Celebrating 80 Years of CIEE: Spend Your First Semester Abroad for $8,080
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CIEE has transformed the lives of students, families, educators, and entire communities worldwide since 1947. For nearly 80 years, our core mission has remained the same: to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world through meaningful exchange programs. Today, we are the longest-running and largest nonprofit study abroad organization in the U.S., continuing to lead the way in global education through innovative programs like College First Year Abroad.
To celebrate the beginning of our 80th year, we are excited to announce an anniversary price of $8,080 for all Fall 2026 and Fall 2027 College First Year Abroad programs! For less than the average cost of a semester at a U.S. college, you can study abroad your freshman year, making lifelong memories and setting yourself up to succeed in college and beyond.
What Is College First Year Abroad?
CIEE College First Year Abroad is more than a trip—it’s a transformative experience that kicks off your college career. With CIEE, you’ll gain a global perspective that extends far beyond a single campus.
On a CIEE College First Year Abroad program, you’ll:
- Begin college in one of 11 iconic locations.
- Immerse yourself in a new culture and gain lessons that prepare you to succeed in college and beyond.
- Earn up to 14 college-level credits toward your degree, from Tulane University and Arizona State University, our school of record partners, just like you would on a U.S. campus.
Why Start College Abroad Instead of at Home?
CIEE College First Year Abroad takes the guesswork out of the college application process and offers a path to admission at a CIEE college partner, all while providing you with an unforgettable start to your college experience.
1. A Smarter Start
Research shows that fewer than 1 in 10 employers, students, and parents believe college graduates are equipped with the real-world experiences they need to succeed. By starting your higher education journey with CIEE, you’ll earn up to 14 college credits while gaining skills like independence, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving.
2. Flexibility
Create the first year abroad program that works for you! CIEE allows you to spend one semester or a full year abroad. You can choose to stay in one location for your entire experience, or divide your time into two 6-week blocks for a comparative experience.
3. Transfer Friendly
From calculus to communications—and everything in between—CIEE College First Year Abroad offers hundreds of courses that easily transfer back to a U.S. campus. You can create a schedule that aligns with your academic interests, selecting from in-person CIEE courses and online courses offered through CIEE’s global partner, Arizona State University (ASU).
CIEE's $8,080 Anniversary Offer
To celebrate our 80th anniversary, we are offering an anniversary discount for our Fall 2026 and Fall 2027 College First Year Abroad programs!
- Secure a special rate of $8,080 for a fall semester abroad at any of our 11 locations
- Program cost includes tuition, housing, CIEE iNext travel protection, and more
- Offer ends June 1—don't miss out!
How CIEE's CFYA Compares to the Cost of College in the U.S.
Start your college career for less than a semester at home. With our 80th anniversary discount, tuition, program, and enrollment fees for CIEE College First Year Abroad start at just $8,080—less than the average cost of U.S. college tuition.
| Average Public 4-year, In-State | Average Public 4-year, Out-of-State | Average Private 4-year | CIEE College First Year Abroad - Semester |
| $12,460* | $22,045* | $29,300* | $8,080 |
*Based on the average cost per semester of tuition, housing, meals, and fees in the U.S. from the College Board 2024 report.
Where You Can Study Abroad
Whether you spend a semester or a full year abroad, CIEE offers an unforgettable experience in one of 11 iconic locations. Study abroad your freshman year in cities like:
- Kyoto: Discover a city where timeless traditions meet modern innovations, exploring sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine or diving into the world of manga at the internationally renowned Kyoto International Manga Museum.
- Madrid: Live and learn in the cultural capital of Spain. Home to two soccer clubs, world-famous art museums, stunning architecture, and historic sites, Madrid’s vibrant energy is contagious.
- Paris: Make the City of Light your home for your first semester (or year!) of college abroad. Stroll the cobblestone streets with a pastry in hand, visit iconic landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, and immerse yourself in French culture.
Why Families Trust CIEE After 80 Years
The well-being and safety of our students is our top priority. With almost 80 years of expertise and thousands of students traveling with us safely each year, CIEE has a proven track record of ensuring safe and enriching international exchange experiences.
Our dedicated Health, Safety and Security team continuously evaluates and monitors risks in all our CIEE locations. CIEE also employs on-site staff in each study center to ensure local resources are readily available and provide assistance when needed.
Celebrate 80 Years of CIEE by Starting Your Journey Abroad
Start your college career with a transformative first year abroad program.
Don’t miss out. Secure your spot—and the special $8,080 anniversary rate—before June!