Is a Study Abroad Program in Canada Worth It? Short-Term High School Study
A study abroad program in Canada gives you high-quality education, language immersion, and multicultural experiences. While many international students wait until college, a short-term high school study program often works better. It gives you more advantages for university and your career.
Canada ranks among the world’s top 10 education systems and is well-known for its strong study abroad programs. However, moving abroad (even short-term) can be intimidating, especially for teens and young adults. Is it worth the cost and effort?
In this article, we explore the benefits of studying in Canada. Let’s find out whether a short-term high school study abroad program is right for you!
What Are Study Abroad Programs?
Study abroad programs let students attend school in a foreign country for a set period of time. For high school students, these are either:
- Short-term: summer, term, or semester programs (usually three to six months or less); students earn transfer credits toward their home country
- Long-term: full academic year or complete diploma programs (one to four years); students complete one or more years of high school and/or graduate with a Canadian high school diploma
Who can participate? High school study abroad programs are open to teens, young adults, and mature students, whether they’re still completing high school or have already graduated. ILAC International High School welcomes students from over 90 countries! |
Benefits of Studying Abroad for High School Students
Going to Canada for a short-term high school program allows you to:
Strengthen Your English
One of the biggest benefits of studying in Canada is English immersion. As an international student, you’ll be using English every day in classes, with friends, and around the city. This is the kind of practice that builds real fluency.
Not to mention, international high schools typically offer plenty of resources to support your language learning. ILAC, in particular, offers free English support to help students adapt, build confidence, and succeed in all their courses.
Earn Credits and/or Canadian Diploma
A semester abroad allows you to earn recognized credits that transfer back to your home school or count toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Both will help support your academic progress, keep you on track for graduation, and strengthen your future university applications.
Ready to jump straight into professional experience after high school? ILAC offers cutting-edge diploma programs in Business, Technology, and more that will set you up with the skills and |
Explore Your Passions
High school programs in Canada allow you to take unique courses based on what you’re interested in, whether that’s STEM, business, arts, or something else entirely.
For example, at ILAC International High School, you can study:
- Political Science (i.e., Canadian and International Politics)
- Social Sciences & Humanities (i.e., Introduction to Anthropology, Sociology & Psychology)
- Arts (i.e., Drama and Visual Arts)
- Technology & Computer Science (i.e., Computer Science and Computer Programming)
- Foreign Languages & Literature (i.e., Core French and English)
- Business Studies (i.e., Marketing: Goods, Services, Events, and Financial Accounting Fundamentals)
Try different subjects to see what clicks, or pick a specialization and go deep in one area. Either way, you’re free to personalize your international experience to match your passion and future goals.
Make Friends Around the World
New culture, new friends. Studying in Canada as a high school student is a great way to build lifelong friendships (and create fun memories along the way!).
Most study abroad programs for high school students focus on experiential learning, meaning you don’t just sit in a classroom. You’ll be on your feet, working on projects, and exploring the city with classmates from around the world.
Tip: Want to get a real taste of Canadian high school life? Try one of ILAC’s Summer Programs. Earn one or two high school credits or focus on learning English while exploring Toronto or Vancouver. Plus, enjoy a free trip to Niagara Falls or Whistler! |
Get a Direct Pathway to University
Students who’ve finished secondary school can enrol in a study abroad program to earn high school credits in specific courses that can streamline university application process in Canada and elsewhere.
ILAC’s University Preparation Year program helps you brush up on academic English and academic readiness to prepare you for life in college or university. Once you graduate, ILAC counselors guide you toward universities in Canada, the United States, or any of our 300+ international partner institutions!
Why Choose ILAC International High School?
ILAC International High School is an accredited Canadian institution that offers high-quality education and personalized support for international students. Students enjoy:
- Small class sizes and personalized study plans
- Expert teachers and dedicated career guidance
- Visa and immigration support
- Vibrant student life and extracurriculars
- A global community of students from over 90 countries
- Curated student housing options
- Flexible start dates
Verdict: Is a Short-Term Study Abroad in Canada Worth It?
A short-term high school program in Canada is absolutely worth it! International students can gain English fluency, recognized high school credits, and a taste of Canadian culture, all while building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships.
You can stay for a quick summer program, take on one term to semester, or stay for a full year (or four!). ILAC International High School helps you explore your passions, prepare for university, and get a head start on future opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- A study abroad program in Canada offers high-quality education, English immersion, and meaningful cultural experiences, especially valuable at the high school level.
- Short-term programs (summer, term, or semester) let students gain international experience without delaying graduation.
- Students can earn transferable high school credits or work toward a Canadian diploma, strengthening future university applications.
- Studying abroad helps teens build confidence, independence, and global connections at an earlier age.
- Canada’s safe, multicultural environment makes it an ideal destination for first-time international students.
- ILAC International High School provides personalized support, flexible study options, and clear pathways to university in Canada and beyond.
Make the Most of Your High School Years Abroad
Take your high school experience to the next level with a study abroad program in Canada. Gain credits, explore Canadian culture, and get access to leading universities in North America. Enrol today or get in touch to learn more about the ILAC experience.