Your Academic Options
Two Ways to Study Abroad in High School
Sharpen your language skills, build independence, gain confidence, and discover more about yourself on a high school semester abroad. Our programs give you unforgettable experiences while preparing you with valuable skills for college and beyond.
Your time abroad helps you stand out, giving you an edge in today’s competitive college admissions process. In fact, our alumni have gone on to study at top universities, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Georgetown, NYU, and UC Berkeley.
But before you leave, make sure your credits transfer. Check with your high school to confirm if—and how—your grades earned abroad will count toward graduation.
Grades & Credits
Each of our High School Semester Abroad immersion host countries have a Ministry of Education that controls the curricula for all students throughout the country. It’s important for you to work closely with your U.S. high school guidance counselors or other officials to ensure that credit for courses taken abroad is granted and transferred.
Our semester in programs utilize a hybrid learning model, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of study abroad with the peace of mind that all your credits will transfer. Join in-person classes led by local CIEE instructors and take online courses through ASU Prep Global, accredited by Cognia, for courses like:
- Mixed Media Arts: Local Life
- World Languages: Foreign Language & Culture
- Math
- English
- Elective of your choice in a subject like Fine Arts, Social Studies, and more! Explore ASU’s course catalog for examples.
Tips Before You Study Abroad
CIEE offers two options for your high school semester abroad: immersion in a local high school or taking CIEE-taught courses alongside fellow high school students. No matter which program you choose, it's important to work closely with your school guidance counselors or other administrators to ensure you receive credit for courses taken abroad.
Tips to prepare for your semester abroad:
- Meet with your home school officials to determine if they will accept the credit you earn abroad. Your school also determines how the grades earned abroad are translated on your transcript.
- Plan ahead to stay on track with required classes. Many of our participants complete some graduation requirements, such as English and U.S. History, before their High School Semester Abroad program.
- Stay in contact with your counselors and administrators. Email your study abroad class schedule to your home school once you are settled into your semester.
- If you choose an immersion program, ask your host school for a list of courses you completed. Most host schools don't automatically issue transcripts.
See our FAQs for more information on course requirements, housing, and more!
Building Skills for Life
Navigating today’s interconnected world requires a range of 21st-century skills, with world languages and cultural awareness at the top of the list. That’s why our high school study abroad programs focus on full cultural immersion in countries all over the world.
Regardless of which CIEE program you choose, academic excellence is always a top priority. The lessons you learn abroad with CIEE will boost your academic career and catch the eye of college admissions officers.
Our programs also spark personal growth in surprising ways that help you become self-confident and ready to take on new challenges, meet new people, and be comfortable in new situations, whether at home or abroad. In just a few months, you will become:
- A globally aware young adult who understands and appreciates other cultures
- A strong communicator—in both your native language and a second (or third) one!
- A flexible, independent thinker
- Adept at handling a range of situations and challenges
- More marketable to colleges
- More mindful of your interests and talents
High School Semester Abroad Blog
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High School Semester Abroad
Register for one of our upcoming webinars to learn more about our High School Semester Abroad programs. The CIEE team will answer your questions and help you get started on the next steps towards making your study abroad dream a reality.
More Information
Still Have Questions?
Check out our FAQ page for more information on the application, pre-departure process, costs, and more.
Further Assistance
For more help, call our team at 1-866-583-0332 or send us an email at hsabroad@ciee.org today.
Schedule a Call
If you want to schedule a call with a CIEE Enrollment Coordinator in your area, find a time on our bookings page.