choose your own adventure
109 programs. 36 countries. Maybe you know where you want to go already, or maybe you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. Where do you start? Here are a few questions (and answers) to help you think about how to choose a program and make the study abroad experience your own.
where do you want to go?
Is there a part of the world you’ve always wanted to know better? A country you’ve studied that you’d like to see for yourself? A city you’ve dreamed about since childhood? That’s a place to start, but don’t finish there. Learn everything you can about the countries you’re interested in: research on the web, read books, ask professors and study abroad advisors, talk to exchange students. Once you have a place or two in mind, pick up a CIEE catalog for that region to find out your options: Africa/Middle East, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, or Spain (because we have so many programs there). Look for our Summer catalog to learn about the 21 programs we offer in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
what do you want to study?
If you’ve always thought about going abroad to polish your French, your course may be clear. Take language classes to fine-tune your grammar, practice your conversation skills after class in cafés or at the market, maybe even take a few classes directly through the host university if your skills are up to it. CIEE has language-focused programs with specialized coursework designed to improve your Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, or Chinese while introducing you to the local culture—whether you are an absolute beginner or have been studying for years.
But CIEE also has a number of programs that concentrate on specific fields, like marine ecology, teaching, business, service-learning, grassroots development, and studio arts. For some of these programs, advanced knowledge of the host country language is required; on others, you’ll study the language for the first time while focusing on what you came to study.
On other programs, you can choose what you’ll study from a wide range of subjects fulfilling your major or just your latest interests. On some, you’ll enroll in specially-designed CIEE courses; on others, you’ll enroll directly in university courses and study alongside local students or in courses specifically created for international students. Some classes are taught in English and some are taught in the local language, depending on the program. Everything is in English, of course, in English-speaking countries like Australia, Ireland, and England.
Whatever your interest, you’ll find that many CIEE programs are very hands-on and include field work, internships, volunteering, or independent study. See where your interests lie by looking at the chart you’ll find in the front of each CIEE catalog. There, you can compare the educational focus—as well as many other program features—for each CIEE program in that region.
when do you want to go?
Depending on the program, you can choose to go abroad for the fall or spring semester; semester programs range from 14 to 24 weeks. Other programs let you continue your studies for a full academic or calendar year, ranging from 36 to 53 weeks. If you’d rather go during the summer, CIEE offers long and short-term programs (from 10 days to 8 weeks) during June, July, and August.
how much change are you ready for?
Some places have cultures more similar to the one you’re used to, some less. Be aware of differing attitudes toward things like gender, ethnicity, and economic and educational opportunities. Stay open-minded, learn to adapt to the society around you, and behave in ways that are thoughtful and respectful. In the best experiences, what you believe, your values, and even who you are will be challenged in some way. That’s how you’ll learn the important lessons that aren’t part of any curriculum.
how do you want to immerse yourself?
Studying abroad is always an immersion experience, but certain things affect how deep the experience will feel, especially initially. In some places you can study in English while in others, you study only in your host country language. In some cities (like Amsterdam), many locals speak English; in others (like Ferrara), fewer do. Some places have large international or American student populations; others don’t. On some programs you live with CIEE students, on others with international students from around the globe, and on some in the same house with—and as part of the life of—a local host family.
Especially in places where language and culture can be isolating at times, tutors and peer mentors are often available to help. If you take it upon yourself to get involved with local people through activities like volunteering, conversation exchanges, and university clubs, you’ll be amazed to see how quickly you find friends—and a new home a thousand miles away.