My son was also a finalist a few years back. He ended up going on a different program to Israel for the summer instead. He did have a great time, even if it did not have that academic focus. He made friends that seem to be the lasting kind. This past January they went on a birthright trip together.
http://www.summer-classics.com This link has a few different summer language programs you might be interested in. You better hurry as summer is fast approaching.