15 International Business Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in careers in international trade, finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship, you can gain experience from participating in structured international business programs.
What are international business programs for high school students?
International business programs help you learn about cross-cultural communication, global trade regulations, multinational corporate strategy, and entrepreneurship. They provide practical experiences that enrich academic knowledge and enhance college applications and career readiness. Programs often combine classroom learning with hands-on projects, simulations, mentorship, and site visits, enabling you to explore the diverse facets of international business.
Why should you pursue international business programs for high school students?
These programs not only provide exposure to global markets but also help you apply classroom knowledge in practical contexts. You will acquire business, finance, and entrepreneurship skills that you can use to build your own business. Further, participating in these programs will also help you with college admissions.
The programs outlined below cater to high school students seeking to explore entrepreneurship, marketing, leadership, and global business strategies.
If you’re also interested in entrepreneurship programs abroad, check this out.
Here are 15 international business programs for high school students!
15 International Business Programs for High School Students
1. Wharton Global Youth Program – Global Business Academy
Location: Online / Various locations (University of Pennsylvania, San Francisco, and Cambridge)
Cost: Varies
Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the summer
Application Deadline: January 28 (priority), March 18 (final)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
This program provides a rigorous curriculum focusing on business fundamentals, finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. It incorporates experiential learning through case studies and projects, guided by Wharton faculty and industry experts. You develop critical thinking and practical decision-making skills applicable to practical business scenarios. The program emphasises ethical business practices and introduces you to global market dynamics. It also offers investment competitions and networking opportunities to foster collaboration and professional growth.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs that challenges you to turn your idea into a viable business. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up, while being mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions. The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore both theoretical concepts and practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Babson College – Global Entrepreneurship Program
Location: Online / New England Innovation Academy, Marlborough, Massachusetts
Cost: $6,295 (online), $9,295 (day student), $12,995 (residential)
Dates: July 8–July 28
Application Deadline: February 13 (early bird), March 13 (standard)
Eligibility: Rising high school student aged 16+
Babson’s intensive program explores the fundamentals of creating, scaling, and leading international businesses. You participate in hands-on workshops and team simulations where you develop creative business plans and test ideas in simulated global markets. Guest speakers share strategies for leadership and ethical entrepreneurship. The collaborative learning model encourages risk-taking and critical analysis. Babson’s approach helps you understand the complexities of bringing ideas to life on a worldwide stage.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Some placements are paid; others are unpaid
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to work 10–20 hours/week
Location: Remote and various startup locations globally
Ladder Internships connects students with innovative startups to tackle projects spanning international business, marketing, and strategy. You actively collaborate with experienced mentors, gaining hands-on experience while delivering solutions to real business problems. The guided environment fosters leadership development, effective communication skills, and resilience in challenging business settings. You regularly present your work directly to company leaders, ensuring your contributions make a tangible impact. These experiences provide a glimpse into the fast-paced world of global entrepreneurship and innovation.
5. Colorado State University Global Business Academy
Location: CSU College of Business
Cost: $3,750 (limited scholarships available)
Dates: July 12–22
Application Deadline: February 1 (early admission), May 1 (regular)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
CSU’s ten-day business program focuses on international business, leadership, team-building, entrepreneurship, negotiation, ethics, and financial literacy. You’ll learn about the role of business in other disciplines and gain insights into business tools, leadership, and team dynamics. You’ll be taught by CSU faculty, visit business enterprises, and interact with successful leaders. In small-group, college and career coaching sessions, you’ll be guided by business executives, faculty, and advisors. In addition to academics, you’ll take part in outdoor excursions, day trips, and team-building activities.
6. Georgetown Global Business Academy
Location: Georgetown University
Cost: $7,085 (commuter), $9,085 (residential)
Dates: June 7–June 26
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students internationally
Georgetown’s academy offers experiential learning in startup management, financing, and international business. The curriculum includes business simulation games and leadership development workshops. You analyze global markets and learn financial management strategies. The program encourages innovation and teamwork. It provides a platform to connect with peers and faculty in an international business context.
7. Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Location: University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, onsite
Cost: $5,500
Dates: June 7 - 17 and June 21 - July 1
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is an on-campus program designed for high school students interested in exploring business fundamentals and leadership. This immersive program provides hands-on experiences in areas such as marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance through interactive classes and case studies. You develop critical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication while engaging with Ross School of Business faculty and student leaders. The program also offers networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with peers who share an interest in business. Held at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus, it provides a collegiate environment that enhances learning and college readiness.
8. Esade International Business Experience
Location: Esade’s Barcelona Campus, Spain
Cost: Starting from $3,570
Dates: June 30–July 18
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Ages 15–17
Esade’s business program focuses on entrepreneurship, finance, and leadership. You’ll be equipped with the skills to transform your idea into a business venture. You’ll learn via Esade’s learning-by-doing methodology and meet with various entrepreneurs and companies. The program offers electives such as digital media marketing, fashion management, and the impact of the digital revolution on businesses. The program focuses on giving you a university experience and a global perspective.
9. Columbia University Online Summer Session High School Student Programs
Location: Online / Columbia University
Cost: Varies per session
Dates: Summer
Application Deadlines: Varies per program; typically February (early registration) and March/April (general)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Columbia’s program develops entrepreneurial skills for global markets by challenging high school students to design and pitch original business ideas. You study real companies’ market-entry strategies and collaborate on feasibility analyses, learning how innovation fuels international growth. Networking sessions introduce you to successful entrepreneurs and faculty. Through competition and peer feedback, you sharpen communication and strategic thinking. The program can inspire you to pursue entrepreneurial ventures with a global mindset.
10. NSLC International Business & Finance
Location: Various U.S. cities, onsite
Cost: Varies ($4,000+)
Dates: Summer 2025 sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The NSLC International Business & Finance program offers high school students hands-on experience simulating global finance careers. You engage in realistic trading and negotiation exercises that mirror real-world financial markets. Expert-led seminars provide in-depth knowledge about market dynamics, financial risks, and international economics. The program includes university-level simulations, enhancing the authenticity of the experience and allowing you to apply theoretical concepts practically. Students collaborate in teams, developing leadership, communication, and decision-making skills crucial for success in finance. Upon completion, you earn a certificate that validates your practical experience and leadership growth in the field of global finance.
11. Fordham Finance Institute
Location: Fordham University and online
Cost: $1,200
Dates: June-July sessions
Application Deadline: April 1, priority
Eligibility: High school students
Fordham University offers over 70 undergraduate majors, minors, and pre-professional programs across Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, and the Gabelli School of Business. Business-related options include Accounting, Accounting Information Systems (STEM-designated), Business Administration (with AI focus), and more, providing versatile foundations for careers in finance, marketing, HR, and global enterprises. You gain hands-on experience through NYC internships at Big Four firms like Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Wall Street, and tech startups, alongside managing a $2 million Student Managed Investment Fund. Interdisciplinary minors such as Alternative Investments help you prepare for high-growth finance areas, including private equity, hedge funds, and real estate. The Jesuit education emphasizes ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and global perspectives via 150+ study abroad programs in countries like Germany, China, and Argentina.
12. University of Chicago – Summer Session
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
Cost: Starts from $2,500 (financial aid available)
Dates: Summer (1–4 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 22 (priority), March 5 (regular), April 15 (extended)
Eligibility: High school students, but varies per session
These sessions delve into economic theory, financial systems, and the forces affecting global markets. Case study analysis and team presentations build the capacity for quantitative and data-driven decision-making. You practice applying business theory to practical scenarios through hands-on assignments. The program values teamwork as much as individual initiative. As a graduate, you will gain insight into the practical mechanics of economics and international trade.
13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Global Business and Innovation
Location: Stanford University, California, USA
Cost: $3,200 (financial aid available)
Dates: June 15–June 26 (session 1), July 6–July 17 (session 2
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Grades 8–11 (at time of application)
Stanford’s program fuses entrepreneurship and business innovation within a global framework, emphasizing technology’s role in cross-border commerce. You design business plans, collaborate in teams, and engage in creative problem-solving workshops. The curriculum includes a look at international startup ecosystems and rapid prototyping techniques. Peer-led discussions and challenges strengthen creative and collaborative abilities. You will get to explore what it takes to turn new ideas into global realities.
14. UC Berkeley Business Academy for Youth: High School Entrepreneurship
Location: University of Berkeley, California
Cost: Starts at $6,050
Dates: Multiple summer sessions
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: High school students
UC Berkeley’s Entrepreneurship program is a two-week residential program that simulates the complete cycle of business development. In teams, you’ll brainstorm an idea, create a business plan, and present it at the end of the program. You’ll also participate in research assignments, visit the campus, and engage in interactive activities such as networking panels with undergraduates. Through the program, you’ll get to learn about the college application process and draft your personal statement.
15. IÉSEG School of Management High School Summer Program
Location: Paris, France
Cost: Varies from €1700; includes academic credits/certificate
Dates: Two weeks in July
Application Deadline: July
Eligibility: High school students, Maths course final year, good command of English
Combining business and management coursework with corporate site visits and cultural immersion, this program allows high school students to experience a multicultural college environment. It offers hands-on learning and awards certificates, integrating academic rigor with practical insights. The curriculum includes interactive classes led by international faculty and opportunities to engage in group projects that simulate real business challenges. You also benefit from immersion in French culture through living with host families and participating in organized outings and social activities, enriching both your academic and personal growth.
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