Your CIEE Semester Abroad Journey
Two Unique Study Abroad Options
With CIEE, you can choose the program that is right for you—immersing yourself in a local high school with local high school students or joining fellow high school students for U.S.-aligned courses in a world-class destination. No matter what you choose, you are certain to make unforgettable memories on your semester abroad.
CIEE Immersion In Programs
Spend a trimester, semester, or academic year attending classes in the native language at a local high school, where you may be the only American. CIEE Immersion In programs include:
- Placement in a reputable, well-established public or private high school
- Living with a local host family
- Immersing yourself in a local community through cuisine, traditions, and daily life
CIEE Semester In Programs
Spend a semester abroad completing U.S.-aligned coursework with a small cohort of students, making it easier to transfer credit to your own high school. CIEE Semester In programs include:
- Individual course selection before departure for credit transfer approval from your home high school
- In-person classes with high school peers, led by local CIEE instructors
- Online courses through ASU Prep Global, accredited by Cognia
- Living with a local host family or in dorm-style housing
- CIEE Global Gateway Academy, a 3-week orientation and leadership class at the beginning of your semester with all other CIEE students in London, UK
Activities & Excursions
Live and breathe the local culture every day of the week. Discover your host town and region inside and out with your new local family and friends. After school, join in optional extracurricular sports and activities. On weekends, take part in organized daytrips and excursions to hike, bike, and explore historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and places of unforgettable natural beauty.
College Success Starts With a High School Semester Abroad
Leverage your study abroad experience to enhance your college applications with CIEE College Access, our exclusive college planning resource. After your semester abroad, CIEE College Access directly connects you with admission officers at top colleges and universities, helping you shape your study abroad experience to strengthen your college applications through monthly workshops, Q&A sessions, and more. The best part—CIEE College Access is included with your CIEE experience at no additional cost.
Together with our college partners, we’re committed to:
- Making College Planning Accessible – Expert guidance without the high cost of private counseling.
- Sharing Insider Knowledge – Direct access to admissions officers from top institutions.
- Investing in Your Future – Setting you up for success in college and beyond.
Preparing to Study Abroad
From meeting with guidance counselors to applying for passports, the study abroad planning process has many moving parts. Every school is different, but all can agree that studying abroad offers a world of experience and new learnings. This guideline details a number of important things to keep in mind and look out for, up to a year before your intended departure.
Things to Do Before Studying Abroad for a Semester
- Discuss your study abroad interests, school policies, and how to stay on track for graduation
- Research which study abroad program is right for you
- Submit your application to the study abroad program
- Receive acceptance into a high school abroad program
- Share your study abroad course schedule with your high school guidance counselor, and work with them to choose your ASU Global Prep online courses to maximize credit transfer
- Talk to your guidance counselor about earning credit for your program abroad
- Receive placement details
- Attend predeparture orientations
- Get answers to lingering questions
- Start getting excited!
- Pack
"Out of Your Comfort Zone" Podcast
Check out this episode of our podcast to hear from our Ambassadors Abroad about their experiences in Spain, France, and Japan!
High School Semester Abroad Blog
The Eye-Opening Differences Between American and Japanese High Schools
Post written by Ambassador Abroad , Luna, who is currently participating in our High School Semester Abroad program in Kyoto, Japan ! Read more to learn about her experience thus... keep reading
Cultural Differences Between the USA and Spain
Hi! I’m Mara and I’m studying as a high school exchange student in Spain for 9 months this year. Spain has been a rollercoaster so far. There've been a ton... keep reading
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
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.
Differentiators
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.