Summer Study Abroad & Immersion Programs for High School Students

Contact us! 866.343.8990

How to Apply

Our programs fill up very quickly!

Apply Online Today ››

Contact Us

Questions? Please call us at 866.343.8990 or 510.845.2230

Contact us ››

See for yourselves! Our students - in their own words!

Student Testimonials

ECI Students talk about their experiences on our Summer Abroad Trips

Aix en Provence students relaxing outdoors in France

SPAIN

Salamanca

My Immersion Host Family was incredibly nice. My host mom tried to teach me how to cook Spanish dishes. Ali, my sister, brought me along everyday to hang out with her friends, go to the beach, and sail on their boat.

Samantha H. (2009)

I felt like I was an actual Spaniard at the language school because the classes were completely in Spanish. It was awesome!

Elizabeth N. (2009)

The Immersion Host Family parents were extremely accommodating. It was nice to have a kid my age who was so willing to welcome me into his social life.

William P. (2009)

Both of the trips that I have been on with ECI have been the best experiences of my life! Every time my chaperones and leaders are great, and I always am inspired to travel and learn more. I give 10 stars to ECI. What you do is fabulous!

Nola H. (2009)

The Language Partners were always happy to see us. Getting to know each other was fun. Getting a tour of Salamanca and going to the Tapas bars was awesome.

Sarah W. (2009)

Go into Spain with an open mind. Let the culture influence you in its natural ways. This experience was one of the best of my life and truly benefited my development as an individual.

Ali A. (2009)

ECI changed my life. Every aspect of it was perfect. I learned more about Spanish, culture and how to live my life than anything else I did before. Every single day was priceless.

Jonathan Z. (2008)

In class, our teachers were energetic and helpful. The whole trip was extremely well organized and it made me more motivated to learn the language and the culture. Our chaperones were amazing and so friendly!

Jessica W. (2008)

Nerja

It was great and I will remember this for the rest of my life! I will never forget the people I met here and all the amazing places I saw.

Jessica I. (2009)

Most fun I have ever had. The chaperones were awesome!

Mason S. (2009)

This was the most fun trip I have ever been on. I am truly sad to have to leave the group, because we are all great friends now.

Katharine S. (2009)

The relationship I formed with my host family is priceless and I am so glad I was able to experience Spain with their local advice.

Amelia A. (2009)

I love Nerja! Going out for Tapas with the Language Partners was fun and good to experience a young Spaniard’s point of view. It was an awesome trip, and I definitely recommend it!

Morgan L. (2008)

Our host mom [Language School Homestay Family] ate and talked with us at meals. When we ran out of things to talk about, it was surprisingly comfortable. I loved her, and living with her taught me so much about respect and consideration. I really had a great time on this trip. I was scared at first, but I’m so glad I went for it.

Sarah A. (2008)

I loved the Nerja Caves, the beach, the traveling days to Granada and Sevilla…everything! And it was fantastic having class outside! Our chaperones were kind, helpful, funny and unique. It was very easy to respect and learn from them! I am glad I chose ECI and will recommend it to my friends.

Phoebe B. (2008)

Granada/Nerja Combo

I loved the Alhambra, spending time with the group, and all of the night time activities. The salsa class was a blast!

Courtney H. (2009)

This trip was absolutely mind-blowing. I was really nervous at first, but I’m so glad that I got the courage to go on this trip. I’ve met so many new life-long friend and learned so much. The memories will last forever and this experience has changed my life. I learned a lot about Spain, but I learned so much more about myself.

Courtney H. (2009)

I had a really great time, and I’m so sad to leave my ECI group and Spain. This trip was unforgettable.

Andrea B. (2009)

I came knowing no one on this trip, and ended up meeting a lot of chill, interesting people that I consider my friends. It was so different from what I imagined, and I learned so much about Spanish and cultural differences and just life in general.

Molly H. (2008)

I improved my understanding of the culture and the Spanish language from living with my host families. I enjoyed this trip a lot and am really glad I came. ¡Me encanta Expaña!

Alana S. (2008)

San Sebastián Summer Study

My summer with ECI was definitely the best trip of my life… I wish I could have stayed longer, but I cherished every day and will forever remember the amazing people, food, beaches, and towns I was able to experience… I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Lauren P. (2009)

I am glad I chose a program that includend an Immersion Host Familiy… they took me everywhere during their normal day, and made me feel very welcome and involved.

Sylvie W. (2009)

My immersion family welcomed me into their home and lives with open arms. They were very hospitable and really made me feel like a part of the family.

Sophia K. (2009)

I loved this trip so much. I loved the beach, salsa class, kayaking and chocolate con churros! With my family, it was an immersion for both of us. They learned about my culture (like PB & J) and I learned about theirs (like paella). I’m so glad I did an Immersion week!

Ellye B. (2008)

I really enjoyed the beach, mountains, and playing basketball. My [Immersion] host family was amazing – I felt like their third son. I’m extremely glad I chose this program.

Andrew W. (2008)

I really liked how every once in a while the activities were optional, and the amount of free time during travel week was perfect. I’m extremely glad I did this trip. I was able to make new friends while at the same time practicing my Spanish and learning about daily life in Spain.

Katherine B. (2008)

I felt welcomed and at home in both my families. My [Immersion] family was some of the nicest people I have ever met. I met friends of my immersion brother and saw what they do daily. I had fun in all the cities, and will always remember this experience.

Asa Z. (2008)

Class was very fun. I appreciated that there were interactive activities with useful information. My chaperones were awesome. I had a ton of fun on this trip, had so many wonderful experiences and made great new friends.

Rachel R. (2008)

France

Aix-en-Provence

I like my French teacher Margot. She made the classes very fun. I liked listening to French music she brought to class. I honestly can say this changed my life and I had an amazing time. I made friends I want to keep forever.

Artemisia V. (2009)

I experienced the life of a genuine French family, which gave me a better understanding of the culture and language.

Olivia W. (2009)

Staying in the dorms was a prelude to what college life is like. Paris, Avignon, Les Baux and Cassis were some of my favorite places. Do it! Your French will improve significantly and you will make life-long friends.

Callie J. (2009)

This trip would not be the same without the immersion. The homestay was the highlight – my mind profited immensely! My chaperones were excellent role models and have inspired me to study abroad and work for a program like ECI. This experience has changed my life and view of the world.

Maureen D. (2008)

Dóminique was an incredible instructor. The class was engaged as a whole and I felt like a native French student here in Aix. I am thrilled that I chose a program that included staying with a host family. I was always included and felt fully immersed in the culture.

Philip A. (2008)

I loved all the excursions and the independent time to explore in Aix and the other towns. I learned a lot of French in my class, and loved my family very much!

Tessa V. (2008)

My language partners and our chaperones helped me a lot to understand French culture first-hand. I love the friendships I made and the experiences we all shared. Do it!

Sarah K. (2008)

Toulouse

The trip was super fun. Some of my favorite activities were visiting Foix, Carcassonne, Airbus and the cooking class. I’m so glad I chose ECI Toulouse, because it has everything—friends, language, culture, and learning.

Sophie W. (2009)

My immersion family involved me in their daily life. They cooked wonderful meals and we had interesting conversations. I hung out with their daughter and her friends and I got to see what French people do. I was forced to speak French and I expanded my vocabulary.

Elizabeth L. (2009)

I got along well with my host family and we talked in French a lot. There were many things I learned about France in general and about people my age in France. It was the best month of my life and I want to replay it all again! I never wanted to leave.

Sarah W. (2009)

My first family helped me adjust to French customs and culture, and my [Immersion] family treated me like their long-lost daughter. It was a blast!

Molly S. (2009)

I made new friends, learned and experienced new things, and had a great time. Everything was fun!

Vanessa F. (2008)

I really liked our free time in Toulouse and loved the accrobranche [ropes course], wine-tasting, canoeing, Foix, Carcassonne, etc. It was all so much fun and I LOVE TOULOUSE!

Jessie P. (2008)

I loved all the outdoor activities, like biking along the canal, and learned a lot of French living with my host families!

Samantha T. (2008)

Lyon

It’s always going to be a little scary at first, but if you just go for it you won’t regret trying new things. I will never forget my experiences.

Casey W. (2009)

Conversation with my language partner was very relaxed and she helped me with my grammar and accent. I could not have imagined a better way to feel like a part of a totally new culture than immersion with a host family.

Christian C. (2009)

Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, accrobranche, and cathedral visits were some of my favorite activities. I also enjoyed playing soccer with my language partner.

Shreve A. (2009)

I learned a lot about the daily life of French people. I was like a third child in my immersion family’s home, doing a routine alongside their family, similar to my own. I was able to experience everyday life in France with them. Thanks go to ECI, I was able to gain an unforgettable experience. I had a blast!

Drew B. (2009)

Our chaperones were all so nice and helpful, and my host family was just like my own family: loud, talkative, funny, and very sweet. I met some amazing people on this trip, and am so glad everyone was welcoming and nice. It’s great going with people you don’t know ahead of time!

Michelle M. (2008)

The excursions and activities were all relevant and interesting. They really gave us a flavor for French life, culture, and history. I wish I could come back next year! I’m really glad I chose to spend 3 weeks of my summer with ECI!

Catherine W. (2008)

I got to see French culture in a way most tourists are unable to. Have fun and don’t be afraid of initiating conversations and talking!

Martin D. (2008)

Costa Rica

Natural Wonders

I loved going to Monteverde and seeing the Cloudforest. I liked the ziplining, hot springs, beach and horseback riding. I enjoyed the school too. Everything was so fun and exciting.

Sydney C. (2009)

The activities were very cool and I got to do things that I’ve never done before. Going to school, horseback riding, the hot springs and soccer games were some of my favorites. I had a very fun time and was happy that I went.

Griffin S. (2009)

The local leaders and chaperones were so nice and friendly. My trip to Costa Rica was one of the funnest things I’ve ever done. I loved feeding the monkeys and the beaches were like paradise.

Miranda A. (2009)

This was a great trip with great guides and chaperones. The zipline and hot springs were amazing, and I felt like living with other people my age in the casitas was a good learning experience. This is such a fun trip!

Andrew O. (2008)

My classroom experience was absolutely phenomenal. The activities were great because they always kept us active and constantly learning new things, whether it was about the environment, animals, Spanish, or culture! The chaperones were great and always eager to make our stay better. I loved it!

Caroline H. (2008)

Wow, I loved this trip! It really helped my Spanish and I loved all the traveling around and seeing all the different parts of the country. The hot springs were amazing!

Katie C. (2008)

I liked staying in the casitas because I didn’t understand enough Spanish to stay with a family. I loved going to the volcano and beach, and the excursions also provided good practice for speaking Spanish. Gina and Kelly were great chaperones, and Minor must be the best guide in Costa Rica. I would love to go again!

Eric C. (2008)

Expedition Costa Rica

The program has a nice mix of activities that are cultural and exhilarating at the same time. In class, the methods of the teachers were extremely helpful in feeling comfortable with the language. I loved the hot springs, canopy tour, coffee tour and horseback riding. ECI provides a great way to learn to love a country and learn the language as well.

Carter L. (2008)

The nature here is unique and amazing, and I loved the wildlife and the rainforest. The chaperones were fun but professional. I had a great time – thanks for all the memories!

Tobin K. (2008)

It was great to be in a small class, and I learned a lot of Spanish. The ziplining and waterfalls are amazing. It is a great program. This experience with ECI has opened my eyes!

Elena W. (2008)

My host family was warm and welcoming, and speaking with locals was fun. My favorite activities were ziplining, snorkeling, sunbathing, night hike, humanitarian school visit, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and La Fortuna. The chaperones were very friendly but also made sure to take care of us.

Danielle V. (2008)

The classes definitely helped me improve my Spanish and all of my teachers were great. I loved horseback riding to the waterfalls, ziplining, and snorkeling. The chaperones were all sweet and always there when I needed them. This was an amazing experience and so well organized!

Janece G. (2008)

Staying with the host families allowed me to practice my Spanish more and helped me understand the culture. Shopping with the Language Partners was fun, and the chaperones were GREAT! The overall experience was amazing and worth every penny. Do it!

Sydney M. (2008)

The activities were all exciting, and I had the opportunity to try new things and speak lots of Spanish. Doing this trip was the best way to spend my summer!

Lauren T. (2008)