While You're Abroad

The 12-week semester for 12 - 13 U.S. credits allows immersion in four courses at once, including labs or language classes. At this pace, you have ample time to dive deeply into course content while still experiencing your new home culture. It also allows you to study multiple subjects at once. Most colleges offer 12-15 week semesters, so this format is setting you up for a familiar course structure back home.

Courses have built-in co-curricular and other academic content tailored to your study abroad location. Museums, galleries, visits to local monuments, guest speakers by local experts, and other academic activities bring your studies and the local culture together in exciting ways.  

Our academics include a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusions, including in course design, instructor training, and course content.  Emphasis is placed on hearing and considering diverse perspectives on important issues. This also includes comparing how local and home cultures approach key topics. All students are equal partners in creating a community of inquiry and all learning styles are accommodated. Support is offered to those who learn at different rates.  

CIEE First Year Abroad will assist students in developing self-management, interpersonal communication, and personal development skills. In our interactive First Year workshops, students learn valuable life skills while getting to know themselves and learning how to manage their emotions.  Students will get to know others, appreciate differences, and learn how to manage interpersonal conflicts.

Give back and create a deeper connection to your location. Students will be able to volunteer at local organizations, youth centers, schools, or other local places. Examples of past volunteer opportunities have included locations such as:

• Non-profits in bustling London, England
• Local retirement homes, arts institutions, youth centers, and homeless shelters in Rome, Italy
• Environmental organizations, farms, and schools in eco-conscious Monteverde, Costa Rica

On FYA, you’ll have the opportunity to shadow professionals, volunteer in interesting industries, and discover the reality of different careers. You will also forge lasting connections with professionals and peers worldwide. And an international experience on your resume speaks volumes – it's a testament to your passion, curiosity, resourcefulness, and courage. Qualities that make you not just a skilled employee, but a well-rounded human being too.

On an FYA program, you’ll get to participate in guided cultural excursions, doing some amazing things like:

• Go on an overnight excursion to the White Heron Castle in Himeji during your Kyoto, Japan program
• In Barcelona, Spain, explore Roman ruins in the coastal city of Tarragona, the medieval town of Girona, and the Dalí Museum in Figueres, among many others
• On the Sydney, Australia program, visit Canberra, Australia’s capital, and learn more about the country’s parliamentary government while seeing world-class architecture and attractions

During your first year abroad, you’re likely to run into other CIEE students participating in different programs, like college study abroad, since there will be a crossover between CIEE cultural excursions. You’ll soon grow a pretty extensive CIEE network that’ll go global!