7 Cultural Programs for High School Students

Are you a high school student looking for an exciting way to learn about different cultures? This blog post introduces you to 7 amazing cultural programs specifically designed for high school students. These programs offer unique opportunities to dive into new experiences, learn languages, and understand various global traditions. From studying Latin in ancient Rome to exploring modern Japanese culture, each program is tailored to broaden your horizons and bring classroom learning to life.

Whether you’re interested in arts, languages, history, or simply want to experience life in another country, these programs have something for everyone. They combine education with adventure, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new culture while making friends from around the world. Read on to discover which of these 7 cultural programs for students might be the perfect fit for you, and how they can add an exciting chapter to your high school journey!

1. Brown Experiential Education: Oxford

• Location: Oxford, England.
• Cost: $7,534
• Program Dates: July 8- July 19, 2024
• Application Deadline: May 10, 2024
• Eligibility: Students completing grades 10 to 12, ages 16 to 18.

The Brown Experiential Education: Oxford program is a study opportunity at Oxford University for students interested in public policy. It combines learning in the classroom with trips around Oxford and London, where students meet experts and learn about global policy and politics. The program focuses on how to make good policies by understanding different global and political views.

This experience is more than just studying. Students will meet others interested in international topics and learn about different cultures. They won’t have regular grades but will get a report and a certificate at the end. The program is designed for high school students who want to learn about the world and public policy.

2. Brown Experiential Education: Rome

• Location: Rome, Italy.
• Cost: $7,534
• Program Dates: June 24- July 5, 2024
• Application Deadline: May 10, 2024
• Eligibility: Students completing grades 10 to 12, ages 16 to 18.

The Brown Experiential Education Program in Rome offers a two-week course where students learn about Rome’s history and culture and study the Italian language. This program includes topics like archaeology, history, literature, and arts, and takes place in the Monteverde Vecchio neighborhood in Rome. Students will use the city itself as a learning environment, improving their Italian while exploring Rome.

The program has two main courses: Beginner Italian and Making of an Eternal City, taught in partnership with the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies. Students will also visit famous historical sites like the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica to learn about their history and importance. This experience is not just about taking classes; it’s about fully experiencing Rome and its rich culture.

3. Brown Experiential Education: Barcelona

• Location: Rome, Italy.
• Cost: $7,534
• Program Dates: June 24- July 5, 2024
• Application Deadline: May 10, 2024
• Eligibility: Students completing grades 10 to 12, ages 16 to 18.

The Brown Experiential Education Program in Barcelona is a special program for students that mixes class learning with experiencing the city. It includes two courses: Intermediate Immersive Spanish, where students practice Spanish language skills, and Barcelona in Ten Buildings, which teaches about Barcelona’s history through its architecture.

Students will explore Barcelona, learning about its culture, food, and famous buildings. They will see how the city combines its local Catalan culture with Spanish influences. This program is more than just studying; it’s about experiencing and understanding Barcelona’s role as an important European city.

4. UChicago Neubauer Family Adelante Summer Scholars

• Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
• Cost: All program costs, inclusive of tuition, room and board, and roundtrip transportation are completely covered.
• Program Dates: July 21- July 26, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 5, 2024
• Eligibility: Current 11th grade students, who are at least 15 years old, and enrolled in a U.S. high school.

The University of Chicago Neubauer Family Adelante Summer Scholars program is for high school students interested in college life and who are active in Hispanic/Latino communities. Funded by the Neubauer family, it gives students a chance to experience the University of Chicago through classes, tours, and learning about college applications.

Participants in the program will engage in a variety of activities, including interdisciplinary classes with university faculty, tours of research facilities, and sessions on college applications. The program also includes exploring the city of Chicago, with past activities including improv shows, baseball games, boat tours, and dining at well-known restaurants. This offers a comprehensive look at both academic and professional opportunities in a large urban setting.

5. UChicago Immersion Program

• Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
• Cost: Residential: $8,600; Commuter: $5,850
• Program Dates: Session 1: June 17 – July 5, 2024; Session 2: July 10 – July 26, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 5, 2024
• Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, who are at least 14 years old.

The Immersion programs at UChicago are three-week, in-person summer courses for high school students, offering a taste of college education. Less selective and open to a wider range of students, these courses go beyond typical classroom learning. They include field trips and campus events in Chicago, providing a comprehensive experience. Students can choose from a variety of subjects, like Philosophy of Love, World Politics, Intro to Physics, the Age of Capital, and Greek Philosophy.

These programs are interactive, encouraging students to participate in discussions, activities, and workshops actively. This approach helps students not only understand the subjects better but also improves their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

6. Indigenous Fly-In Program at Dartmouth

• Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
• Cost: Unspecified
• Program Dates: October 2024
• Application Deadline: Unspecified
• Eligibility: Rising U.S. high school seniors who identify as Indigenous or have an interest in the Indigenous community.

Dartmouth’s Indigenous Fly-In (IFI) program lets high school seniors experience what it’s like to be a student at Dartmouth, with a focus on the Indigenous community there. It’s for students in the U.S. who are Indigenous or interested in Indigenous studies. The program includes learning about getting into college and financial aid, and offers tours of Dartmouth’s campus and facilities.

Students will meet current Dartmouth students and staff, who will talk about their experiences and give advice. There will be a focus on the lives of Native students at Dartmouth, covering everything from classes to social life. This program is a chance for students to learn more about Dartmouth and its Indigenous community.

7. The Paideia Institute

• Location: Rome; Greece; Online.
• Cost: Living in Rome & Living Greek in Greece: $5500; Living Latin Online: $1000; Living Greek Online: $1250
• Program Dates: Living in Rome: June 30- July 14; Living Greek in Greece: July 14- July 28; Living Latin Online: July 1- July 12; Living Greek Online: July- August (6 weeks)
• Application Deadline: Living in Rome & Living Greek in Greece: March 1; Living Latin Online & Living Greek Online: May 1
• Eligibility: All high school grade levels.

The Paideia Institute offers unique summer programs for high school and university students interested in Latin and Ancient Greek. These programs combine language learning with cultural experiences, providing a deeper understanding of classical humanities. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels, catering to different educational stages, from high school students to adult learners. Paideia’s programs are not just about language; they integrate these ancient languages into real-world contexts, such as learning Latin in Rome or Greek in Greece.

Paideia’s programs include both in-person and online courses. The in-person programs, like Living Latin in Rome and Living Greek in Greece, involve immersive experiences in historical sites and modern culture. They also include classroom sessions and interactive activities. The online programs, like Living Greek Online and Living Latin Online, offer high-quality, interactive language learning from home. Beyond just education, Paideia is committed to outreach and scholarship, promoting classical studies in the modern world and offering financial aid to ensure more students can participate.

Final Thoughts

In summary, these 7 cultural programs are great for high school students who want to learn about the world. They offer chances to study different cultures and languages, travel, and have new experiences. These programs are more than just classes; they help students understand the world better, improve their chances for college, and help them grow as people. They’re perfect for students who want to see more of the world, learn new things, and make memories that will last a lifetime. These programs don’t just teach facts; they help students become more aware and connected to the world.