College First Year Abroad
Start College Smarter. Start College Abroad.
A World-Class Start to Your College Experience
With CIEE College First Year Abroad, your college journey begins not on a U.S. campus, but in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Spend your first semester (or year) earning transferable credits, developing independence, and building the kind of global skills that will set you apart in college – and in life.
Traditional colleges promise preparation, but fewer than 1 in 10 employers, students, and parents believe graduates are equipped with the real-world experiences they need. Meanwhile, research shows students with study abroad backgrounds develop invaluable skills that help them succeed in college and beyond. By starting your higher education journey abroad, you’ll gain the confidence, global perspective, and resume-boosting opportunities that today’s competitive world demands.
CIEE College First Year Abroad takes the guesswork out of the college application process and offers a path to admission at a CIEE college partner, all while providing you with an unforgettable start to your college experience in one of 11 iconic locations abroad.
College First Year Abroad Programs
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
Discover the diversity of Buenos Aires, a melting pot of different cultures with immigrants from all over the globe.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Explore museums, castles, and the palace of Queen Margrethe.
- Kyoto, Japan
Japan’s most historic city and the hub of traditional old-world culture.
- London, England
Enjoy access to eight royal parks in the heart of the city and more green space than any comparable location in the world.
- Madrid, Spain
Madrid, where tapas are a highlight of local café tables, soccer cheers echo from Santiago Bernabéu, and lively plazas hum with music and conversation.
- Merida, Mexico
Surrounded by Mayan ruins, colorful markets, and the warmth of Yucatán life, Mérida offers an extraordinary backdrop.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
Live on the edge of the world-famous Costa Rican cloud forest.
- Paris, France
Explore unforgettable sites from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Prague, Czech Republic
Visit cobblestone streets, historic bridges, and a castle overlooking dozens of churches, squares, and green spaces.
- Rome, Italy
Explore the world’s most breathtaking cultural destinations like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
- Seoul, South Korea
Combine your dreams of travel and university by spending your first year in Seoul, South Korea’s dynamic capital.
How does it work?
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Create Your Course Plan
Select from hundreds of courses taught in-person by local faculty or online through Arizona State University (ASU). Earn an official transcript from ASU and Tulane University, CIEE’s School of Record.
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College Meets Culture
Call a new country home while taking college classes, learning a new language, and joining excursions and cultural activities with peers.
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Transfer With Confidence
Earn 12-14 credits per semester, then transfer them to your college of choice. Use your international experience to stand out in admissions – or pursue a seamless pathway with a CIEE partner college.
Why CIEE College First Year Abroad?
- A Smarter Start: Get ahead by gaining real-world skills like independence, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving.
- Affordable: Programs start at $9,500 – less than a typical U.S. semester – with scholarships available.
- Flexible: Spend one semester or a full year abroad. Stay in one location or split your time in two 6-week blocks for a comparative experience.
- Connected: Join a global network of students, faculty, and CIEE alumni while gaining support from our 75+ years of expertise.
Discover the World’s Coolest Cities
Paris, Kyoto, Buenos Aires, and more await! Explore where you could launch your first college semester – and your future.
Find Your Favorite Courses
Choose from CIEE’s 6-week blocks or online classes through ASU in subjects like calculus, psychology, art history, Spanish, economics, biology, and more. (Some pre-requisites exist for higher level courses).
Popular courses include:
- Introduction to Composition I
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Calculus I (Lab Course)
- Pre-Calculus
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Mass Communications
My program is complete. What's Next?
Transfer to Your Dream School
Arrive back in the U.S. with credits, global experience, and confidence to excel at the college of your choice. Admissions officers value students who show academic excellence and a clear purpose – your semester abroad proves both.
Continue with a Partner College
CIEE maintains strong partnerships with U.S. colleges that provide smooth transfer pathways when academic conditions are met.
You put your college experience first. We put you first.
For more than 75 years, CIEE has helped students explore new cultures, learn new skills, and achieve academic goals. With dedicated Center Directors, expert support staff, and industry-leading safety practices, we make sure your College First Year Abroad is life-changing – and life-building.
College First Year Abroad Blogs
Why It’s a Good Idea to Study Abroad Your Freshman Year
Many students dream of traveling after high school but face pressure to start college right away. The good news? You don’t have to choose between college and adventure. It's totally... keep reading
6 Things Parents Should Know About Their Teen's First Year of College Abroad
As a parent or legal guardian of a teen who is considering spending their first year of college studying abroad, you'll want to know what to expect for them. How... keep reading
8 Benefits of Earning College Credit While Abroad
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to see the world and grow as a person at any stage of your academic journey. While there are many excellent travel programs open... keep reading
contact options
Have Questions?
Check out our 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 CFYA@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.