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 to apply? How much does it cost to study abroad? There's a lot to learn about your high school graduate's unique path to starting college. 

With CIEE, rest assured your soon-to-be college student is in good hands. CIEE takes care of the bulk of planning and has insightful parent resources to help with everything else. Here's what every parent should know when their teen chooses to spend their first year abroad.  

1. Know How to Apply  

Once your teen has decided to participate in a First Year Abroad program, it's time to begin the application process.  

This is what they'll need to do to apply:  

• Check their eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school GPA of 2.7 or higher. Students must be within 18 months of graduation and have never completed college. 
• Collect required application documents: Your teen will need a passport valid at least six months after the program end date, their high school diploma and transcripts and parent consent.  
• Choose their desired destination: CIEE FYA programs take place globally and students can choose from a variety of program locations. 

2. Know Basic Travel Information  

After submitting their application and receiving word of their acceptance, it's time to begin preparing for travel!  

Here is what every parent and legal guardian needs to know when it comes time for their teen to travel abroad:  

• Who books the flights: Participants are responsible for booking travel to and from their study abroad destination.  
• What about insurance: FYA students are enrolled in complimentary travel insurance while they're abroad and can use any coverage from a primary insurance provider.  
• What's allowed on the program: On their CIEE First Year Abroad, students can travel independently within any program requirements, and loved ones can come to visit. However, students are not allowed to work due to visa restrictions.  

3. Know What Living Abroad Is Like 

As it gets closer to leaving for their year abroad, you're likely curious about what life will be like once they step foot in their new country. 

While every program is different, in general, this is what you can expect in their daily life:  

• Their accommodation: Students live with carefully screened host families or safe residence halls. 
• Commuting to school: Most participants take public transportation to get to class.  
• Coping with the language barrier: Classes are taught in English, so there is no barrier there, but students are encouraged to practice the local language while they navigate life abroad.  
• Banking internationally: Most U.S. debit cards work abroad for pulling cash out of ATMs, and a travel credit card is recommended for emergencies.   

4. Know CIEE’s Safety Standards 

Many parents have safety concerns about going abroad, but CIEE takes great precautions to ensure participant safety and well-being.  

Some of the most common safety concerns parents may have include: 

• Staying in touch: Your teen should move abroad with an unlocked smartphone and a plan to get a local SIM card so they can always have a way to communicate.  
• On-site support: CIEE support staff are on the ground to help students whenever they may need it, 24/7. 
• Emergency information: Participants receive online orientation before they leave, which helps them learn important social and cultural norms of their host country, including essential information for what to do in an emergency.  

5. Know College Credits and Deferment 

CIEE’s First Year Abroad programs are an excellent way for your student to prepare for success! They’ll have the amazing opportunity to earn college credits that can satisfy general education requirements.  

But they’ll potentially need to do a little college prep before and after their program, including: 

• Deferring admission: If your student chooses to study abroad after getting accepted to a college, they can defer admission so that they can participate in a study abroad program. In most cases, colleges will allow students to defer their admission. However, it’s important to check directly with the school about their deferment policy. 
• Transferring credits earned abroad: Students in CIEE First Year Abroad programs will have to decide what to do after their first year. All participants earn between 12-13 credits with Dean College through an Associate’s Degree of General Studies. Those interested in going to school somewhere other than Dean College can choose to transfer to CIEE partner college, or any other college of choice. 
• Transferring credits aren't guaranteed: Those who choose not to continue at Dean College or at a CIEE partner college need to do their research with the receiving college or university regarding whether they will honor credits for courses completed abroad. FYA courses are designed to meet the general education requirements of many U.S. colleges. But it depends on the institution. 

6. Know the Costs of Studying Abroad and Financial Aid 

The price of studying abroad vs studying in the U.S. isn't too different. In fact, the cost for CIEE First Year Abroad is as low as $16,800, which is less than the national average of $19,755 for out-of-state tuition.  

However, students can also take advantage of other cost-saving options to help make studying abroad more affordable: 

• Applying for FAFSA: First Year Abroad participants are enrolled with Dean College as full-time students and can apply for financial aid through FAFSA for their program tuition costs.  
• CIEE Funding Options: CIEE also offers discounts to those eligible and recommends students apply for scholarships.  

First Year Abroad Can Set Your Teen Up for Success 

Your student's first year of college is the beginning of the rest of their life. Completing their first year abroad offers a meaningful way for them to earn college credit and return home ready to complete their studies as a globally minded young adult.  

Learn more about CIEE’s First Year Abroad programs options.