside other international students. There’s also the option to complete an internship while you’re there.

Not only that, you’ll be spending your summer in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities!

Read what alumni had to say about the program in Prague:

• “My time in Prague was remarkable. I never really thought I would be one to travel, but Metro and ESAC made it all really simple. Having a place to stay - comfortable dorms - in the Summer in Prague was a huge plus.” -- Cora
• “ESAC offers so much! It is a structured program, yet still gives it’s [sic] students the freedom to explore Europe. The directors are awesome and help with any little thing from needing to go to the doctors to planning a weekend trip!” -- Michelle

The Peace-building in Colombia Academic Summer Program from Red Tree Study offers both educational and cultural experiences to undergraduate students. Participants travel to Bogotá and take classes through the Political Science Department at the Universidad de Los Andes.

Through a mix of practical and sociocultural activities, you’ll learn about the country’s complex history, peace negotiations, and the push for lasting peace. You don’t get that in just any classroom.

Read what alumni had to say about the program in Bogotá:

• “This peacebuilding course is one of the most interesting, as well as intense, courses I have participated in. It included a perfect mixture of both lectures and field visits.” -- Louise
• “This program is outstanding! It’s jam-packed with academics while also allowing time to immerse oneself in the beautiful country that is Colombia. My one and only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough.” -- Mariana

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.

Read what alumni had to say about the program in Oxford:

• “This experience was life changing! I got to meet so many amazing people from all of the world, with different experiences and knowledge. Everything that I have seen, heard and learnt and everyone I have met while being in ORA helped me realize something about myself and my future career.” -- Katarina
• “Oxford Royale Academy has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Participating in this summer school has not only educated me in the subjects I chose, but also in real life skills.” -- Océane

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.

Read what alumni had to say about the program in Florence:

• “SAI was also very helpful and provided a great program. They set up our housing, health insurance, different events and excursions (book-making workshop, cooking class, day trips to Siena, Lucca, etc.). Even in the chaos and unknowns of the beginning of the pandemic, the on-site staff was sweet, competent, and as helpful as they could be.” -- Brianna
• “I loved studying abroad with SAI! They always had staff available to help in whatever you needed and understood how overwhelming studying abroad can be. SAI planned awesome trips and immersion activities that made me feel like Florence was my home.” -- Bella

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.

Read what alumni had to say about the program in Athens:

• “My time with CYA was the best academic and personally formative experience of my life. I took two summer courses, and both the professors were outstanding. Between engaging lectures and meaningful site visits, I felt like I was growing academically without missing any of the social opportunities of study abroad.” -- Sarah
• “I had an amazing experience study[ing] overseas for four weeks of my summer. The staff and facilities were awesome, on top of a great learning environment in Athens and other small towns that we traveled to.” -- Luke

The six-week Summer Program in European Studies is located at the Netherlands’ Maastricht University. Offered through the Center for European Studies, the program allows participants to take a variety of courses or join study tours that are taught in English. You’ll find courses from across academic disciplines, and you can earn credits toward your major.

Read what alumni had to say about the program in the Netherlands:

• “It was such an amazing six weeks filled with great experiences and adventures with new friends that I honestly will never forget. Apart from Maastricht itself being an amazing place to study in for the summer, the people I met and courses I took contributed to the unforgettable experience I had while studying here.” -- Haley
• “The program was not only an opportunity to learn about the culture in Maastricht but also to interact with students around the world and to learn about their cultures as well. I love how the classes are so interactive because it helps you to come out of your comfort zone.” -- Sharon

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

Read what alumni had to say about the program in Japan:

• “Living with host families and sharing each others culture and opinions and different perspective is very exciting and it opens your mind. Also getting to know other participant's and their differences, I've learned so many thing about various countries which you would never learn at school.” -- Tereza
• “When you participate in the World Campus Japan program you get to experience Japan in an entirely different way, almost as a local. You get to experience home stay, which is the most exciting part of the entire program. You get to experience home cooked Japanese meals, which are delicious. You also get the chance to see how your host family lives, what they do for fun, etc.” -- Johnny

The Australian Environment & Conservation Summer Program offered by The Education Abroad Network is perfect for students interested in hands-on experience and learning. The three-week program focuses on the practical application of biological science and environmental management, and it includes trips some of the most breathtaking places in Australia. You’ll get to see the environment and wildlife up close, guided by local experts.

Don't forget that summer in the northern hemisphere is winter down under! You'll want to pack clothes for cooler weather if you choose this program.

Read what alumni had to say about the program in Australia:

• “This program was one of best, if not the best, experiences of my life. The course material is very interesting and is only made better by the professors, who are simply incredible, both as professors and as people.” -- Nathan
• “This five week program that TEAN has built is beyond incredible! Not only do you have a new adventure and experience every single day, you get to travel to all the major cities in Australia.” -- Janae

TEAN also has a highly rated program to study abroad in Chang Mai which they offer in the summer, fall, and spring semesters.

Adelante Abroad’s Semester and Summer Programs in Spain enables students to improve their Spanish, while taking classes ranging from Economics to Art History.

You can take up to 16 credits per semester and take advantage of the local universities facilities, which include a new library, gym, cafes, and more. At the same time, you’ll get to experience life in Andalusia, a sunny and vibrant Spanish region.

Read what alumni had to say about the program in Seville:

• “It was a wonderful experience to be able to live and study in beautiful and historic Southern Spain. Throughout my stay there my Spanish improved tremendously, written and oral. Also, when compared to other programs, this program has a really good price.” -- Sasha
• “I spent a fantastic semester in Seville. From the application process to my arrival in Spain and even throughout my time there, I felt very well taken care of and able to concentrate on the most important things: improving my Spanish, experiencing the culture, and getting to know Spain and the Spaniards.” -- Matthew

Whatever your academic goals or interests, there is likely a summer study abroad program on this list to match them. These programs are truly 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!