High School Semester Abroad Programs
In 9 Amazing Global Destinations
Discover High School Abroad
CIEE High School Semester Abroad programs let you spend 3 months to a full academic year enrolled in a high school in one of 9 destinations around the world. Live the life of a local student, make lifelong friends, and immerse yourself in all that your destination offers. Don’t miss the chance to truly get to know a new place, gain independence, and stand out on college applications!
What Are the Benefits of a Semester Abroad in High School?
High school students are open-minded, and experiencing a new country and culture can make a lasting, positive impact in their future. On CIEE high school semester abroad programs, students:
- Experience total immersion
- Attend a reputable, well-established high school
- Live with a carefully-screened host family
- Get to know their host countries as a local
- Have the support of CIEE staff every step of the way
After participating on program, students gain a global perspective, intercultural skills, communication skills, language skills, independence, and maturity—and life-long friends, too.
To learn more about local school placements and host families, read more about what to expect on program. To discuss your options with a CIEE Enrollment Coordinator, schedule a call.
9 Semester Abroad Destinations
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Bike-friendly streets, music festivals, and college-town culture make Denmark a big draw for students from throughout the world.
- Toulouse, France
Improve your language skills as you soak in the richness and diversity of French culture.
- Berlin, Germany
Study and live in Germany as you soak in the local culture and grow your language skills each day!
- Dublin, Ireland
Live with an Irish family, study at a local school, and revel in a unique cultural wonderland.
- Florence, Italy
Become fluent in Italian in the birthplace of the Renaissance.
- Kyoto, Japan
Become fluent in Japanese as you live and study in the heart of this unique and lively Asian culture.
- Yucatan, Mexico
Surround yourself with tropical landscapes and ancient temples while living in Mérida, one of the safest cities in North America.
Perfect your Spanish and soak in the vibrant culture of daily life in Spain.
Questions About High School Semester Abroad
Founded in 1947, CIEE is the most tenured and largest international exchange nonprofit organization in the U.S.
Our high school semester abroad programs include carefully-screened high schools and host families as well as group excursions, which are made possible by our decades of experience and in-country resources. With our own study centers at each high school semester abroad location, our students on program are guaranteed 24/7 support from local CIEE staff. Safety is our #1 priority and students receive international insurance to cover accidents or illnesses throughout their stay.
- Airfare to and from country
- Visa Guidance and Support
- Carefully-screened housing
- Placement in local high school
- 3 Meals/Day (Dietary Needs Accommodated)
- Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
- Access to WIFI
- CIEE-led Excursions (France, Spain, Germany, and Japan)
- Comprehensive Medical and Travel protection
- 24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Yes, all CIEE high school semester abroad programs include placement with a carefully-screened host family. On program, students will be in a safe and nurturing environment, improve their communication skills, and be fully immersed in their country’s customs and culture.
It is up to each student to talk with their high school guidance counselor before traveling abroad to ask about the classes they will miss and the steps to earn semester credits abroad.
Most U.S. high schools are supportive and able to provide options, such as online classes or the combining of classes into one semester upon returning.
While abroad, the host school may provide transcripts or other documentation of the courses taken. It is the responsibility of each student to coordinate with their school officials abroad to receive that documentation.
Prior to departure, CIEE provides high school semester abroad students a packing list tailored to their program destination. Included in the readings section of their MyCIEE account, the list helps students remember to bring the most important items!
As a rule of thumb, students should be sure to pack the following items:
- Personal documents
- Medical prescriptions to last for the entire program
- Electric adapter/plugs
- Laptop, entertainment devices, and/or games
- Appropriate clothes for the time of the year and country’s weather
It is important to bring any other necessary item that may be difficult to get while living outside the U.S.
With the Priority Deadline Discount, students who apply early to their program receive a $400 discount to help lower their high school semester abroad costs. Another way to make their program more affordable is through fundraising.
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.
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