Unlock a Global Pipeline of College-Ready Students
Bring the World to Your Incoming Class
CIEE College First Year Abroad (CFYA) is a world-class start to a student’s college experience. This unique college pathway allows students to launch their undergraduate studies overseas, earn 12-14 credits, then transfer back to a college of their choice. CFYA is available across 11+ international locations: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Monteverde, Costa Rica; Prague, Czech Republic, Copenhagen, Denmark; London, England; Paris, France; Rome, Italy; Kyoto, Japan; Mérida, Mexico; Seoul, South Korea; or Madrid, Spain.
Traditional colleges promise preparation, but research shows that fewer than 1 in 10 employers, students, and parents believe graduates are equipped with the real-world experiences they need. Meanwhile, studies indicate students with study abroad experience develop invaluable skills that help them succeed in college and beyond. By starting their higher education journey abroad, students gain the confidence, global perspective, and resume-boosting experiences that today’s competitive world demands.
When they return, students bring their newly developed worldview, independence, and maturity directly into your classrooms. Their critical thinking skills, global awareness, and intercultural appreciation will make them stand out on your campus and positively impact their peers. Through CIEE College First Year Abroad Admissions Access, your institution exclusively connects to this unique pipeline of motivated, college-ready students.
Why Partner with CIEE?
With more than 75 years of leadership in international education, CIEE is the trusted partner for institutions looking to enroll highly motivated students. Our programs are taught in-person by local faculty and online through Arizona State University (ASU), a CIEE partner school offering 3,000+ high-quality asynchronous, online courses. Students receive official transcripts from ASU and Tulane University, CIEE’s official school of record, ensuring academic integrity and seamless transferability.
Partner institutions benefit from:
- Zero-cost affiliation with CIEE College First Year Abroad Admissions Access when you become a transfer, referral, or custom partner
- The ability to promote your institution to 8,000+ college-ready students in CIEE’s high school alumni network each year
- Priority access to CFYA applicants and participants who meet high academic standards
- Globally minded, mature students who enrich campus culture and champion study abroad
- Customizable options aligned to your curriculum, faculty needs, and institutional goals
With a CIEE College First Year Abroad partnership, you:
Boost Enrollment with Globally Prepared Candidates
CIEE CYFA creates a seamless pathway for students to transfer to your institution. By referring students in your admissions pipeline to CYFA for one or two semesters abroad, you can keep them engaged in higher education while increasing the likelihood they will enroll with you upon return – at no additional recruitment cost.
Strengthen Your Admissions Pipeline and Reduce Costs
Our partnership model helps maximize your existing applicant pool. CYFA students arrive prepared for higher education with proven academic performance, confidence, and independence gained from their time abroad. This means your admissions team can enroll stronger, more committed students who are more likely to persist while reducing the time and resources spent on outreach and yield management.
Your Gateway to Students from Top U.S. High Schools
CIEE High School Study Abroad programs send students overseas for three weeks to a full academic year. With nearly $7 million in annual scholarships, CIEE attracts students from diverse backgrounds and top high schools nationwide. These students – already distinguished by global experience – become your strongest college applicants.
Join the CIEE College First Year Abroad Network
Becoming a CIEE College partner is FREE and easy. Together, we can create first-year pathways that align with your mission, strengthen your enrollment pipeline, improve persistence rates, and give your institution access to a steady stream of globally prepared, college-ready students.