Gap Year Abroad Blog
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7 Proven Benefits of a Gap Year Abroad
Taking time off before college can change everything. A gap year abroad gives you the freedom to step outside your comfort zone, meet new people, and see the world from... 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
6 Ways My Gap Year Abroad Gave Me a Head Start at the University of South Carolina
This post was written by CIEE Global Navigator alum Maxine G. who participated in the Global Navigator Marketing Internship in spring of 2025. She is now in college at the... keep reading
How to Keep Up Your Spanish After High School Graduation
You just spent years learning Spanish in high school! When your daily classes are over, you worry about losing everything you worked so hard to build. All that effort, just... keep reading
In the Age of AI, Is Learning a Different Language Still Worth It?
Here's what travel looks like in the age of AI. You're in a bustling street market overseas. You're trying to buy something delicious, but you're not quite sure what it... keep reading
How To Continue Learning French After High School
You just spent years studying French—now is not the time to stop! In fact, learning French after high school can be way more fun. Now that you’ve got the basics... keep reading
Postponing College Admission? 5 Ways a Gap Year Abroad Can Help You Succeed
If you’ve landed on this blog, chances are you’re already considering college deferment—but maybe you’re not entirely convinced it’s the right choice. Here’s the truth: there are plenty of legitimate... keep reading
Gap Year Abroad Activities to Highlight on Your Resume
Your gap year abroad is so much more than just adventure travel. Your experiences abroad, especially on a gap year focused on language and cultural immersion, help shape you as... keep reading
2 Pros and 2 Cons of Taking a Gap Year Abroad
Young adulthood is go, go, go and chock-full of studying. If you are a high school student that’s about to graduate and head off to college, you might be finding... 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
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 to Defer College Acceptance for a Gap Year Abroad
More and more graduates are taking a gap year after high school, for good reason! A gap year abroad provides an opportunity to spread your wings and see the world... 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