How to Choose the Best Summer School for Your Teenager

Choosing a summer school for your teenager is an exciting decision, but with so many programmes offering impressive locations, academic opportunities and international experiences, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your son or daughter. While a prestigious university campus or an exciting list of activities might catch your attention, there's much more to consider. From safety and supervision to academic subjects, accommodation and international friendships, finding the right balance is key. The best summer school isn't necessarily the one with the most recognisable name or the widest range of subjects. It's the one that offers the right experience for your teenager.

Here are eight important things to consider when choosing an international summer school.

1. Start With Your Teenager's Interests

Before comparing summer schools, think about what your teenager wants to get out of the experience. Are they interested in exploring a particular academic subject, developing their sporting or creative skills, improving their English or meeting people from around the world? Consider their personality and previous experiences too. Some teenagers are confident about travelling independently, while others might feel nervous about being away from home for the first time. Involving your teenager in the decision will help you find a programme that reflects their interests, suits their confidence level and gives them something to look forward to.

2. Prioritise Safety and Student Wellbeing

For parents, knowing their teenager will be safe and well looked after is one of the most important considerations when choosing a residential summer school. Look beyond the campus photographs and find out how the programme supports students throughout their stay. Consider the provider's approach to safeguarding, supervision, staff recruitment and student wellbeing. It's particularly important to understand what support is available outside the classroom, when students are settling into residential life and navigating a new environment.

At ISSOS, our teachers and counselors live on campus, and students are assigned to counselor groups of approximately 12–15 students of a similar age, providing a familiar point of contact throughout their stay.

A reputable summer school should be transparent about its safeguarding procedures and happy to explain how students are supported. You can learn more about our approach to student safety and wellbeing at ISSOS.

3. Look at the Academic Programme and Teaching Quality

Academic learning is an important part of many international summer schools, but programmes can vary considerably. Some focus primarily on academic preparation, while others combine classroom learning with sports, creative activities and cultural experiences.

Think about what your teenager would enjoy most. Look at the subjects available, how classes are structured and whether the teaching approach suits their interests and abilities.

The experience and qualifications of the teachers are also worth considering. A good summer school should offer engaging lessons, opportunities to ask questions and the chance to develop skills beyond the traditional classroom.

At ISSOS, students choose one academic subject and one elective, combining academic learning with a creative, sporting or practical interest. Our classes are intentionally small and taught by qualified professionals with real-life experience in their subjects.

4. Consider How International the Experience Really Is

One of the biggest benefits of an international summer school is the opportunity to meet people from different countries and cultures. However, a summer school welcoming students from many countries doesn't necessarily mean those nationalities are equally represented. If international friendships and cultural exchange are important to your teenager, consider how the programme encourages students from different backgrounds to interact. At ISSOS, we limit places to a maximum of 10% from any one nationality and bring native and non-native English speakers together.

This creates opportunities for students to communicate, share experiences and form friendships with people they might never otherwise meet.

5. Choose the Right Location

Location can shape the entire summer school experience. While studying at a world-renowned university is exciting, the surrounding town or city, campus environment and opportunities to explore are equally important. Would your teenager enjoy the atmosphere of a historic university city or prefer a smaller coastal town? Think about what they would enjoy both inside and outside the classroom.

ISSOS offers summer schools in Cambridge, England, and St Andrews, Scotland. Cambridge provides the atmosphere of a historic university city, while St Andrews offers a close-knit coastal setting with beautiful beaches and centuries of academic history. Both offer distinctive experiences, and the right choice depends on what appeals most to your teenager.

6. Find the Right Programme Length

Summer schools vary in length, and choosing the right duration depends on your teenager's confidence, interests and your family's summer plans. A shorter programme may appeal to students attending an international summer school for the first time or those balancing other commitments. A longer programme gives students additional time to settle into residential life, develop their skills and strengthen new friendships.

For summer 2027, ISSOS offers two-week programmes in Cambridge and three-week programmes in St Andrews. Both combine academic and elective classes with evening programmes, cultural trips and opportunities to meet students from around the world.

There's no right or wrong choice. The important thing is finding a duration that suits your teenager and allows them to make the most of the experience. If you're unsure which duration would suit your teenager, our guide to choosing between a 2-week and 3-week summer school explores the benefits of both options.

7. Think About Life Outside the Classroom

Your teenager won't spend their entire summer studying, so it's important to consider what happens beyond academic lessons. Accommodation, meals, social activities and excursions all contribute to the overall experience. Look for a programme that offers a good balance of structured activities, opportunities to relax and time spent with other students. For teenagers attending summer school for the first time, these experiences can be particularly valuable in helping them settle in, build confidence and make friends.

At ISSOS, students take part in varied evening programmes, cultural trips and clan activities alongside their academic and elective classes. These shared experiences are an important part of creating a welcoming international community.

8. Compare Value, Not Just Price

Attending an international summer school is a significant investment, so understanding the overall value of a programme is essential. When comparing providers, look beyond the advertised tuition fee. Some summer schools charge separately for accommodation, meals, excursions or additional activities, while others include these within the overall cost.

Consider the complete experience, including the quality of teaching, accommodation, student support and activities. ISSOS offers an all-inclusive pricing approach, with academic and elective classes, accommodation, meals, organised activities and cultural trips included in the programme. The best-value summer school isn't necessarily the cheapest. It's the one that offers the right combination of learning, experiences and support for your teenager.

A Quick Checklist for Choosing a Summer School

Before making your final decision, consider these six things:

1. The right fit: Does the programme reflect your teenager's interests, personality and confidence?

2. Safety and wellbeing: Does the provider demonstrate a clear commitment to safeguarding and student support?

3. Academic quality: Does the programme offer engaging subjects and experienced teachers?

4. International experience: Will your teenager have meaningful opportunities to meet students from different backgrounds?

5. Location and lifestyle: Will they enjoy the campus environment and activities outside the classroom?

6. Overall value: Does the full experience justify the cost, and is the pricing transparent?

Taking the time to compare these factors can help you feel more confident about your decision.

Finding the Right Summer School for Your Teenager

Choosing a summer school isn't simply about finding the most impressive location or the widest range of subjects. It's about finding an experience where your teenager can feel supported, enjoy learning, meet new people and make the most of their summer.

Take your time, explore the options and involve your teenager in the decision.

At ISSOS, we welcome students aged 13–18 from around the world to our international summer schools in Cambridge and St Andrews. Our programmes combine academic learning, elective classes, cultural experiences and an international community within the surroundings of world-renowned university campuses.

Explore our summer school programmes to discover which ISSOS experience could be right for your teenager.