About
First Year Abroad
How First Year Abroad Works
Not sure what comes next after high school? Our newest program, CIEE First Year Abroad (FYA), is your chance to discover your passions, go on an international adventure, earn college credit, and start your college career on the right foot.
Locations
Imagine kicking off your college experience with the wonders of the world at your fingertips: the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House, Mt. Fuji, the Cliffs of Moher, the Sahara Desert... we really could keep going. Or, if you’re seeking a comparative global experience, you may choose from multi-site programs, studying in one location in the fall and another in the spring, or spending six-week academic blocks in multiple locations during one semester.
- First Year Abroad Option 1: Traditional Semester - CIEE’s FYA traditional semester programs last 12 weeks and are offered in seven locations, including Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Kyoto, Monteverde, Prague, Rabat, and Seville. Semester programs allow students to take up to four courses at once, including those with labs or language classes.
- First Year Abroad Option 2: Academic Blocks - FYA is offered in 6-week blocks in seven locations, including: Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, London, Paris, Rome, and Sydney. Students take up to four courses and can choose to spend two six-week blocks in a single location or select from our block combinations to study in two different locations for six weeks each.
How It Works
As a CIEE First Year Abroad participant, you’ll be enrolled as a first-year student at Dean College – CIEE FYA’s Academic Home and School of Record - and immediately begin to earn academic credit towards your two- or four-year degree as you explore the world. Choose from a variety of intro courses in Language, Business, STEM, Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities and more, and combine classes with everyday cultural discoveries, big and small.
CIEE First Year Abroad programs start at $16,800, which is affordable compared to the average out-of-state college cost of $19,755 including room and board. Get more information on how to budget for your dream program on our funding page.
Unparalleled Support
While studying internationally, CIEE’s FYA students benefit from the field’s most experienced on-site international staff who are highly trained in health and safety, mental health protocols, intercultural learning, identity, and local culture and customs. In addition, CIEE’s FYA students are supported by academic tutors and First Year Workshops, which focus on valuable life skills such as time and money management, resilience and self-care, goal-setting, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. Activities and excursions organized by CIEE immerse FYA participants in the local culture as they build friendships with college peers.
When You Return
Upon your return, you may transfer to the college of your choice or continue at Dean in a bachelor’s degree program. Whatever path you follow, you will have gained the confidence and maturity that will make a real difference on campus and set yourself up for success!