CIEE College First Year Abroad
Semester | Academic Year
Start College in the Best Place at the Best Price
Choose to start your college journey from 13 global cities across Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific – the most of any other provider.
- Take advantage of the best value at a price that makes College First Year Abroad accessible to more students. Pay only $8,080 for the fall semester through 2027 in recognition of CIEE’s 80th anniversary.
- Earn 12-14 semester credits from Tulane University or Arizona State University that you can immediately transfer back to your U.S. college or university.
- Stay in one location for immersive study or select two locations for a world-class comparative experience with a flexible program model that offers unique six-week block courses.
CIEE College First Year Abroad takes the guesswork out of the college application process and offers a path to admission at a CIEE college partner, all while providing you with an unforgettable start to your college experience in one of 13 iconic locations abroad.
College First Year Abroad Programs
Japan’s most historic city and the hub of traditional old-world culture.
Enjoy access to eight royal parks in the heart of the city and more green space than any comparable location in the world.
- Seoul, South Korea
Combine your dreams of travel and university by spending your first year in Seoul, South Korea’s dynamic capital.
Madrid, where tapas are a highlight of local café tables, soccer cheers echo from Santiago Bernabéu, and lively plazas hum with music and conversation.
- Paris, France
Explore unforgettable sites from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
Live on the edge of the world-famous Costa Rican cloud forest.
- Seville, Spain
Explore centuries-old historic sites and iconic architecture in the cultural heart of Spain.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
Discover the diversity of Buenos Aires, a melting pot of different cultures with immigrants from all over the globe.
- Prague, Czech Republic
Visit cobblestone streets, historic bridges, and a castle overlooking dozens of churches, squares, and green spaces.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Explore museums, castles, and the palace of Queen Margrethe.
- Rome, Italy
Explore the world’s most breathtaking cultural destinations like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
- Florence, Italy
Visit iconic landmarks and world-renowned art in the birthplace of the Renaissance.
- Merida, Mexico
Surrounded by Mayan ruins, colorful markets, and the warmth of Yucatán life, Mérida offers an extraordinary backdrop.
Why CIEE College First Year Abroad?
- A Smarter Start: Get ahead by earning up to 14 credits while gaining real-world skills like independence, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving.
- Affordable: Programs start at $8,080 – less than a typical U.S. semester – with scholarships available.
- Flexible: Spend one semester or a full year abroad. Stay in one location or split your time in two 6-week blocks for a comparative experience.
- Transfer Friendly: Explore hundreds of courses – from calculus to psychology to communications – that easily transfer back to a U.S. campus.
How Does It Work?
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Create Your Course Plan
Select from hundreds of courses taught in-person by local faculty or online through Arizona State University (ASU). Earn an official transcript from ASU and Tulane University, CIEE’s School of Record.
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College Meets Culture
Call a new country home while taking college classes, learning a new language, and joining excursions and cultural activities with peers.
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Transfer With Confidence
Earn 12-14 credits per semester, then transfer them to your college of choice. Use your international experience to stand out in admissions – or pursue a seamless pathway with a CIEE partner college.
Discover the World’s Coolest Cities
Paris, Kyoto, Buenos Aires, and more await! Explore where you could launch your first college semester – and your future.
Find Your Favorite Courses
Choose from CIEE’s 6-week block courses and thousands of online courses through ASU in subjects like calculus, psychology, art history, Spanish, economics, biology, and more. (Some pre-requisites exist for higher level courses).
Popular courses include:
- Introduction to Composition I
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Calculus I (Lab Course)
- Pre-Calculus
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Mass Communications
You put your college experience first. We put you first.
For more than 75 years, CIEE has helped students explore new cultures, learn new skills, and achieve academic goals. With dedicated Center Directors, expert support staff, and industry-leading safety practices, we make sure your College First Year Abroad is life-changing – and life-building.
My Program Is Complete. What's Next?
Transfer to Your Dream School
Arrive back in the U.S. with credits, global experience, and confidence to excel at the college of your choice. Admissions officers value students who show academic excellence and a clear purpose – your semester abroad proves both.
Continue with a Partner College
CIEE maintains strong partnerships with U.S. colleges that provide smooth transfer pathways when academic conditions are met.
College First Year Abroad Blogs
Everything Parents Need to Know About First Year Abroad
Whether you’re a recent high school grad wondering, “How can I convince my parents to let me study abroad?” or you’re a parent of a recent graduate curious about studying... keep reading
Celebrating 80 Years of CIEE: Spend Your First Semester Abroad for $8,080
CIEE has transformed the lives of students, families, educators, and entire communities worldwide since 1947. For nearly 80 years, our core mission has remained the same: to help people gain... keep reading
My Experience Making Friends on a First Year Abroad Program
Post written by alumni & Ambassador Abroad, Haimanot, who participated in First Year Abroad Barcelona! Initial Anxieties At the beginning of my study abroad journey I was initially both excited... keep reading
Questions About College First Year Abroad
Yes. Students can begin their college journey abroad as freshmen through a College First Year Abroad program, earning academic credit while gaining international experience from day one.
Absolutely. Rather than beginning college on a traditional U.S. campus, some students choose to complete their first year overseas while taking transferable college coursework. Learn more about your options and sample courses on our Earning College Credit page.
Yes! In fact, many students participate in College First Year Abroad programs before declaring a major, giving them time to explore academic interests while experiencing a new culture.
Merit-based awards of $500, as well as larger scholarships based on both merit and financial need, are available to apply for within your CIEE application. Visit our Paying for Your First Year Abroad page to learn more.
While both options allow students to live abroad after high school, a gap year typically focuses on personal growth and cultural immersion, whereas a first year abroad program allows students to earn college credits while staying on track toward a degree.
contact options
Have Questions?
Check out our FAQ page for more information on the application, pre-departure process, costs, and more.
Need Further Assistance?
For more help, call our team at (866) 583-0332 or send us an email at hsabroad@ciee.org.
Want to Schedule a Call?
If you want to schedule a call, find a time with a CIEE Enrollment Coordinator in your area on our bookings page.