6 Kickin’ Soccer Abroad Programs

Are you seeking an opportunity to play soccer abroad? Look no further! ☆ What did Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Pelé all have in common—besides their sick speed and agility? They all had a passport.

These soccer abroad programs can put you on an EXCITING and passport-stamp-filled path.

Don’t let any goalkeeper stop you from living your dream and participating in soccer abroad programs. The pitch might look a little different, and you might trade out classic snacks like hotdogs and french fries for chicken thighs and cattleman’s beans (Brazil) or beef tea and meat pies (England), but the adrenaline rush and enthusiasm from the cheering fans feels about the same.

What are you waiting for? Whether you’re on a gap year or want to find summer soccer programs abroad, there are international soccer camps out there just ready to blow the whistle. 

Here’s a sneak peek at the top soccer abroad programs on GoAbroad, as reviewed by footballers like YOU:

• Worldaway Learning Tours
• Outward Bound
• International Camps Network
• Woza Soccer
• Rustic Pathways
• Soccer Camps International

The best soccer abroad programs this year

Editor’s note: This information on the opportunity to play soccer abroad was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Worldaway Learning Tours—9.76

“This was the best travel experience of my life!! I cannot speak highly enough of this tour and the team at Worldaway Tours. From my very first email to them I felt like everything was very well organized and everything went smoothly throughout the entire process. I will definitely recommend this type of trip, with Worldaway, to anyone I know who is looking for a rewarding way to travel and learn something new! Thanks again for your help and for reaching out.” —Read more reviews of Worldaway here

• Where? Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, India, Italy, Jamaica, and more—all across continents
• When? 1-8 weeks, year-round
• Why? Learning tours or soccer exchange programs might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re dreaming of dribbling a ball down the pitch in a foreign country, but hear us out! Worldaway offers stellar opportunities for athletes of all ages in over a dozen locations across Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Check out their Sports and Fitness tour opportunities to learn how YOU can be keeping score in a whole new language.
• More info on Worldaway

2. Outward Bound Costa Rica—9.93

“Outward Bound is really great for people mentally and physically. It is very healthy and life-changing. I learned that I could do anything if I just push myself more than usual. It has changed my outlook on life and people and I overcame my fear of heights.”—Read more reviews of Outward Bound here

• Where? Costa Rica
• When? 1-8 weeks, Alternative Spring Break, Year Round
• Why? Outward Bound’s soccer abroad program in Costa Rica is a budget friendly option. This is a customized program—so grab your teammates and start fundraising for a trip to one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet! If you’re looking to craft an experience that matches YOUR express goals, this is the option for you.
• More info on Outward Bound

3. International Camps Network—9.09

“I’ve been a team at camp Europe for 2 years and I’ve loved every second of it! The people you meet are amazing and like-minded, and everyone is so open and friendly and there to have fun. The activities are always fun and you are constantly moving and busy so there is never a dull moment. I’ve been to camps in Walsrode, Newcastle and Bath and all were very different! Meeting kids from all over Europe is fantastic and probably one of my favourite parts of camp. As a teacher back home in Canada, I’ve taken a lot from my camp experience and used it to better my practice. Get ready for a summer of fun and new experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life!”—Read more reviews of International Camps Network

• Where? Germany
• When? 5-8 weeks, Summer
• Get more info on International Camps Network

4. Woza Soccer

Do you want to play soccer abroad and support a nonprofit? Woza provides great opportunities to have sports experiences abroad that focus on more than just the game. Woza trips emphasize cultural connections, social impact, and experiences that will break down barriers to improve self awareness. The game of soccer is an excellent vehicle to accomplish more than a trick shot—it's a way to get to know others you might previously think are quite different than you! Develop your leadership skills and inspire others with the help of Woza's summer soccer programs abroad.

• Where? Malawi, South Africa, Costa Rica, Peru
• When? 2-4 weeks, Summer
• Get more info on Woza Soccer

5. Rustic Pathways—10.0

“This was the second trip our son has gone on with Rustic Pathways. We were afraid the second time around wouldn't be as fun or exciting. But we were wrong. He said it was better! We love that he not only had a great time, did community service work, met new friends, but also had a chance to be independent. His two trips have given me the confidence that he will be just fine on his own when he goes off to college!” —Read more reviews of Rustic Pathways here

• Where? Costa Rica
• When? 2-4 weeks
• Get more info on Rustic Pathways

6. Soccer Camps International

Soccer Camps International (SCI) is a well-known agency that can help soccer players accomplish even more #goals by coordinating their trips abroad. Working closely with Elite Clubs Soccer Camps in Europe, SCI can help teams of all sizes and skill levels find the right experience abroad. Services include accommodations, menus, sports programs, cultural lessons, and more! 

• Where? France, Spain, Italy, Portugal
• When? Summer
• Get more info on Soccer Camps International

[Browse ALL International Soccer Camps]

Make a breakaway and sign up for soccer programs abroad!

Whether you want summer soccer programs abroad or something more long term… now’s the time to take a shot.

The opportunity to play soccer abroad isn’t one that you should pass up. These the big leagues—the international leagues—and they can not only give you the adventure of a lifetime, but might help you find even more interesting and exciting ways to keep playing the game you love. Your passion for soccer is ready to not only transcend the pitch, but international borders. So relish in the shadows of Andrés Iniesta and play soccer in Europe. Follow in the kick-steps of Mark Milligan and let your career flourish across continents (he’s dribbled the ball in China, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East!). Or participate in gap year soccer programs like Luke Stauffer.

Whatever your jersey, whatever your soccer chant, whatever your secret move—there are soccer exchange programs out there for YOU. Let’s do this.

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