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Summer Program Advising & Application Support

Choosing the right summer camp or program abroad for your child can be overwhelming.

With thousands of options, from language camps to thematic summer experiences, how do you know which will truly fit your child’s needs?
CareerPaths takes the stress out of the process by providing professional advising, orientation testing, personalized program shortlisting, application support, and pre-departure preparation.

Our goal is simple – to help international parents like you find the perfect summer program for your children and ensure a smooth, successful application every step of the way.

Ready to give your child an unforgettable summer that boosts their skills and confidence?

Why Use a Professional Summer Camp Advisor?

Don’t navigate the summer program maze alone.
Working with a dedicated summer camp advisor can save you time, money, and potential disappointment.
Here’s why professional guidance matters:

Vetted Programs

Top-quality worldwide camps & schools, pre‐screened by us.

No more guesswork

Personalized Fit

Orientation testing + interest profiling = the perfect shortlist.

No more missmatched programs

Insider Knowledge

We know which camps excel at STEM, ESL immersion, or college credit.

You benefit from our insider tips and relationships.

Stress-Free Process

We handle deadlines, forms, and communication with organizers – so you can relax and enjoy peace of mind.

No more missed steps or confusion

Our Process – From Assessment to Arrival

We pride ourselves on a proven step-by-step process that has helped many families secure amazing summer experiences.
Here’s how it works:

1

Free Consultation

Schedule your free 30-minute call to discuss your child’s needs, goals, and any programs you have in mind.
We’ll explain our services and ensure we’re the right fit for your family (no obligations!).

2

Student Profile & Testing

We administer a language test (especially if considering language camps or programs taught in English) and have your child complete a fun questionnaire about their interests.
This profiling helps us pinpoint programs that match their academic level, hobbies, and personality.

3

Program Shortlist & Review

Within days, we present you with a curated shortlist of recommended programs.
We’ll discuss each option’s pros and cons in detail, covering academics, extracurriculars, location, supervision, peer group, and even climate, so you can make an informed decision.

Your feedback is important; if none feel quite right, we’ll refine the search together.

4

Application & Admission

Once a program is selected, we take charge of the application process.
Our team fills out forms, edits personal statements or essays, liaises with school officials for any transcripts or references, and submits everything on time.
We keep you updated every step of the way.

When the acceptance arrives, we celebrate together!

5

Pre-Departure & Ongoing Support (Comprehensive package only)

We hold a pre-departure session to go over travel preparations, what to pack, and how to handle common scenarios abroad.
During the program, we remain available 24/7 for support.
After your child returns, we debrief with you both to ensure it was a success and gather any feedback.

This structured approach means no detail is overlooked.
From the first call to your child’s safe return home, our experts are with you each step of the journey.

Our Packages

Feature Orientation Comprehensive
Consultation & Testing
Shortlist of 3 Programs
Application Support
Pre-departure Briefing add-on
Ongoing In-Program Support
Follow-up & Feedback Session

We take a holistic approach to supporting every child.
You’re welcome to discuss your child’s specific needs during your free 30 minute consultation,
or explore our comprehensive packages page, where we break down each feature in detail.

What to Expect from Summer Programs by Age Group

Elementary School (8–12)

At the elementary level, summer programs focus on fun, discovery, and gentle learning.
We help you find camps that provide a safe environment for younger children to explore the world and gain independence.

Key features we consider for this age:

  • Safe & Nurturing Environment (Small classes & caring staff)
  • Language Development (Big vocabular improvements while having a blast!)
  • Hands-On Activities (Whether it’s science experiments, arts and crafts, sports, or outdoor adventures, your child will never feel like they’re in “school” over the summer)
  • Cultural Exposure (We often recommend junior programs abroad, where participants from various countries learn and play together – a wonderful way to broaden their horizons early on)

Middle School (12–14)

Middle schoolers are ready for new challenges and deeper exploration, but they still need a fun factor to stay engaged.
For this age group, we look for programs that strike the right balance between learning and adventure.

Key features we consider for this age:

  • Academic Enrichment (Introductory workshops in coding, science, creative writing, or history; pure discovery without the pressure of grades)

  • Thematic Experiences (STEM robotics projects, performing arts camps, or leadership programs for students who already speak the program’s language well)

  • Independence & Personal Growth (Dedicated middle school divisions and supportive staff help younger teens practice self care and navigate new settings with confidence)

  • Peer Connection (Camps with diverse international groups encourage lasting cross-cultural friendships, and buddy options are available if your child prefers to attend with a friend)

High School (14–18)

These final school years are an ideal time to supercharge both academics and personal growth. We guide teens toward programs that strengthen college applications, spark new passions, and still let them enjoy their summer break.

Key features we consider for this age:

  • Pre-College Courses & Credit (College-level classes, that usually last 2–8 weeks on campus, where juniors and seniors can earn transferable credit and sample freshman life)

  • Academic & Career Exploration (Multi-disciplinary programs that let teens test-drive fields like medicine, law, business, or creative arts before choosing a major)

  • Leadership & Extracurricular Boost (Research internships, community-service trips, or entrepreneurship bootcamps that build confidence and stand out on applications)

  • Language Fluency & Test Prep (Intensive immersion options that pair language study with SAT/ACT or IELTS/TOEFL prep for students planning to study abroad)

  • Balanced Experience (Carefully vetted schedules that mix academics with outings, sports, and social events so teens stay motivated and avoid burnout)

College Students (18+)

University summers (or gap-year breaks) can be more than just downtime. We help young adults turn those months into experiences that build skills, cultural insight, and career momentum.

Key features we consider for this age:

  • International Internships & Research (We help find placements or programs in fields like business, science, or NGOs that give real-world experience.
    These often involve a more complex application (resumes, interviews) – we support candidates in polishing their applications to secure competitive spots)

  • Language Immersion & Advanced Courses (Intensive programs such as Mandarin in China or Spanish in Argentina, plus university summer sessions that welcome visiting students for extra credits or certifications)

  • Cultural Exchange & Travel Programs (Volunteer projects, outdoor leadership expeditions, or educational tours vetted for safety and quality so parents can relax while students explore independently)

  • Career Development (Consulting apprenticeships, tech bootcamps, or industry-focused summer academies that translate directly into post-graduation opportunities.
    Our team’s career counseling background (hence our name CareerPaths) is an added benefit for college students plotting their career paths.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages do you work with?

We advise students aged 8–18 on summer programs. For young adults (18–21), we assist on a case-by-case basis. See Summer for College Students.

When should we start planning?

Start 6–9 months before the summer—many top camps fill by December. But late inquiries are welcome. We often secure placements even in spring. Read our Planning Timeline →

What types of summer camps do you recommend?

From academic and language camps to art, sports, or STEM intensives, we curate programs to match your child’s goals. Explore Camp Types →

Do you help with visas and travel?

Yes, as part of our Comprehensive Package. We guide you on visa needs, documentation, travel tips, and minor-specific airport procedures. Visa Tips for Summer Camps →

Do you only work with partner camps?

No. We’re fully independent. Our recommendations are based on fit, not affiliation. We work with hundreds of vetted programs worldwide.

Can you help if my child has dietary or learning needs?

Absolutely. We match programs that accommodate allergies, special diets, ADHD, and more. Your child’s wellbeing is our top priority.

Sucess Stories

CareerPaths matched our daughter with a design summer school in Florence. She came back with a university-ready portfolio and a whole new confidence.

Our 13-year-old had never traveled alone. The Swiss summer boarding program was a huge leap—but the prep and support from CareerPaths made it a success.

My son (age 12) came back from a STEM camp in Ireland with a robotics trophy and much better English. The whole process was smooth and stress-free.

I didn’t know where to start. CareerPaths found my teen a science camp that sparked his interest in engineering. He’s already asking to go again next year.

The pre-departure tips were gold. Our daughter wasn’t anxious at all during her US summer camp thanks to the prep session.