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    Curiosity is borderless

    EXPLO is rooted in values like curiosity, passion, innovation, and collaboration. Year after year, young creators, investigators, leaders, thinkers, and explorers come from over 101 countries around the world to pursue their passions and build their future in this study abroad summer program for teens and tweens.

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    Discover EXPLO + Discover the World

    I got to meet people from all over the world, not only U.S. and Canada, but also places like Venezuela, Pakistan, and Haiti where I might never have a chance to go to. I gained so much from either taking a class with them so that I could learn how they view this world, or simply chatting with them, when I found that nationality and language would never be limitations for friendship. I love EXPLO because its multi-cultural environment taught me so much.

    Yvette S.
    EXPLO Student

    A program as unique as you are

    There are many summer programs for international middle school students across the United States. What makes the EXPLO experience different for international students? It starts with our environment—the beautiful campus of renowned Wellesley College. Our safe, secure home at Wellesley borders forests, meadows, and a scenic lakefront.

    In Boston's Backyard

    We’re just minutes from Boston and its unique blend of history and high tech, with easy access to all of the city’s culture, action, education, and entertainment.

    Program length

    Spend up to four weeks (in two two-week sessions) on an American college campus in one of the world’s academic and intellectual capitals—Greater Boston. Be ready for the time to fly by fast!

    Full day and
    evening programming

    Participating in activities and events is a great way to make friends and learn about American culture—and share your own!

    American friends in an international environment

    Roughly one third of EXPLO students are international, which means you’ll be in a welcoming environment with plenty of opportunities to make new American friends.

    International
    faculty + staff     

    Each year, staff members join us from the U.S. and beyond; in recent years, they’ve come from Cyprus, Israel, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trinidad and Tobago, Iceland, and France.

    Off-campus adventure

    Discovery doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Teens and tweens at EXPLO regularly venture to historical and cultural sites, world-class museums, entertainment venues, and much more throughout the Greater Boston area. 

    See yourself at EXPLO

    Meeting people of varying backgrounds, customs, and beliefs expands your understanding of the world. Here, you won’t just take courses with American students—you’ll live in the same residential halls, eat in the same dining halls, and explore a new city with new friends from places like New York, California, Japan, Brazil, Texas, and Indonesia.

    Come join in! 

    Zhengbo

    Zhengbo Y.

    EXPLO Alum - Zhengzhou, China

    Gabriela

    Gabriela A.

    EXPLO Alum - São Paolo, Brazil

    Hyunjae

    Hyunjae J.

    EXPLO Alum - Seongnam City, South Korea

    Ioanna

    Ioanna T.

    EXPLO Alum - Thessaloniki, Greece

    GetToKnowUs_InternationalStudent_Quote_Geraldo-Sibinde

    Geraldo Sibinde

    Staff - Maputo, Mozambique

    Ruby Reyes

    Ruby Reyes

    Staff - Gapan City, Philippines

    Prepare for American school life

    Considering attending an American boarding school? EXPLO programs give you a preview of American school life. For two to four weeks, you’ll experience the independence of life away from home while fully supported by our residential staff, who have years of experience making international students feel safe, comfortable, and confident.

    Preparing for Boarding School Life

    We’re here for you

    Here are more details about our study abroad summer program for high schoolers, teens, and tweens that are often important to international students and their families. We’re standing by to answer any more questions, though: don’t hesitate to contact our Admission Office:

    English is the working language of EXPLO. To enroll in the program, you must be able to speak and understand English at an intermediate–fluent level. To ensure that everyone is able to participate in all aspects of the program, international students who do not attend a school with an English language-based curriculum may need to interview with EXPLO so that we may assess their English speaking abilities. Once you’ve submitted an application and deposit, we’ll contact you and your family about scheduling an interview, should we determine that one is necessary.

    Our students’ physical and emotional health is a top priority. Each campus has a health center staffed 24/7 with experienced nurses who are there exclusively for EXPLO students. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are distributed through the health center. 
    Attending an academic enrichment program helps students prepare for the greater independence of college. That being said, EXPLO does not believe that our students should be supervised as if they are already completely independent; we work hard to ensure our students receive a developmentally appropriate and safe level of supervision and guidance throughout their days—whether on or off campus. In order to create the atmosphere that allows learning to be both fun and meaningful, we know that our students (and their loved ones back home) need to feel that our campus is safe—and that our staff is observant and trained to respond to our students’ needs.

    We know that one of the big concerns about traveling so far from home is transportation. Our staff—easily identifiable in their bright orange EXPLO t-shirts—will meet you at the airport, escort you to campus, and help you settle in. On Arrival Day, staff members remain at the airport until we know that the last student has been picked up.

    When it’s time to return home at the end of the session, we’ll take you back to the airport—and stay there until we’re sure everyone is safe and in the air.

    Not sure what grades this study abroad summer program for high schoolers, teens, and tweens covers? Please use the following chart to convert a student's age into American grade levels:

    age grade conversion chart

     

    Students that require a letter of support for their travel visa applications should reach out to their Admission Counselor. EXPLO will provide such letters after students have been completely enrolled in a program and the final tuition balance has been paid. 

    Get to know your summer home.

    Details
    Program Details
    Financial Aid
    Tuition + Financial Aid
    Explo day 3-47 (1)
    Enroll Now