Immersive Learning
Enhance Your Education with First Year Abroad
Forget the ordinary Freshman year – on a CIEE First Year Abroad (FYA) program you'll be learning by doing, exploring, and connecting with people from all over the world. Imagine showing up to campus with stories of volunteering at an environmental organization in Costa Rica or shadowing professionals at a non-profit in London. Your time abroad will make a lasting impact on your future, while you learn about different cultures and build your resume with some seriously cool experiences.
First Year Workshops
CIEE First Year Abroad will assist students in developing self-management, interpersonal communication, and personal development skills. In our interactive First Year workshops, students learn valuable life skills while getting to know themselves and learning how to manage their emotions. Students will get to know others, appreciate differences, and learn how to manage interpersonal conflicts. Student will also build resilience by acquiring skills that turn challenges and adversity into opportunities for personal growth.
Volunteering
Give back and create a deeper connection to your location. Students will be able to volunteer at local organizations, youth centers, schools, or other local places. Examples of past volunteer opportunities have included locations such as:
- Non-profits in bustling London, England
- Local retirement homes, arts institutions, youth centers, and homeless shelters in Rome, Italy
- Environmental organizations, farms, and schools in eco-conscious Monteverde, Costa Rica
Career Exploration
When you go abroad on a CIEE First Year Abroad program, you won’t only advance in your studies, you’ll also gain valuable experience for your future, too. On FYA, you’ll have the opportunity to shadow professionals, volunteer in interesting industries, and discover the reality of different careers. You'll learn work practices, expectations, and maybe even picture your future role.
You will also forge lasting connections with professionals and peers worldwide. This international network can offer career support, advice, and global insights, fueling your professional growth. And an international experience on your resume speaks volumes – it's a testament to your passion, curiosity, resourcefulness, and courage. Qualities that make you not just a skilled employee, but a well-rounded human being too.
Guided Cultural Excursions
On an FYA program, you’ll get to participate in guided cultural excursions, doing some amazing things like:
- Go on an overnight excursion to the White Heron Castle in Himeji during your Kyoto, Japan program
- In Barcelona, Spain, explore Roman ruins in the coastal city of Tarragona, the medieval town of Girona, and the Dalí Museum in Figueres, among many others
- On the Sydney, Australia program, visit Canberra, Australia’s capital, and learn more about the country’s parliamentary government while seeing world-class architecture and attractions
During your first year abroad, you’re likely to run into other CIEE students participating in different programs, like college study abroad, since there will be a crossover between CIEE cultural excursions. You’ll soon grow a pretty extensive CIEE network that’ll go global!
First Year Abroad Blogs
How Your Education Is Enhanced with a First Year Abroad Program
As you consider CIEE’s First Year Abroad options, we know that you’re passionate about seeing the world and becoming a global citizen. But one incredible feature of this program that... keep reading
What Does It Mean to Be a CIEE Student on a First Year Abroad Program?
We get it. You have questions. As the newest program in CIEE’s portfolio, first year abroad may seem different than other intercultural exchange programs you might be more familiar with... keep reading
Can I Travel to Other Countries During a First Year Abroad Program?
As soon as you study abroad, the world opens up even more. Literally. On program, you’re closer to different countries, you’ll embark on different cultural excursions, and you’ll meet people... keep reading