Educators
Your Students Deserve Options
Introducing CIEE First Year Abroad, a program for globally minded, college-bound high school graduates. Students begin their college experience by earning 12-14 college credits in an exciting international location. On this program, students have the flexibility to choose from a selection of in-person courses taught by CIEE instructors and from over 3,000 ASU Online courses, giving them even more academic options that can align with their future degree plans. Simultaneously, they’ll experience the local culture of their study abroad destination through included activities, cultural excursions, and local housing.
Upon returning, students can transfer to the college of their choice or to a CIEE College Partner. Regardless of the path they choose, they will have gained the confidence, independence, and maturity that make a real difference on campus and set them up for long-term success.
On a First Year Abroad program, students earn college credit while gaining a wide range of educational benefits, including:
- A Global Perspective: Living and learning abroad helps students develop a broader worldview and enhances both academic and personal growth.
- College Credits: Participants earn credits that count toward their future degree.
- Diverse Destinations: Students can begin their first semester or full year abroad in locations such as England, Costa Rica, Japan, and more.
- Personalized Support: CIEE provides guidance throughout the enrollment process, prepares students for studying abroad, answers questions about post-program options, and supplies documentation to support credit transfer to their future college.
What Best Describes Your Students
| They are looking for opportunities that look good on college apps | They are globally minded | They want credit |
|---|---|---|
| "They want to bolster their college application with experience and credits that will make them an even stronger candidate for their dream school." | "They want to pursue international education - without taking on significant debt - while they decide whether to pursue a college degree." | "They want a Gap Year, but their parents want college. The compromise is for them to earn credits during a First Year Abroad." |
For students looking to stand out on college applications, First Year Abroad offers:
- Global Experiential Learning: Colleges recognize that studying abroad can improve retention, GPA, degree completion, transfer rates, and career outcomes.
- Trusted Affiliation: Participation in a CIEE program is backed by an organization top colleges know and respect.
- College Partner Network: CIEE’s College Partners are ready to review applications from First Year Abroad alumni upon program completion. We provide students with a guaranteed pathway to college, if they meet the academic conditions of CIEE’s College Partners.
For the globally minded student, First Year Abroad offers:
- Incredible Global Cities: Study abroad in some of the world’s most exciting locations with the leader in international education.
- Flexible Options: Enroll for one semester (fall or spring) or a full year in one or two locations.
- Meaningful Connections: Build relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds and join a worldwide network of alumni.
For the student who wants credit, First Year Abroad provides:
- Academic and Experiential Learning: Combine international experiences with a high-quality curriculum that advances their studies.
- An Unforgettable Adventure: Explore a new country while staying on track for a 2-year or 4-year degree.
- Flexible Academic Pathways:
- Transfer to a CIEE College Partner
- Apply to the college or university of their choice
Ready to Join a Community of Inspiring Educators?
Connect with like-minded educators, access resources to support your students, and participate in meaningful travel and professional development opportunities around the world.
Opportunities For Your Students to Continue Their Education at CIEE College Partners
CIEE understands the importance of a smooth transition for students returning from life-changing experiences abroad. Our network of College Partners offers several key benefits:
- Seamless Credit Transfer: Accredited U.S. universities in our network have already evaluated First Year Abroad coursework for potential credit transfer, reducing uncertainty and streamlining reintegration.
- Global Perspective Valued: College Partners recognize the immense value of study abroad and the unique global perspective students bring to their classrooms.
- Continued Support: CIEE provides ongoing support for returning students, both abroad and in the U.S., to ensure a smooth transition back into academics.
- Reduced College Application Costs: Many College Partners offer application fee waivers for students returning from First Year Abroad programs.
Applying to colleges/universities after a transformative FYA experience can be complex. CIEE and our College Partners work together to ease this process, providing guidance and support every step of the way.
First Year Abroad
Learn more by attending one of our upcoming webinars or book a one-on-one consultation with the CIEE team to discuss student options and program details.
Blog posts
First Year Abroad: The Low Stress Option vs. The College Admissions Process
Starting college is an exciting journey filled with new experiences, personal growth, and cultural immersion. However, alongside the excitement, many college students can feel overwhelmed by the stressful college admissions... keep reading
First Year Abroad: More Than Just Great Food and Fun Travel
There’s no denying that when you think of going abroad, your mind envisions authentic international cuisine and some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. And you will get to experience... keep reading
Can a Study Abroad Program Help Me Choose a Major?
Students typically embark on a college study abroad adventure later in their college career, usually in their sophomore or junior years. By this time, many students have already chosen their... keep reading