High School Graduates
When you graduate high school, you’ll have two incredible ways to see the world with CIEE
Choose the Program That's Perfect For You
Gap Year Abroad
Experience the World Before College
For recent high school grads who want to travel, explore, and experience a new culture before attending college.
College First Year Abroad
Complete Your First Year of College Abroad
For recent high school grads who want to complete their first year of college abroad while pursuing their passions as a global citizen and staying on track to graduate in four years.
How It Works
Gap Year Abroad
Take language or writing classes abroad to gain independence, focus, and global perspective before starting your college career. Choose from programs in 6 cities for 12-weeks in either the fall or spring, or both!
Take classes, head out on CIEE excursions or cultural activities weekly, lean on 24/7 CIEE support, all while having the freedom for personal exploration.
College First Year Abroad
Complete your first semester or year of college abroad and earn 12-14 U.S. college credits!
Upon your return, decide the path you want to take to earn your degree:
- Option A: Apply to a CIEE partner college or university to ease the transfer credit process
- Option B: Use your international experience to impress the admissions team at the dream school of your choice.
Questions About CIEE High School Graduate Programs
Graduates have many options beyond immediately enrolling in college, including studying abroad, taking a gap year, learning a language, volunteering, traveling, or gaining professional experience.
Yes! Many students choose to spend a trimester, semester, year, or gap year abroad after graduating from high school to gain independence, explore new cultures, and prepare for future academic goals.
Depending on the program, students may be able to earn transferable college credits while living abroad before beginning their studies on a traditional college campus.
International experiences can help students stand out by demonstrating qualities that colleges value, including adaptability, initiative, cultural awareness, and a commitment to learning.
Students often develop valuable skills such as independence, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, intercultural competence, and confidence before beginning their college experience.
While both options allow students to live abroad after high school, a gap year typically focuses on personal growth and cultural immersion, whereas a first year abroad program allows students to earn college credits while staying on track toward a degree.
contact options
Have Questions?
Check out the College First Year Abroad FAQ page or the Gap Year Abroad FAQ page for more information on the application, pre-departure process, costs, and more.
Need Further Assistance?
For more help, call our team at (866) 583-0332 or send us an email at hsabroad@ciee.org.
Want to Schedule a Call?
If you want to schedule a call, find a time with a CIEE Enrollment Coordinator in your area on our bookings page.