Summer Programs in Europe for High School Students

Abbey Road Programs:
Abbey Road Programs offer an academic and cultural immersion trip of a lifetime to high school students in grades 9-12. On our Modern Civilization European history program, every day will be an opportunity for cultural exploration and adventure. Students spend 3-6 nights each in Berlin, Prague, Salzburg and Vienna traveling alongside professional art historians and European history teachers every step of the way.

Modern Civilization Summer Immersion Program for Students in Grades 9-12:
- 3-6 nights in Berlin, Prague, Salzburg & Vienna
- Major: Modern European History

Daily Schedule
With four cultural capitals on our itinerary this program will fly by. We want to make sure each day is an opportunity for you to learn about, explore, and experience the local culture in its many forms, from monuments and museums to concerts and cuisine. Mornings include guided tours and on-site lessons while afternoons and evenings are dedicated to optional cultural activities and excursions, free time for exploration, and nightly group meals.

You might start your day comparing examples of modern and contemporary architecture with a tour of Prague’s beautifully preserved city center followed by an afternoon trip to a Viennese coffee house, free time to explore vintage markets, and end with an evening excursion to an open-air concert after dinner. Whatever the historic theme scheduled for the day may be, we strive to balance structure and spontaneity to ensure you get to see the “popular” sites and pursue your personal interests.
Itinerary

Berlin (Week 1)
Berlin is the economic nucleus of the European Union and is proudly at the forefront of the green energy, progressive urban development, and contemporary art movements. A troubled past and bright future makes Germany’s capital a truly unique destination.

Tours of the Topographie des Terrors, Deutsche and Jewish History Museums and profound Holocaust Memorial will demonstrate how Berlin, riddled by strife and division in the 20th century under the Nazi and Communist regimes, has confronted its troubled history through openness and education.

Prague (Week 2 part I)
A one-time capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Prague is nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires.” During our stay in this beautiful city you might do enough walking (and photo-taking) to be able to count all of them! Home to celebrated author Franz Kafka, the city offers a poignant contribution to your exploration of 20th century European history.

You will learn how Prague’s history has affected the world atop the Charles Bridge, feel directly connected to the past as you view the changing of the guard at the colossal Prague Castle complex, and learn about Prague’s Gothic and Baroque architectural legacies during guided art walks. From exploring the city’s labyrinthine Jewish Quarter to adding your name to the Lennon Wall, you are sure to be inspired by this enchanting Czech capital!

Salzburg (Week 2 part II)
Sprawling along the bank of the Salzach River, Salzburg is yet another glistening example of living history. A three-night stay in this beautiful city provides a break from fast-paced city life and opportunities for group bike excursions, picnics, scenic walks, and free time to explore the winding streets and surrounding hills. You will also explore Mozart’s childhood home, enjoy group dinners at the city’s best authentic restaurants, and no doubt join in the tradition of Abbey Road students who can’t help but sign up for The Sound of Music sing-along city tour.

Vienna (Week 3) 
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and Gustav Klimt are just a few of the celebrated Austrians who drew inspiration from charming Vienna. Just one visit to a Viennese coffee house and it’s easy to understand why: The design and decoration of nearly every building serves as an example of the intersection of art and history. 

On group visits to the Hundertwasserhaus and State Opera you will discover a stunning variety in examples of art and architecture, from Romanesque and Baroque to Art Nouveau.

There is so much to do and see in Vienna we can’t possibly “do it all” in one week, but we will do our best! Fueling our carpe diem approach to this city is the incredible variety of daily cultural activities to choose from and nearly all of them seem to occur throughout the city’s many public squares. This tradition creates such an exciting and inspirational atmosphere we couldn’t ask for a better place to end our journey.