<p>Does anyone have any suggestions for interesting summer programs for a high school grad?We are a little late in our planning; D's summer plans just fell apart. I saw the thread about outdoor programs - they would probably be too rigorous for her. She does love foreign language study and is fluent is Spanish. The university where she will be a freshman is on the quarter system so she will not be in school (in California where we are based) until the end of September. Thanks for any ideas!</p>
<p>Don’t know where you’re located, but if your D wants a foreign language summer study program, look into Middlebury college. Might be too late for this summer, though. Look into it anyway, if that’s what you think she may want!</p>
<p>What about some independent travel? This is going to be one of the last summers of her young life where she can be really free of responsibility, why weigh her down with a formal program? If you’re willing to pay tuition for a summer program, how about putting that money towards some kind of a trip for her and a friend? Doesn’t have to be anything too fancy, but let them plan and execute it. Maybe driving across country, staying in hostels, maybe a trip overseas (cheaper than you might think). Or something out of doors as a camp counselor, a parks volunteer, etc. I say don’t schedule her. Let her have one summer free. She’ll be in internships and jobs pretty much every summer after this.</p>
<p>thanks for the suggestions - Middlebury is wonderful - but a little too long.
and SmithieandProud - yes, I agree with you. those were her original plans - but the friends that she had planned to travel with now can’t go. She is a very sophisticated and experienced traveler and this point and understands that choice of traveling companions is key. That’s why I was reverting to looking at more organized programs. Love to hear more!</p>
<p>She can still travel with EF Tours ! Several Europe trips to choose from - Italy, Spain, Switzerland - even places like Australia. Very reasonable priced & includes a 24/7 travel guide. Individuals or small groups can join other groups once they arrive.</p>
<p>Why not go independently to a Spanish speaking country? There are tons of travelers she will end up meeting and spending time with. You say she is an experienced traveler, so this should not be too daunting for her. Check out wwoof, helpexchange and workaway for volunteer opportunities. Good luck to your daughter!</p>
<p>Hmmm, even if she is an experienced traveller, I can understand her not wanting to go alone. Having a buddy is not only good safety sense, but it’s useful when it comes to having someone to watch the bags so someone can go get food or something. </p>
<p>I would definitely think about some kind of overseas volunteer service. Not as much fun as travelling freely, but she could do WWOOFing or a World Teach summer program. Is she at all interested in sailing? The Picton Castle out of Nova Scotia usually does around the world trips but I know this summer they are doing a summer trip in the Maritime. Woods Hole or Mystic also have sailing programs for college students, but they may have summer options for high school grads. </p>
<p>Nicolas Kristof lists a few places as a good starting point in this blog post: [Announcing</a> Win-a-Trip 2011 – With a Twist! - NYTimes.com](<a href=“Announcing Win-a-Trip 2011 -- With a Twist! - The New York Times”>Announcing Win-a-Trip 2011 -- With a Twist! - The New York Times) </p>
<p>Mostly in India and Africa, which may not be what your D was thinking, but maybe a good way to spark some ideas.</p>
<p>Maybe there is still room at [Concordia</a> Language Villages - Concordia Language Villages](<a href=“http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/newsite/]Concordia”>http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/newsite/) </p>
<p>Probably full, but worth a try as well: [Youth</a> For Understanding](<a href=“http://www.yfu.org%5DYouth”>http://www.yfu.org) and [AFS</a> Intercultural Programs](<a href=“http://www.afs.org%5DAFS”>http://www.afs.org)</p>
<p>Relax and sleep in.;)</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I don’t know that many summer programs that would suit your daughter but have you considered allowing her to apply to an in-state or out of state school where she would be there for only the summer semester? She could take a foreign language class or whatever else she likes. This way she’ll have the opportunity to get the feel of what it’s like living on campus & the overall college environment so when she actually does go to her school she can learn from the experiences at her ‘summer’ college.</p>
<p>She could also tutor local middle and high school students who need help with a foreign language. She’ll be earning a good sum of money and have a nice savings to take with her to college.</p>