Earning College Credit

With CIEE First Year Abroad, your semester is divided into two six-week blocks (instead of a traditional 12-week schedule). This block format lets you focus on fewer classes at once, giving you more time to explore your new city and immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll still earn 12-14 credits – just like a traditional semester –  but at a pace that helps you adjust to college academics while living abroad. Plus, the structure allows for earlier feedback and more support to keep you on track.

You'll also take these engaging courses and join cultural excursions alongside other U.S. college students, creating a dynamic learning environment and opportunities to make friends. Along the way, you’ll build a CIEE network that connects you across the country and around the world.

From STEM to English – and everything in between – CIEE First Year Abroad offers something for everyone! Highly trained local instructors guide you in small classes that emphasize active learning. Short lectures are enhanced with activities that foster inquiry, like creative projects, case study analyses, panel discussions, visits to local sites, conversations with peers, and reflections. Activities are built to impart knowledge and gain critical skills: Academic, social, and emotional. All coursework is delivered in English.

Choose Your Classes  

Classes are taught in English in U.S.-style classrooms. Each block, you'll enroll in 2-3 six-week courses, so you'll return to the U.S. with credits and confidence. Examples include:  

• 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.

You can also choose up to two CIEE x ASU online courses from 3,000+ options, giving you even more flexibility!

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

• An overnight excursion to the White Heron Castle in Himeji during the Kyoto, Japan program
• A long peaceful ride on a wooden boat (also known as punting) in London, England
• A visit to a sustainable coffee farm in Monteverde, Costa Rica

You will also have the opportunity to shadow professionals in popular local fields and volunteer at local organizations, youth centers, schools, or other local places.

Our academics include a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, from course design to instructor training and course content. Emphasis is placed on 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 academic staff will be there to support you with resources and guidance on academic norms, study habits, and success strategies for your first year of college. Tutors are available to you and are experienced educators with expertise in their subject areas. They provide assistance with core course concepts, study strategies, academic writing, research, and time management.  

In classes, you will be graded on the U.S. A-F scale and grading is based on attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in the course syllabi.