About Us
The most well-rounded, personalized pre-college & study abroad programs available anywhere
CELEBRATING 32 YEARS!
we give you the best of us
American Collegiate Adventures
ACA’s mission is to provide university based pre-college summer programs creating an interactive environment which allows students to benefit from a well-balanced and structured experience both in and out of the classroom. ACA is dedicated to offering the finest educational and cultural experiences which positively impact the lives and futures of dynamic students and engaging staff from around the globe.
- 32 years of expertise in pre-college and study abroad programs
- Deluxe accommodations in our “Dorms Beyond the Norm” – complete with air conditioning, laundry and housekeeping services – make being homesick almost impossible!
- We offer one of the lowest student-to-staff ratios in the industry, which lets us provide a greater variety of activities and ensures that every student gets the attention he or she deserves!
- Our great dining services, restaurant visits and flexible meal plans mean nobody ever goes hungry! And you’ll always get to enjoy your favorites.
- A huge variety of courses, from internships and special interests to SAT Prep and foreign languages means there are plenty of awesome opportunities to learn. Everyone comes home from an ACA summer feeling enriched and inspired!
- Weekend Adventures are always included! That’s the ACA way!
- ACA friends can become college friends, and college friends can become friends for a lifetime.
- This complete combination of academics, activities and adventures guarantees that every ACA student has an awesome summer. This unique, all-inclusive approach is what has kept ACA at the top of the country’s best pre-college programs!
- ACA’s goals and outcomes for our students include: A realistic preview for college life for students to get acquainted, a vibrant location offering cultural immersion and opportunities to make friends, a safe environment where students expand interests, and learn more about themselves and the world around them, exposure to different cultures and new ways of life, and encouraging new avenues of intellectual stimulation to lead to more success in high school and better preparation for college
Interviews with our amazing alumni & staff
The most personalized program
your Summer!
Here’s What Sets ACA Apart!
ACA delivers the most personalized program available!
Our staff members dedicate themselves to offering the finest in classes, activities, workshops and semi-private athletic instruction. Each student creates a summer that matches his or her interests!
ACA provides the comforts you deserve!
ACA accommodations are renowned for being safe, clean and comfortable. Upscale residences stateside are in the heart of a classic college town! Overseas, our hotels in Florence and Barcelona are in the midst of urban European excitement and in the center of the cities.
ACA is in the best locations!
Whether students are stateside enjoying Madison’s lakeside appeal, Los Angeles' coastal views or the rich history of Boston or headed overseas to the modernist energy of Barcelona, or the Renaissance splendor of Florence, every ACA location offers a unique combination of cultural diversions, academic resources, reassuring safety – and great summer weather!
ACA offers the best enrichment and college credit classes!*
ACA provides challenging courses taught by engaging academic professionals. We offer a diverse selection of classes, field trips and special events, ensuring that every student has an enlightening summer. ACA programs, stateside and Europe alike, provide structure and security on a residence-stay philosophy. ACA’s bilingual staff members also live on-site and are dedicated to improving the language skills of each student! *College credits provided by ACA's partnering universities.
ACA is unmatched in ensuring student SAFETY!
We never use public transportation – ever. We charter private, air-conditioned coaches or hire vehicles for every trip, whether it’s a weekend visit to a college campus or an evening trip to an activity across town.
What Really Makes ACA the Best?
Quite simply, our people. ACA stands alone, because our staff creates an atmosphere that provides students with the resources, guidance and attention they deserve. That’s why ACA has one of the lowest student-to-staff ratios of any pre-college program in the industry: 8:1 in Europe and 10:1 in the US!
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
A: All ACA students stay at coed facilities staffed with 24-hour security. Each locale has been selected for its high safety standards. Students are chaperoned by ACA staff members throughout their stay. Additionally, our safety policy also requires students to travel in pairs or groups. ACA uses chartered coach and taxi services to get around town when needed, never public transportation.
A: All of our directors and counselors are at least 21 years of age. Having worked extensively with high school and middle school students in the past, they genuinely look forward to their summers with ACA. All staff go through in-depth training on ACA’s philosophy, policies, safety protocols, and procedures.
Each member of our team works tirelessly throughout the program, serving as a mentor, advisor and friend to all of our students. We work hard to create a warm, supportive family atmosphere, one in which ACA students are treated as young adults whose opinions and concerns truly matter.
A: Most students spend between $150 and $200 per week on souvenirs, snacks, laundry and personal items. (Allowance should be based on individual spending habits.)
A: ACA students are always within minutes of world-class medical services should an unlikely emergency occur. In the case of any accident or illness, ACA staff members accompany students to appropriate medical facilities and immediately notify parents or guardians.
A: ACA students on domestic programs live in upscale residence halls on-campus. ACA students abroad live in upscale hotels in the center of the city. All residences are safe with 24/7 security and reception. ACA Staff live on the same floors as the students.
A: You don’t have to be concerned because ACA never uses public transportation. We take privately chartered, air-conditioned motorcoaches to all of our destinations, daily excursions and weekend adventures. Only ACA students and staff members are allowed on board.
A: We allow students to bring their cell phones. Please contact your cell carrier to set up an international plan which will enable calling and data plans when not on WiFi. The use of cellphones and other messaging devices are not allowed during classes.
A: Students will choose their electives as part of their pre-program kit in the spring. On most programs, students take two electives for the duration of their stay.