Summer Abroad Programs

Suggested Ages 15-20

We adventure. We explore. We learn. Our summer travel programs for high school and college students combine our nine program components to develop cross-cultural competencies and an understanding of critical global issues through experiential learning, empowered student leadership, immersive travel, and meaningful exchange.  Dragons offers summer travel abroad program in India, China, Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and more. Summer & Gap Home Page

Asia  11 programs


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I couldn’t have had better instructors. They worked well together, were organized, and were overall incredible people I was happy to share this experience with.

Daniel L.China Language Program

China

Mandarin Language Intensive (4-Week)

A 4-week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Drastically improve your Mandarin language skills and cultural understanding through daily small group classes, carefully selected homestays, and immersing yourself in day-to-day life in China. For students of all language levels who are excited to hone their Mandarin and build skills for future studies, work, and travel in the region. Note: This program may offer multiple sessions (same dates, separate groups). TBD sessions open based on demand.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2025
  • Group A - Full
  • Group B - 2 Spaces
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I felt like I got more out of my Dragons program and this experience than I would have gotten out of any other program or traveling on my own. I also made lifelong friends.

Skyler T.Past Student

Japan

Arts, Food, & Culture

A 3-Week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Explore Japan’s unique art, culture, and food through workshops, cultural activities, and language lessons. For students drawn to the region and interested in topics such as Japanese cuisine, contemporary and traditional art forms, and an overall immersive experience in Japan.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 18, 2025
  • 1 Space
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My home-stay in Tana Toraja was life changing. When I left, they cried just as hard as I did. It was so powerful knowing that I had touched someone’s life that radically, and that they were able to touch mine in the same way in just one short week.

Morgan A.Indonesia Summer Program

Indonesia

Conservation & Culture in the World’s Largest Archipelago

A 4-week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Join one of our most adventurous and diverse programs in Asia. Experience living with a nomadic sea community, explore a traditional Javanese skill or trade, and gain insight into complex climate change issues in the world’s most diverse archipelago. For students interested in grassroots environmental initiatives, marine conservation efforts, and exploring Indonesia’s rich cultural traditions.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2025
  • Group A - Full
  • Group B - 1 Space
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I’ve traveled a lot in my life and I can 100% say that this was the best, most meaningful trip I’ve been on…What I’d say is the most important part of this trip is how learning about these cultures and having these experiences made me reflect and learn about myself and how I view the world.

Margaux H.Bhutan Program

Bhutan

Happiness in the Himalayas

A 10-Day Abroad Program

Description

Adventure to a remote Himalayan kingdom and explore inspiring conservation projects , sacred cliffside monasteries, and how happiness can be a national measure of success. This 10-day travel intensive program is for students interested in hands-on exposure to Buddhist practices and long-held Himalayan traditions.

summer
Jul 17 - Jul 26, 2025
  • 3 Spaces
fall
Dec 4 - Dec 13, 2025
  • Open
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The more meaningful moments were spent at our second homestay with the Bunon tribe after dinner. It felt like that time allowed me and others to bond with each other and the people in the local village.

Zach B.Taiwan Summer

Taiwan

Mandarin Language Intensive

A 2-Week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Improve your Mandarin language skills through small group classes, carefully selected homestays, and community engagement while experiencing the rich cultural traditions that thrive in Taiwan. For students excited to explore their Mandarin in a new context while enjoying amazing food and culture.

summer
Jul 15 - Jul 28, 2025
  • 2 Spaces
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I can feel my life from here on out to be taking a new shape. You gave me such an opportunity this summer, not just to travel to this magical place, but something to hold on to that has sparked a new light, purpose, and ambition in my life. I am so grateful.

Brigette B.Nepal Summer Program

Nepal

Traditions of the Himalayas

A 4-week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Gain insight into Buddhist & Hindu teachings, learn basic meditation techniques, and explore a traditional Nepali skill or trade with expert mentors. For students interested in discovering the beauty of the Himalayas, experiencing life in remote mountain communities, participating in a meditation retreat, and experiencing the warmth of Nepali culture. Note: This program may offer multiple sessions (same dates, separate groups). TBD sessions open based on demand.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2025
  • 1 Space
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I learned the most from the homestay. I learned that the simple things life can really make me the happiest. I learned that sitting around, reading and relaxing with my family does not mean I’m wasting a day. And I learned that strong connections can be made without words.

Flora S.Cambodia Summer Program

Cambodia

Learning Service & Community Building

A 4-week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Gain insight into Theravada Buddhism, engage with grassroots youth movements, and unpack how Cambodia can serve as a model of optimism and resilience. For students interested in understanding the nuances of international development, engaging in ethical service work, and applying Buddhist principles to daily life.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2025
  • Closed
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I had a fantastic summer, and the trip was everything I had hoped it would be! I learned a lot of Chinese language skills and felt fully immersed in Chinese culture.

Cameron M.China Language Program

China

Mandarin Language Intensive (6-Week)

A 6-week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Drastically improve your Mandarin language skills and cultural understanding through daily small group classes, carefully selected homestays, and immersing yourself in day-to-day life in China. For students of all language levels who are excited to hone their Mandarin and build skills for future studies, work, and travel in the region.

summer
Jun 28 - Aug 4, 2025
  • Closed
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The most powerful aspects were the incredibly simple things. These moments are what make Dragons special because in order to really experience these simple and profound things, one needs to do exactly as a Dragons student or instructor does: step out of the ideal and into the real.

Ava W.Dragons Alumni

Taiwan

Reenvisioning Entrepreneurship

A 3-Week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Delve into a selected area of interest within Asia's professional landscape, gaining firsthand experience in how organizations operate in this dynamic region. For students interested in practical experience, adding to their career portfolio, and broadening their global perspective.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 18, 2025
  • Closed
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I did not expect to see so much of Thailand – and so many sides of it – and to visit such exquisite places that were once in a lifetime opportunities.

Leticia N.Thailand Summer Program

Thailand

Practicing Sustainability & Service

A 4-week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Explore the idea of reciprocity by participating in a Buddhist Theravada meditation retreat, live with marginalized hill tribe communities, and spend time learning about grassroots environmental initiatives. For students interested in community-driven service projects, personal well-being techniques, and sustainable living.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2025
  • Closed
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Being in Ladakh I’ve learned an immeasurable amount about the successes and difficulties of living in a secluded community. I’ve learned how to be grateful and mindful as I perform menial activities, and I’ve gained immense knowledge surrounding a collection of religions and ways of life which are nestled here in the pocket between mainstream India, Nepal, and old Tibet. I really wish I could stay longer!

Dillon C.North India Summer Program

North India

Himalayan Trekking & Traditions

A 4-week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Join us for a trekking intensive program that explores environmental and rural community resiliency among one of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. For students interested in engaging in environmental and cultural preservation, honing their trekking skills*, and learning about Tibetan Buddhism. wfa Participants receive Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2025
  • Closed

Latin America  5 programs


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Peru is the place that taught me that we are all students and there is always more to learn and understand. There are always new perspectives to take into account and thus for me, it will always be a plethora of unknowns.

Madison R.Peru Program

Peru

Sacred Mountains

A 4-week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Join one of our most adventurous and diverse programs that treks through the heart of the Andes, visits the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and explores the Amazon River basin. For students who are interested in exploring some of the most majestic environments on the planet, honing their leadership skills, and gaining knowledge of pressing environmental issues. wfa Participants receive Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2025
  • 3 Spaces
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It was amazing, super immersive and off the tourist path. I have fallen in love with Bolivia thanks to Dragons.

Rachel F.Bolivia Summer Program

Bolivia

Spanish Language Immersion in the Andes

A 4-Week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Immerse yourself in stunning Andean landscapes while deepening your Spanish language skills through intensive daily practice, interactions with homestay families, and hands-on Independent Study Projects. For students interested in becoming more confident Spanish speakers, building trekking skills, and gaining knowledge about Indigenous social movements.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2025
  • 3 Spaces
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It was the little things, like seeing tuk tuks instead of taxis, having chickens in the house, making tortillas with my homestay family, not being able to buy avocados because they were out of season, going to church with my family…that made everything more real and powerful.

Maya M.Guatemala Program

Guatemala

Spanish Language Intensive (4-week)

A 4-Week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Investigate pressing contemporary issues amidst Guatemala’s diverse landscapes and communities while improving your Spanish language skills through daily instruction. For students interested in exploring grassroots activism, sustainable agriculture, Latin American colonial history, and dramatically improving their Spanish-speaking skills. Note: This program may offer multiple sessions (same dates, separate groups). TBD sessions open based on demand.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 25, 2025
  • 1 Space
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It was the little things, like seeing tuk tuks instead of taxis, having chickens in the house, making tortillas with my homestay family, not being able to buy avocados because they were out of season, going to church with my family…that made everything more real and powerful.

Maya M.Guatemala Program

Guatemala

Spanish Language Intensive (2-week)

A 2-Week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Improve your Spanish language skills through daily small group classes, carefully selected homestays, and community engagement while experiencing the rich Mayan cultural traditions that thrive in Guatemala. This language intensive program is for students excited to improve their Spanish in a welcoming and immersive context.

summer
Jun 28 - Jul 11, 2025
  • Accepting Waitlist
summer
Jul 15 - Jul 28, 2025
  • 4 Spaces
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At last, the moment came, we unloaded our backpacks from the van, put on our headlamps, and followed our guides up the path to begin our scary, yet thrilling climb up this perfect triangle known as Santa Maria.

Joan B.Guatemala Program

Guatemala

Spanish Language Intensive (6-Week)

A 6-week Summer Abroad Program

Description

Investigate pressing contemporary issues amidst Guatemala’s diverse landscapes and communities while improving your Spanish language skills through daily instruction. For students interested in exploring grassroots activism, sustainable agriculture, Latin American colonial history, and dramatically improving their Spanish-speaking skills.

summer
Jun 28 - Aug 4, 2024
  • Closed