Worried About Sending Your Teen Abroad?

Here’s How CIEE Supports Your Teen Every Step of the Journey 

Sending your teen abroad is exciting, but it’s natural to worry about safety, support, and how they’ll adjust. 

Since 1947, CIEE has helped thousands of high school students explore the world with confidence while giving parents peace of mind. From pre-departure prep to 24/7 on-site support and post-program guidance, we’re there every step of the way. 

This blog walks through how CIEE supports teens before, during, and after their study abroad journey, and how that support helps them build independence for college and beyond. 

Before Takeoff: Comprehensive Pre-Departure Support 

Preparation starts long before your teen leaves home. CIEE’s online pre-departure course, Know Before You Go, walks students through safety, packing, culture shock, and host family expectations. There may also be country-specific safety requirements, such as vaccines, to take care of before departure. Parents receive their own checklists and updates through the Parent Portal, so you always know what’s coming next. 

Learn more in the High School Semester Abroad FAQs. 

24/7 On-Program Safety and Support 

Once your teen arrives, CIEE’s top priority is their safety and well-being. Every program includes 24/7 in-country and U.S. emergency support, so help is always just a call away. 

Students are supported by local CIEE staff based at the study center in their host city. These experienced professionals maintain close relationships with host families, schools, and community partners, ensuring that every student has consistent, caring oversight throughout the semester. 

Participants live with carefully screened host families, follow clear curfews, and check in regularly. CIEE also provides comprehensive medical and travel insurance through iNext and encourages enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time safety updates about their host country. 

With these layers of support in place, parents can relax knowing their teen is in safe hands, free to learn, grow, and explore with confidence. 

Read more on the Safety Abroad page. 

Academic and Personal Growth Support 

CIEE High School Semester Abroad programs strike a balance between academic challenge and personal growth. Students have access to CIEE’s local study center, where staff provide ongoing academic and personal support, and a welcoming place to ask questions or get help adjusting to school life abroad. Their host families are also valuable guides, offering language practice, homework help, and insight into local customs. 

There are two academic pathways, each with its own structure and level of immersion: 

• Immersion In Programs place students in local high schools, where classes are taught in the host country’s language. Teens learn alongside local peers, build fluency, and gain firsthand experience with a new education system and culture.
• Semester In Programs combine in-person classes at a CIEE center with online coursework through ASU Prep Global, an accredited U.S. high school partner. This model keeps students aligned with U.S. graduation requirements while they explore life abroad. 

Whichever path they choose, students can always rely on CIEE center staff for academic and emotional support.  

Staying Connected: How CIEE Keeps Parents in the Loop

Parents never have to worry about being out of reach while their teen studies abroad. CIEE encourages families and teens to stay in touch regularly through FaceTime, WhatsApp, or email updates, finding a rhythm of communication that feels natural and reassuring for everyone. 

Parents also receive regular updates through the Parent Portal and newsletters from local CIEE staff, keeping them aware of important milestones, logistics, and program highlights. And if questions or concerns ever arise, CIEE staff are always reachable, with 24/7 emergency support available both in-country and through the U.S. team. 

After the Adventure: Continued Support and Growth 

CIEE’s support doesn’t end when your teen comes home. After the semester abroad, students receive re-entry guidance to help them adjust to life back in the U.S. and process everything they’ve experienced. Many keep in touch with their host families and friends abroad, maintaining connections that continue to shape their global perspective. 

Students are also invited to join the CIEE Global Ambassador network, which helps alumni stay connected, share their stories, and inspire other students to study abroad. These opportunities build leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging in a community of globally minded peers. 

Peace of Mind for You, Growth for Them

CIEE High School Abroad programs are designed to give parents peace of mind and teens everything they need for an incredible international experience. From safety measures and caring host families to dedicated local staff and 24/7 support, every aspect is thought through to keep students secure and supported throughout their semester abroad.  

That foundation allows teens to focus on what matters most—learning, exploring, and building confidence that lasts long after they return home. They come back with new perspectives, lifelong friendships, and the independence to thrive in college and beyond. 

Ready to let your teen explore the world? Check out our High School Semester Abroad Programs.