Study Abroad
At Harkness Institute, students embark on a journey of global education. Most of our students study abroad at least once during their time at Harkness Institute.
Beginning as early as sophomore year, our school extends unique opportunities for participation in international programs and exchanges. These initiatives not only encourage students to explore new horizons and embrace challenges but also foster a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness. We believe that while people from different cultures may appear distinct, we are fundamentally more alike than different.
These opportunities aim to inspire our students to think globally, to develop empathy, and to feel empowered to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Why Study Abroad?
Studying in a different country can provide you with firsthand exposure to diverse cultures, languages, and customs. This immersion experience fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Studying abroad often exposes you to different educational systems, teaching styles, and academic perspectives. You have the opportunity to take courses not available at your school back home and explore new academic interests.
Living with a host family in a foreign country challenges you to adapt to new environments, navigate unfamiliar situations, and develop resilience. You gain confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills as you overcome cultural barriers.
Immersion in a language-rich environment accelerates your language learning and fluency. You have the chance to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Exposure to different perspectives, beliefs, and societal norms broadens your understanding of global issues and fosters a more inclusive worldview. You develop empathy, tolerance, and cultural sensitivity, which are essential qualities in an interconnected world.
Studying abroad enhances your resume and distinguishes you in the job market. Employers value the skills you gain from international experiences, such as adaptability, intercultural communication, and global awareness.
Available Programs
Our students' dedication to broadening their horizons doesn't stop when the school year ends. Throughout the summer, many of them attend prestigious academic programs abroad, spanning from 1 to 5 weeks. Most of the time, they secure scholarships that help defray program expenses. This allows them to explore diverse subjects aligned with their interests, ranging from leadership and science to math, arts, and humanities! Here are a selection of programs our students have attended previously:
- Yale Young Global Scholars
- Johns Hopkins University Explore Engineering Program
- Choate Rosemary Hall Summer Program
- AIM Summer Program in Kettering University
- Exeter Summer Program
- Summer Institute in the University of the Arts in Philadelphia
- SCAD Summer Program
Our cultural exchanges offer students a chance to fully immerse themselves in another culture. During these experiences, students travel abroad for a week, staying with a local family and attending school. Their host families warmly welcome them, introducing them to local customs, cuisine, and activities. In return, our students pledge to host their foreign "siblings" in their own homes as well! Here are some of the exchanges our students have participated in:
- Ikast-Brande Gymnasium, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Colegio HaPe, Bogotá, Colombia
- Friends Select School, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Pacific Ridge School, Carlsbad, CA, USA
- Allendale Columbia School, Rochester, NY, USA
- The Governor's Academy, Byfield, MA, USA
Our school has established special relationships with important international institutions, which have created unique opportunities for our students. In these programs, our students are invited to participate in international art events, entrepreneurship classes, international diplomacy competitions, and more!
- DesignED in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Emprendimiento, Creatividad e Innovación Juvenil: Design Thinking in Madrid, Spain with the Universidad Sergio Arboleda
- Change the World Model United Nations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Harvard Model United Nations in Boston, MA, and New York, NY, USA
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