From the birthplace of democracy to a centuries-old Buddhist temple, the world is full of places rich in history and culture just waiting to be explored. Study abroad experiences offer motivated and enthusiastic learners from high school to retirement age, depending on the program, a chance to expand their learning environment to a different part of the world. Most programs offer college credits, and study abroad scholarships and financial aid may be available to help with costs.
College students can step into the world and engage their intellectual curiosity by enrolling in Harvard Summer School’s study abroad program, where you can immerse yourself in a different country — or countries — for the summer. All Harvard Summer School study abroad programs limit enrollment to provide the best experience for every participant.
Benefits of Studying Abroad
There are many benefits of participating in a study abroad program. Here are five we believe you will experience when you study abroad.
See the World
Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to explore the world. Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture in European cities such as Paris, Madrid, Prague, or Milan. Experience Africa by studying in Senegal. Walk where democracy and philosophy were born in Greece. Explore the great cities and beautiful countryside of Scandinavia. Get lost in the sights and sounds of bustling Asian cities like Taipei, Kyoto, and Seoul.
Wherever your study abroad program is based, you can spend your free time exploring other nearby cities and countries. Taking time to meet people from different places and backgrounds can expand your worldview.
Expand Your Network
The connections you make during a study abroad experience will become lifelong friends — and an important part of your network. Building a strong network can support your professional development and open doors to career opportunities. When you study abroad, you also make connections with academic leaders around the world who will broaden your network and may help you on your academic and professional journey.
Gain Exposure to a New Culture
In addition to exploring the sites, studying abroad presents an opportunity for immersive cultural experiences. During your study abroad program, you will discover new foods, listen to new music, learn new traditions, and enjoy local activities that most tourists don’t get to experience. This immersion in a new culture will help you gain an appreciation for a different way of life.
Learn a New Language
When you live in a different country for a summer school program, you are surrounded by people speaking a different language, which will fast-track your own language learning goals. Learning a foreign language helps you become a better global citizen while deepening your knowledge of another culture.
If you are in high school, participating in a summer study abroad program could help you meet any language requirements you may have to earn your college degree. Study abroad programs also look great on college applications.
Challenge Yourself
Doing what you always do is easy — but can also stifle personal growth. Studying abroad helps you get out of your comfort zone and see the world while meeting new people. Navigating a foreign country will help prepare you for navigating other challenges throughout your career and can help you build independence and confidence in your abilities. Studying abroad is an incredible experience if you open yourself up to it!
Study Abroad for International Students
For international students looking for a study abroad program in the United States, Harvard Summer School offers a 2-week Pre-College Program and a 7-week Secondary School Program for high school students as well as open enrollment courses for college and adult students on Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of the historic city of Boston.
International students will be immersed in a primarily English-speaking environment in an area that is rich in American history, helping them improve their English language skills and learn about American life and culture.
International High School Students
Both programs for high school students are a great opportunity for international students to experience Harvard’s academic environment and study with other high school students from around the world.
In the 2-Week Pre-College Program, students can choose from around 100 non-credit courses, which can help them discover their passions and test their intellectual skills without the pressure of a grade.
In the 7-Week Secondary School Program, students can choose from 200+ for credit college courses and study alongside high school and college students from around the world.
International College and Adult Students
Harvard Summer School offers undergraduate or graduate college-credit courses in the summer and sponsors F-1 student visas for international students to study on Harvard’s campus for the summer. There are over 400 courses to choose from taught by Harvard faculty and visiting faculty in a large variety of disciplines.
Harvard Summer School’s Study Abroad Program
Harvard Summer School offers study abroad programs for current college students that run from five to eight weeks during the summer. Led by Harvard faculty, study abroad programs range from foreign language and culture courses to immersive study of location-specific topics in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Gain cross-cultural experiences abroad through one of these Harvard Summer School study abroad programs:
- Berlin, Germany, and Vienna. Gain a critical overview of literature, music, and the arts from the 19th century to the present, while exploring the vibrant capitals of Austria and Germany.
- Dakar, Senegal. Learn about modern Francophone Africa while exploring the diversity of Senegal.
- Greece. Explore migrations and boundaries and reconceptualize mobility in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
- Kyoto, Japan. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and learn about East Asia and the world using Kyoto as a living classroom.
- Madrid, Spain. Study Spanish language, history, and culture in Spain’s dynamic and elegant capital city.
- Milan and Siena, Italy. Spend the summer in Milan, Siena, and Trento studying the intersection of beauty, innovation, and sustainability.
- Paris, France. Explore the City of Light and the revolutions that have shaped it.
- Prague, Czech Republic. Immerse yourself in the Czech language and culture in the heart of Europe.
- Scandinavia. Investigate the Viking Age — its legacy, history, and archaeology — throughout Scandinavia.
- Seoul, Korea. Learn Korean language and explore the richness of modern Korean culture and history.
- Taipei, Taiwan. Experience an intensive Chinese language and cultural immersion in one of East Asia’s most dynamic cities.
- Tbilisi, Georgia. Advance your Russian-language skills while exploring Georgian and Russian culture, history, literature, and film.
- Venice, Italy. Explore Venice, Italy, one of Europe’s most important nexuses.
- Zagreb and Vis, Croatia. The unique history and geography of Croatia is the ideal location to study the complex nature of borders and boundaries in today’s world.
Study Abroad FAQs
If spending time studying abroad sounds like the adventure of a lifetime — which it is — but you are still unsure, here are a few answers to frequently asked questions.
How do I choose where to study abroad?
There are so many factors that go into deciding the right study abroad program. Think about what you are interested in studying — there may be universities, programs, or industries in a country or region that specialize in your desired area of study — and what parts of the world you want to explore. This can help guide you to the study abroad program right for you.
How much does it cost to study abroad?
Each program comes with different costs based on the location. The program fee for Harvard Summer School’s Study Abroad programs includes tuition, accommodations, program activities, some meals, and the Harvard Summer School health insurance plan. You will need to budget for airfare, ground transportation, most meals, and personal expenses.
How long do study abroad programs last?
Harvard Summer school programs last five to eight weeks. Other types of study abroad opportunities may last one semester or a full year.
Where will I live when I am studying abroad?
Accommodations depend on the program and could involve staying with a local family, in dorms or student housing, or like for Harvard Summer School study abroad programs, students stay in local hotels.
I want to study abroad. How do I get started?
Research program options for where you might want to study, and then schedule a conversation to learn more. You can learn more about the Harvard Summer School study abroad program including the steps to apply on the Harvard Summer School’s website.
Study Abroad with Harvard Summer School
Engage your intellectual curiosity, immerse yourself in another culture, and expand your network of friends. The world is waiting — are you ready to explore it? Read more about the student experience abroad, and apply for the Harvard Summer School study abroad program for the experience of a lifetime.
