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 abroad and are unsure where to begin, this blog post is for you. 

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about CIEE College First Year Abroad.

What Is First Year Abroad?  

A first year abroad program is a way for high school grads to start their college careers abroad. Essentially, it is a freshman study abroad program.  

Instead of beginning their college career on a U.S. campus, first year abroad students travel to a country of their choice to take intro-level college courses, earn college credits, and experience the world to gain a deeper global perspective.

If you’re a parent of a student or a recent high school grad contemplating taking a gap year after high school to get an authentic global experience, we get it. Becoming a global citizen is important to you. While CIEE Gap Year programs aren’t credit-bearing, they offer more flexibility, with a true emphasis on self-discovery. You’ll come back to the States refreshed and better prepared to start your next phase in life.  

With CIEE’s College First Year Abroad programs, you can get that international experience you’re yearning for while starting your college career – not delaying it. Unlike Gap Year Abroad, College First Year Abroad is credit-bearing and a bit more structured, with a full course load. You are, after all, starting your college career abroad. We describe it as the perfect pair of traveling post-high school and prioritizing your education.

How Does College First Year Abroad Work?  

Although it might seem complicated, first year abroad programs are relatively simple. Read on for more details.  

Application Process

When you apply to CIEE’s College First Year Abroad program, you’ll be enrolled as a student at our academic partner and school of record, Dean College. Dean College is a well-respected, private liberal arts college in Massachusetts. 

When You Land  

Your CIEE College First Year Abroad destination options are incredible:

• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Kyoto, Japan
• London, England
• Madrid, Spain
• Mérida, Mexico
• Monteverde, Costa Rica
• Paris, France
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Rome, Italy
• Seoul, South Korea 

Once you arrive in one of these fascinating cities, your first few days as a freshman will include a two-day orientation to learn more about the local culture and customs, advice on adjusting to living in a new environment, and general academic expectations.

Once you’re there, you’ll live in fully screened housing with our CIEE center staff on-site nearby. This highly trained and experienced team can assist with cultural adjustment issues, overseas communications, general assistance, and in case of emergencies.  

And, to ease your mind even more, for more than 75 years, CIEE has helped high school and college students explore new cultures, learn new skills, and achieve their academic goals within a diverse portfolio of high-quality programs.  

Our Center Directors, located worldwide, are seasoned international education professionals. CIEE’s Health, Safety, and Security team is an industry leader in risk assessment, mitigation, and staff training.  

College First Year Abroad Academics

While you go on incredible cultural excursions throughout places like Kyoto, Buenos Aires, or Rome, you’ll still learn in the classroom, too. Experiential learning is a balance of gaining knowledge and skills both inside and outside the classroom.  

Our programs provide expert-led courses intentionally designed to fulfill undergraduate requirements at most U.S. colleges and universities. Tulane University serves as our school of record, ensuring our programs meet the highest quality standards. CIEE College First Year Abroad students also have the opportunity to take up to two online courses through CIEE x ASU online, at no additional cost to you!  

The semester is divided into two six-week blocks, allowing you to focus on fewer classes and giving you time to explore your city. Students still earn 12-14 hours per semester and can choose from a variety of college courses, like:

• Introduction to Composition I
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Calculus I (Lab Course)
• Pre-Calculus
• General Psychology
• Introduction to Mass Communications
• Introductory Statistics
• Introduction to Sociology
• Art History I
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Introduction to Political Science
• General Chemistry I (Lab Course)
• Introduction to Anthropology
• Introduction to Biology I (Lab Course)
• Location-specific courses like Spanish, French, etc.

And your first year of college is an adjustment, whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad. That’s why our robust academic support system is in place. Our academic staff supports students with resources and guidance on academic norms, study habits, and success strategies. Tutors are also available to assist with core course concepts like study strategies, academic writing, research, and time management.  

After College First Year Abroad

You get to decide what you want to do after an incredible first year abroad experience! A major benefit of a first year abroad program is how it sets you up for college success. You’ll have great options:  

Transfer to a CIEE First Year Abroad College Partner

CIEE is pleased to partner with globally-minded colleges and universities across the country. Together, we empower students to study abroad and experience the world before continuing their academic studies on campus. Our College Partners already reviewed our College First Year Abroad courses and added them to their course catalog, making your transfer process seamless.   

Transfer to Any College or University  

Courses offered on the College First Year Abroad program are designed to fulfill general education or common core requirements at many U.S.-based colleges and universities. Plus, having international education experience as a transfer student can give you an edge in the college application process.  

Tips for Parents of Students Studying Abroad  

Although a first year abroad program might be the ideal match for you or your student, it can still be overwhelming to have your recent graduate off in the big wide world, whether it’s in the U.S. or beyond. Note our quick tips for parents of students studying abroad:

• Help them gather application materials. Financial documents, applications…the paperwork can feel like a doozy at first. Here’s where parents, unfortunately, far too familiar with paperwork, can make a big difference in alleviating some pre-travel stress.  
• Be supportive. Your student will thrive abroad knowing they have a strong foundation rooting them on.
• Check in periodically. There’s no denying that your student will have some struggles their freshman year, and they’ll work through them. Step in when you need to, but let them handle as much as they can on their own. They’ll be stronger for it.  
• Be proud of your brave student. Exploring the world is no easy feat, and raising someone who wants to get out there and discover it is an accomplishment all on its own.  

Our College First Year Abroad programs promise the experience of a lifetime. Learn more today!  

Explore CIEE First Year Abroad