Level Up High School
Experience Deep Immersion During Your Semester Abroad. Come Home a Stronger Student and College Candidate.
Differentiators
CIEE Immersion In Programs
CIEE High School “Immersion in” programs are traditional high school abroad experiences that include a placement in a local high school and with a local host family. You will live the life of an ordinary teen in one of 6 amazing locations for a trimester, semester, or full academic year. This is your best option if you are looking for the most authentic and immersive experience.
CIEE Semester In Programs
CIEE High School “Semester in” programs are new hybrid programs that include placement with a local host family and courses in English through a combination of classes in person at a CIEE center and asynchronously online through our partner ASU Prep Global. You’ll study with a cohort of other committed CIEE students and enjoy immersion in one of 6 locations for a semester or full academic year. This is your best option if you want to build your own course schedule and secure credit transferability with your home school ahead of your trip.
Study Abroad Scholarships
CIEE High School Semester Abroad programs make it possible for you to go global and build up your academic profile ahead of college applications. Coming this fall, merit and need-based scholarships will become available to make this program more accessible to all.
What Are the Benefits of Going Abroad During 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 or study at a CIEE center abroad
- Live with a carefully screened host family (except for Monteverde, where they will live in dorm-style housing on the CIEE campus)
- Get to know their host countries as a local
- Have the support of CIEE staff every step of the way
After participating in the program, students gain a global perspective, intercultural skills, communication skills, language skills, independence, and maturity—and life-long friends, too.
To discuss your options with a CIEE Enrollment Coordinator, schedule a call.
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.
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 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 near each location, our students are guaranteed 24/7 support from local CIEE staff while they are on program. Safety is our #1 priority and students receive international insurance to cover accidents or illnesses throughout their stay.
- Airfare to and from your country
- Visa guidance and support
- Carefully-screened homestay (except for Monteverde, where students will live in housing on the CIEE campus)
- Placement in local high school or high school classes at a CIEE center
- 3 meals per day (dietary needs can be accommodated)
- Pre-departure advice and orientation
- CIEE led excursions
- Comprehensive medical and travel insurance
- 24/7 Emergency on-site support
All CIEE High School Semester Abroad programs include placement with a carefully-screened host family except for Monteverde, where students will live in dorm-style housing on the CIEE Monteverde campus. 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.
Yes, but it is important to plan ahead. It is up to each student to talk with your high school guidance counselor before traveling abroad to ask about the classes you will miss and the steps to earn semester credits.
Most U.S. high schools are supportive and able to outline the process for how credit transfer works and what documentation you will need to request while abroad.
Students participating in our semester in programs will receive sample transcripts, providing you with examples of possible courses to show your school administrators and ensure your credits will transfer.
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.
This fall, merit-based awards of $500, as well as larger scholarships based on both merit and financial need, will become available. Need-based applications will require a short essay, academic transcript, and proof of household income (such as a 1040 tax form).
Also, with the Priority Deadline Discount, students who apply early to their program receive a $400 discount. Another way to make their program more affordable is through fundraising.
DOWNLOAD STUDENT FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT
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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