Launch Your Future with CIEE College First Year Abroad or Gap Year Abroad
Ready to Set Yourself Up for College Success?
CIEE's College First Year Abroad and Gap Year Abroad programs help you do just that.
With CIEE College First Year Abroad, your first semester or year of college kicks off in one of the world's most exciting cities. Earn transferable college credits and build valuable global skills that will set you apart for your future. What's new:
- Programs now start at $9,500 - less than a typical U.S. semester — with scholarships available!
- Spend one semester or a full year abroad. Stay in one location or split your time in two different locations for 6 weeks each.
- New locations in Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Madrid, Merida, Paris, Prague, and Seoul.
The new suite of CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs allows you to spend a semester (or two!) abroad, finding the focus that's just right for you. There are three program types to choose from:
- Language & Culture: Improve your fluency with 15-20 hours of language courses per week while you explore your new city
- Internship & Culture: Explore a career in a field you're passionate about while immersing yourself in a new culture
- European Tour: Take an urban adventure across multiple European destinations to make the most of your Gap Year Abroad
- New locations in Abu Dhabi, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Milan, Madrid, Nice, Rome, Shanghai, Seoul, Sydney, and Toulouse.
Fill out the form to learn more about both programs!
Amazing Destinations
Fall, spring, or both! Explore your options to create your dream semester or year abroad.
Make Lifelong Friends
Connect with students from diverse backgrounds and form meaningful friendships that will last a lifetime.
Questions? We've got answers.
After you fill out the form, visit our FAQ page to learn more about admission, cost, safety, and more.
Choose From 21 International Destinations
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Intern in a global hub where modern architecture and innovation meet tradition.
Barcelona, Spain
Stroll down busy boulevards lined with cafes, shops, and street performers while snacking on churros or a ham croquette!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dive into the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, known for its passionate tango, colorful neighborhoods, and Latin American soul.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town offers a blend of urban, natural landscapes, and diverse cultural experiences.
Copenhagen, Denmark
With its charming canals, castles, and world-class design, Copenhagen offers an inspiring location to explore.
Florence, Italy
Find your muse in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Kyoto, Japan
Experience the magic of Japan by exploring ancient Buddhist temples or watching the sunrise from the bright-orange torii gates on Inari Mountain.
London, England
Dive into a location where everything is iconic! From the landmarks, to the world-class theater, to the street fashion, London is on the forefront of it all.
Madrid, Spain
Live in a city renowned for beautiful plazas, lively nightlife, and art museums. Madrid is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Spanish culture.
Merida, Mexico
Discover a city rich in Mayan and colonial history, known for its architecture and warm hospitality.
Milan, Italy
Milan offers an urban experience with art, architecture, and modern innovation all packed into one iconic city.
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Nature fans will love the rainforest-covered mountains blanketed in lush, green trees.
Nice, France
Soak up the sun on the French Riviera while exploring a city known for its beautiful coastline, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and artistic heritage.
Paris, France
Inspiration fills the air in Paris. Writers, artists, and composers from around the world have been drawn to this city for centuries. Become one of them!
Prague, Czech Republic
Make your mark in the Czech Republic, a burgeoning hub of contemporary art, design and innovation.
Rome, Italy
Live and learn among world-famous masterpieces of architecture and fine art.
Seoul, South Korea
Hone your Korean skills in the buzzing metropolis of Seoul. This is a dynamic city where ancient palaces stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers.
Seville, Spain
Stroll down cobblestone alleys, poke your head in local shops, and enjoy a slow, laid-back pace during your time here.
Shanghai, China
Experience a city that's a blend of East and West. Shanghai offers an incredible opportunity to live at the center of global commerce and culture.
Sydney, Australia
Iconic white-sand beaches, unique coastal ecosystems, and sustainable urban landscapes makes the city of Sydney, Australia the perfect spot to live and learn!
Toulouse, France
Known as "La Ville Rose" (the Pink City), Toulouse is famous for its rose-colored brick architecture and youthful energy.
Features of a Gap Year Abroad vs. First Year Abroad
| Gap Year Abroad | First Year Abroad | |
| College credit | X (Optional) | X |
| Language immersion | X |
|
| Programs in Kyoto | X | X |
| Programs in Barcelona, London, Monteverde |
| X |
| Programs in Paris, Seville, Berlin, Florence | X |
|
| Semester or academic year | X | X |
| Homestays | X | X |
| Residence Halls | X | X |
| Excursions | X | X |
