10 Best Summer Study Abroad Programs 2025

Do you wish to study abroad but don't have enough funds? If going through a long process of loans is not in your mind right now, try applying for short-term study abroad programs. Many companies that provide study abroad courses are among the best in the business, awarding millions of dollars in study abroad scholarships yearly and offering placements worldwide. We have chosen some of the top short-term study abroad programs to help you find one you like.

Why Choose Short-Term Study Abroad Programs

Short-term study abroad programs are well-known study abroad choices for students on a short budget. Summer study-abroad programs need less time commitment than long-term study-abroad courses. Regardless, you will obtain a complete and excellent education for the crucial time you spend away from home. 

These programs are significantly less expensive than typical courses at universities or other foreign institutions. Your quick stay abroad enables you to live a more economical lifestyle. Furthermore, because you are only there for a short time, you have less time to indulge in costly activities there. 

Types of Short-Term Courses

Summer study-abroad programs are usually more favoured because they are more concentrated, offer new concepts, and have a good basis. Students may concentrate on the areas where they need more experience. Student loans even cover several kinds of short-term summer study-abroad programs! 

Here are the types of short-term study abroad programs: 

1. University Sponsored

These short-term study abroad programs are offered directly through the universities. The universities provide academic credit after completion and tend to focus more on academic and language learning.

2. University Partnerships

Third parties work with international universities to set up global classes. These classes have cultural trips as well as classroom learning.

3. Language Schools

Language Schools run their own courses without academic credit. The benefit of these is the flexible class schedules and taking part in fun activities. These short-term study abroad programs last from 1 week to 5 weeks. They do not require much commitment; you can learn and create unforgettable memories.

Best Programs For Short-Term Courses

Making the decision to study abroad may be simple, but narrowing the many available short-term study abroad programs to the perfect one is tricky. Therefore, we listed down the courses available so you get a clear understanding of what fits you.

1. American Institute For Foreign Study

This is one of Cannes, France's most popular short-term summer study-abroad programs. This program welcomes all university students and has a simple onboarding process. This program has exciting activities and excursions. 

Course Duration: 4,6,8,10 or 12-week summer program
Cost: The fees for this program start at around $6000.
Location: Cannes, France

2. University of Cambridge International Summer programs

This short-term summer study abroad programme offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate level. Students can choose various on-campus and off-campus accommodations and enjoy the campus life at Cambridge. 

Course Duration: 5 weeks 
Cost: The fees for this program start at around $5000.
Location: Cambridge, UK.

3. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney provides short-term summer study-abroad programs in the form of internship programs. You get to learn about the Australian work culture and apply it in real workspace situations.

Course Duration: 3 months in summers and about 4 weeks in winters 
Cost: The fee structure for short-term courses at the University of Sydney depends on the home institution.
Location: Sydney, Australia

4. IES Abroad

Based in Illinois, Chicago, IES Abroad sends over 6000 college students overseas yearly. This program provides 130 academic programs and internships in 30+ global destinations. They also offer food, accommodation and health insurance. 

Course Duration: 6-12 months
Cost: The IES Abroad program starts at around $8000
Location: Chicago, Illinois

5. CIEE

Students can participate in job exchange and short-term study abroad programs through CIEE (Council On International Educational Exchange), a 65-year-old reputable nonprofit educational institution. College students can select from approximately 200 short-term courses in 40 different countries to study abroad.

Course Duration: 3 weeks to 12 months 
Cost: The fees for this program start from $2200
Location: 30 cities across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific.

6. CIS Abroad

Students in 19 nations can participate in short-term study abroad programs, international internships, and summer study abroad short-term courses through CIS. The host institution ranges from English-speaking universities to culturally-based learning institutions and everything in between.

Course Duration: about 3 - 15 weeks 
Cost: Fee ranges from $5000 - $13000
Location: United States

7. CEA

Each year, the CEA (Certified Energy Auditor) short-term study abroad programme provides more than 4,000 students with the perfect mix of academics, internships, and experience. The programme organises activities throughout the city as well. Hikes, cooking courses, and genuine local interaction are all possible. 

Course Duration: 2 weeks
Cost: The short-term courses here start from just $300.
Location: London school of economics, London

8. CAPA

CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) Global Education Network has had a reputable position as a world authority on studying abroad. College students can participate in study abroad courses and internship programs through international education organisations in Buenos Aires, Dublin, Florence, London, Shanghai, and Sydney. CAPA has many grants and study-abroad scholarships available for people who need financial support.

Course Duration: 10 months
Cost: The short-term course/internship program starts from $600
Location: Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, London, Paris, Prague, and Sydney.

9. The Institute for Study Abroad 

Butler University established The Institute for Study Abroad in 1988 to offer top-notch short-term study abroad programs to North American undergraduates. The group gives out essential study abroad scholarships, work-to-study grants, and other financial aid to support students who want to study abroad.

Course Duration: 1-3 months 
Cost: The fees for internship programs start at $1500
Location: Indianapolis, USA

10. YFU

Youth for Understanding is a programme for intercultural exchange. YFU provides youth programs to high school students and recent graduates, young adult programs for those aged 18–26, and adult study tours to those aged 19 and older, thanks to national organisations in more than 55 countries. For over 100 years, the institute has offered semester, summer, and speciality programs to students in more than 40 countries. 

Course Duration: 3 weeks to 12 months
Cost: The fees for short-term courses in YFU start from $4000.
Location: USA

Things to Consider When Choosing a Short-Term Course

Even if it is for a short time, you must ensure that your time abroad is fruitful. You should consider things such as:

1. Getting a clear idea: Do you want to learn a new course or simply enhance your knowledge in your existing field?
2. Suitable Teaching Format: Do you prefer a more on-the-job course, or do you work better in the classroom?
3. Academic Credit: Many short-term courses don't require participants to be enrolled in school, and it does not guarantee academic credit. 
4. Amenities: See if your short-term program provides accommodation with essential services.

Thanks to the worldwide cultural exchange programs, your aspirations of studying abroad and participating in summer abroad programs can come true. Studying abroad and caring for all your essentials can be frightening if you haven't been abroad before. Short-term courses can be helpful in such a circumstance. You will be exposed to the experience of studying abroad without feeling overly burdened. Once you get into any short-term study abroad programs, do not miss the chance and prepare yourself for a ride! Even if it is short term, we assure you it will be one of the most productive and beautiful times.