Gap Year Abroad Blog
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What to Expect from the 2025 CIEE Virtual Fair
Planning a gap year can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. Between choosing a destination, figuring out funding, and knowing where to start, there’s a lot to consider. That’s where... keep reading
Host Family 101: All Your Questions Answered!
The host family experience is one of the most meaningful components of a Gap Year Abroad. It’s where the real cultural immersion happens—from language to food to daily traditions—and where... keep reading
Is a Creative Writing Gap Year Right for You?
Graduation is coming, and the future feels big—thrilling, uncertain, and rushing closer every day. Maybe you’ve planned your next steps, or maybe you’re still figuring things out. If you’re a... keep reading
7 Tips for Learning Spanish While on a Gap Year Abroad
The Spanish immersion participant experience while on a CIEE Gap Year Abroad is the absolute best way to learn the language. While abroad, you'll hear, read and speak Spanish everywhere... keep reading
Best Tips to Stay Fit While Studying Abroad on a Gap Year
During your gap year abroad, sharing meals with new friends and trying new dishes will be a big part of your experience. With food taking such a central place, you... keep reading
How to Ensure Your First Week Abroad Is a Success
Going abroad for a gap year is like stepping into the most exciting chapter of your life—a time filled with new experiences, friendships, and opportunities. The adventure of a lifetime... keep reading
Your Quick Guide to Taking a Gap Year in Spain
A gap year in Spain is the opportunity to take time after high school to pursue an international learning experience before beginning a formal college education. It's exciting to see... keep reading
How to Handle Culture Shock While on a Gap Year Abroad
One of the biggest study abroad tips is learning how to deal with culture shock. Culture shock is, for most people, an inevitable part of living abroad. However, we can... keep reading
How Are Gap Year Abroad Host Families Screened?
Staying with a host family is an exciting opportunity to connect with the local culture while on your CIEE Gap Year Abroad. Host families offer a welcoming environment and an... keep reading
What Parents Should Know Before Their Teen Goes on a Gap Year Abroad
So, your independent teen with dreams of living abroad has taken it upon themselves to do a gap year after high school? Spending a gap year abroad can be a... keep reading
How I Adjusted to Spanish Life During My Gap Year in Spain
Maxine G., a CIEE Global Navigator alum, describes her Gap Year Abroad in Sevilla, Spain. She highlights how all her experiences broadened her perspective and made her gap year a life-changing adventure.
Why a Gap Year Abroad Is the Perfect Next Step for Your Teen
If you have a teenager getting ready to graduate high school, you may have heard of the idea of a "gap year" and have questions about it. A gap year... keep reading
Discoveries within the Daily Life of Kyoto
If you’re here, you’re looking right at the immersive program at CIEE. Maybe you have questions: What will life be like? What to expect, what to be aware of, and... keep reading
The GAP Program in Berlin: The experience of Henrik Rauch
We are always looking to hear how the experience of our students has been no matter which program they did. That’s why we take time to listen them and get... keep reading
Everything You Need to Know About Taking a Gap Year
Thinking about taking a gap year abroad? You may have a lot of questions varying from cost to length of time, and even where to go. Big decisions can be... keep reading