The holiday season is all about giving joy, creating memories, and sharing experiences that last far beyond winter break. This year, more families are choosing to give something truly meaningful—an ACA Summer Program. It’s one of the most exciting, inspiring, and transformative gifts you can give a teen.
If you’re looking for a holiday present that sparks growth, confidence, and unforgettable adventures, here’s why an ACA Summer Program is the perfect choice.
🎁 1. It’s a Gift That Builds Confidence—Not Clutter
Most holiday gifts are fun for a few weeks… and then they’re forgotten. An ACA summer does the opposite.
Teens return home with lasting confidence, newfound independence, and real-world skills that stay with them long after the season ends. Whether they’re exploring Europe, diving into pre-college courses on elite college campuses, or adventuring along the American Riviera, they’re growing in ways no wrapped gift ever could.
🌍 2. Experiences Beat Things—Every Time
Parents and research agree—experiences make us happier than physical gifts.
ACA offers teens:
• New cities to explore
• New friends from around the world
• New cultures to discover
• New passions to ignite
From the beaches of Nice to the classrooms at Georgetown, this isn’t just a trip—it’s a life-shaping experience.
🎒 3. It Sets Them Up for Future Success
ACA is fun, but it’s also deeply meaningful. Our pre-college and study abroad programs help teens:
• Explore academic and career interests
• Get a feel for real college life
• Strengthen future college applications
• Gain independence in a structured, supervised setting
They learn communication, leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration—all while having an amazing time. These aren’t just summer memories. They’re skills that shape who your teen will become in college and beyond.
🤝 4. They’ll Make Lifelong Friends
One of the most magical parts of ACA? The friendships.
Teens come from across the country—and across the world—and leave with connections that feel like family. Parents tell us every year:
“The friends my teen made at ACA are still some of their closest.”
That bond alone is a gift.
✈️ 5. It Gives Them Something Incredible to Look Forward To
Winter can feel long. Giving an ACA summer now means teens spend months excitedly planning electives, dreaming about cities they’ll visit, and counting down the days.
Anticipation becomes part of the joy.
📚 6. It’s the Gift of Learning That Doesn’t Feel Like School
Whether it’s:
• Culinary arts in Barcelona
• Sports management in Los Angeles
• Business in Washington, DC
• Fashion in Florence
• STEM and medicine on top-tier campuses
ACA blends education with adventure. It’s hands-on, exciting, and unforgettable.
🌟 7. It Builds Confidence, Identity & Self-Discovery
For many teens, ACA is where they first:
• Travel without parents
• Explore new cultures
• Manage their own schedule
• Make independent decisions
Those experiences create a level of confidence no physical gift can match.
🧭 8. It’s Safe, Structured Independence
Teens want freedom. Parents want safety.
ACA delivers both.
Our programs are built with carefully crafted itineraries, trained professional staff, 24/7 supervision, the lowest student-to staff ratios, and thoughtful structure—so teens enjoy independence in a safe, supportive environment.
🌅 9. It Creates Memories They’ll Talk About for Years
From gondola rides in Venice to sunsets in California, from cooking Italian meals in Florence to presenting a college-style project at Michigan—these are the stories they’ll tell again and again.
Many teens say,
“ACA was the summer that changed everything.”
🎄 Wrap Up an Unforgettable Summer This Holiday Season
If you’re searching for a gift that’s exciting, meaningful, and truly transformative, an ACA Summer Program is the perfect choice.
It’s more than travel. More than learning. More than fun.
It’s a gift of adventure, confidence, growth, and memories that last long after the holiday lights come down.