How To Study Abroad

Your Guide to Planning the Trip of a Lifetime

You’ve heard the stories … now it’s time to plan your own.

A successful study abroad journey begins with an organized itinerary. You’ll need to have an idea of where you’re going, when you’ll travel, what you’ll study, and what you want to see. Mapping out these basics will prepare you for the exciting adventure to come!

To help you get started, our itinerary planner covers everything you’ll need to consider. From beginning your application to applying for financial aid, we’ve got your back every step of the way!

5 Steps for Study Abroad Success

Step 1: Map out your Journey (Now)

Consider which time of year is right for you to travel: spring, fall, summer, or January
Get inspired by our 40+ incredible cities around the world
Discover your perfect program based on your subjects & disciplines
Consider if you would benefit from a part-time or full-time internship abroad
Explore our flexible Open Campus Block program if you desire the flexibility to customize the length, destination(s), and courses of your journey abroad
Research which scholarships and grants you qualify for; we offer millions in need-based, merit-based, and program specific awards

Step 2: Get Expert Guidance to Chart Your Course (9 – 12 Months in Advance)

Schedule time(s) to meet with your school’s study abroad office (if applicable) to get direct one-on-one support planning your journey (each school handles study abroad differently, so check in with your school to see how they manage study abroad)
Meet with your academic advisor to ensure your study abroad plan aligns with your academic goals, graduation plans, and overall career path
Begin chatting with your parent(s)/guardian(s) about your study abroad dreams (if you’re not sure how to talk to your parents about study abroad, use our suggestions
Connect with a CIEE Admission Advisor to sort through your options at CIEE (our advisors can even help you start your application)

Step 3: Take Action Before You Take Flight (6 – 9 Months in Advance)

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to apply for your passport! Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end date of your program
Keep track of program deadlines to submit your CIEE application and your school’s application (if applicable) on time
Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your application to save on your study abroad program cost and fees (one simple application will automatically consider you for all the scholarships and grants you may qualify for)

Step 4: Pre-Departure Advising

If applicable, apply for a student visa
Select the courses you plan to take on your program and provide your housing preferences to CIEE
Consult with your doctor about your study abroad program
Connect with your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor about any questions you have ahead of your journey
Attend a live online orientation hosted by our Center Staff abroad for you and all the other students on your program

Step 5: Bon Voyage!

Start packing for the trip of a lifetime
Ready, set, jet
Share your experiences abroad with us on social media so we can follow your journey and use #CIEEStudyAbroad on all posts:
- Tag us on Instagram
- Tag us on TikTok
- Message us on Facebook
- Join us on Threads

Frequently Asked Questions

The Passport Tasks are optional for application submission; our Enrollment Team will still review your application if the tasks are incomplete. Once you receive your renewed passport, please be sure to complete the task. However, please be aware that some programs require a visa. Reach out to inquire@ciee.org to inquire when you need a passport by to start the visa process.

Students can participate in a CIEE program unaffiliated with their college/university; this is called studying as an Autonomous Student. As an Autonomous Student, please note that your grades will not be reported back and sent to an institution, fees are due by the program start date, and students cannot use federal financial aid. Students must speak with their school's study abroad office to see if they can study as an Autonomous Student.

To be eligible for a College Study Abroad program, all applicants must have matriculated at their college/university for at least one semester with grades on a transcript to present at the time of applying. Please check the individual program for any additional requirements.

Please work with your study abroad office at your university/college to determine whether the courses you will take at CIEE will transfer over.

The CIEE Enrollment team reviews applications on a rolling basis. Generally, the application review window for spring and January programs typically opens in August and the application review window for summer and fall typically opens in February.

If you have not heard back in 3+ weeks, reach out to inquire@ciee.org for guidance.

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