Your CIEE Academic Options
Two Ways to Keep Your Credits on Track While Studying Abroad
Only 2% of American high school students study abroad, and even fewer spend a full semester abroad. Make your high school experience extraordinary—and your college application unforgettable. With CIEE High School Semester Abroad, immerse yourself in a local culture while choosing from two academic models: placement in a local high school or designing your dream schedule at a CIEE center to study abroad with confidence, knowing your credits will transfer.
CIEE Immersion In Grades & Credits
CIEE Immersion In programs place you in local high schools for the most immersive and authentic experience. Each country and school sets its own class schedules and does not share these ahead of your study abroad experience. It’s important for you to work closely with your U.S. high school guidance counselors or other officials to understand how credits can transfer for the courses you take.
CIEE Semester In Grades & Credits
CIEE Semester In programs make it easy for you to select your schedule and review it with your high school prior to departure. Our hybrid learning model allows you to enjoy the benefits of study abroad with the peace of mind that all your credits will transfer. If your goal is to stay on track for graduation, this is the program for you!
With CIEE Semester In, you’ll join a cohort of peers for four in-person classes in the following topics adapted to your location:
- Mixed Media Arts: Local Life
- Foreign Language & Culture or Literature
- Environmental Science or Science: Smart Cities
You’ll also take three online courses through ASU Prep Global, accredited by Cognia, for courses like:
- 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
No matter which CIEE High School Study Abroad program you choose, it's important to work closely with your school guidance counselors or other administrators to learn about your school’s credit transfer policies and what steps you need to take to ensure credit transfer if that is what you want to prioritize.
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, outside of their High School Semester Abroad program.
- Stay in contact with your counselors and administrators. If you select a CIEE Semester In program, you can review your schedule prior to departure. If you select an CIEE Immersion In program, you will email your class schedule to your home school once you are settled into your semester. With both programs, it’s important to maintain communication with your school!
- If you choose a CIEE Immersion In program, ask your host school for a list of courses you complete. Most host schools don't automatically issue transcripts.
See our FAQs for more information on course requirements, housing, and more!
High School Semester Abroad Blog
How to Talk to My U.S. High School About Credits Earned Abroad
If you are preparing to study abroad in high school for a semester or an academic year, don't forget about one critical step—determining with your U.S. high school if you... keep reading
How School Counselors Can Help High School Students Study Abroad
During guidance counselor appreciation week, we’d like to show our gratitude for the important role that school counselors play in shaping students’ futures. Whether you’re scheduling classes, resolving conflicts, or... keep reading
10 Top Tips for Learning a Language While Studying Abroad
For young adults planning to attend high school abroad, you're likely looking forward to the chance to travel, meet new people and learn a new language. Studies show that the... keep reading
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.