First Year Abroad: The Low Stress Option vs. The College Admissions Process
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Starting college is an exciting journey filled with new experiences, personal growth, and cultural immersion. However, alongside the excitement, many college students can feel overwhelmed by the stressful college admissions process. Choosing the right college can be difficult if you’re unsure of what you want to study, what your passions are, or what your long-term career goals are. On top of that, submitting multiple detailed applications can be exhausting when there's the possibility of denial or getting waitlisted.
Imagine starting your college journey without the worry of waitlists, overwhelming class sizes, or scrambling for housing. With CIEE First Year Abroad (FYA) programs, you can bid farewell to stress and say hello to starting college in one of 14 international locations!
1. An Easy Application Process
The FYA application process is designed to be more accessible and straightforward compared to traditional university applications, allowing students to start their international academic journey with ease! While U.S universities may require standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and extensive essays, CIEE FYA programs have a more straightforward application process with fewer academic requirements. We even offer face-to-face support and guidance during the application process. Students can register for virtual application workshops or informational webinars to get all their questions answered and relieve any doubts they might have. Enrollment coordinators are also available to speak whenever you need help or have any additional questions about the program.
Once you’ve applied, your designated enrollment coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Unlike traditional universities, FYA programs have a streamlined application process to ensure that students receive decisions promptly. The set priority deadlines for each program allow our admissions team to review applications promptly and provide decisions well before program start dates. So you can rest assured knowing you’ll receive a response quickly!
2. A Low-Stress Environment
FYA offers first-year college students a unique experience that allows you to receive 12-13 college credits without the hassle of admission waitlists, crowded lecture halls, and daunting class sizes. CIEE instructors provide personalized attention that you very rarely receive at traditional universities in the U.S. You’ll find yourself engaged in dynamic workshops and hands-on learning experiences that will set the stage for your college career! And you get to experience those benefits in an incredible global destination!
One of the biggest headaches for incoming college freshmen is securing housing. The uncertainty of finding a suitable place to live can cast a stressful shadow over the excitement of starting this new chapter in your life. However, with FYA programs, housing is guaranteed and included in your tuition fees, eliminating the stress of securing a dorm on campus in the U.S. This perk gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on what truly matters: making unforgettable memories and creating lifelong friendships while abroad!
3. Access to Financial Aid
Finances play a crucial role in shaping your college experience, which is why CIEE tries to make FYA programs as accessible as possible for students who wish to apply. The cost of traditional higher education continues to rise, placing a huge financial burden on students and parents. Tuition fees, room and board, textbooks, and other expenses can quickly add up, making a college experience unaffordable for many students. Although the college decision process can at times be unfair and stressful, CIEE offers a first-year experience that's more affordable than the average out-of-state college cost of $19,755, including room and board.
As a FYA student, you’ll enjoy the benefits of being enrolled at our academic home and school of record, Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts. So, as you apply for FYA, you’re also applying to college just like a regular freshman! During the application process, you can complete the free application for Federal Student Air (FAFSA) to determine your financial need. By using the Dean College’s federal school code-002144-on the FAFSA website, you’ll be considered for federal or state aid.
4. Support Every Step of the Way
At CIEE, we understand that embarking on a FYA journey can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. That’s why our dedicated staff and instructors are committed to providing support throughout your international journey. Center staff at all 14 international locations are there to help you navigate the challenges of starting college and embrace the exciting opportunities that will come your way. Instructors will also assist students in developing self-management, interpersonal communication, and personal development skills.
Participating in a FYA program is the perfect opportunity to explore your passions and interests before committing to a college major. In our interactive First Year workshops, students learn valuable life skills while getting to know themselves and learning how to manage their emotions. These workshops are designed to help first year students adjust to college life, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic survival skills.
Additionally, participating in our first-year workshops helps build a sense of community as you transition into your college career. The supportive environment and dedicated staff in non-traditional college programs like FYA can provide guidance and resources to students as they navigate college life. We even offer smaller class sizes than traditional universities which can lead to a more personalized learning experience! As you step out of your comfort zone and into an international education experience, CIEE is there for you every step of the way.
5. Seamless Credit Transfers
Worried about navigating the stressful credit transfer process? Fear not! Once you complete your FYA program you can either continue your studies at Dean College, transfer to a CIEE partner college, or transfer to any college or university. Credits earned through FYA's Academic Home and School of Record, Dean College, easily transfer to the institution of your choice, facilitating a smooth academic transition. This ease of credit transfer is just one advantage. Research consistently links study abroad experiences with higher graduation rates, grade point averages, and employability due to the development of valuable skills gained abroad. FYA will help you enter your chosen university with a strong academic foundation and a maturity that will set you up for success.
Planning your college career can be stressful, but don't let it deter you. By enrolling in a CIEE FYA program, you can start college and explore the world without the worry of college waitlists, overwhelming class sizes, and crowded lecture halls. Start your journey today! Explore our 14 amazing international locations.