I Want to Apply to a CIEE First Year Abroad Program. What’s the Process?
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If you want to know more about applying to a CIEE First Year Abroad program, you’re in the right place! Follow along as we detail how to apply and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
How Do I Apply to Study Abroad?
Before we dive into your First Year Abroad application, let’s review applicant eligibility. All students who want to apply to First Year Abroad must meet the following requirements:
- 2.7 minimum high school GPA
- Must be 18 years or older at the time of program departure
- A recent high school graduate – no more than 18 months post-high-school graduation
- Must be in your first year of college, having completed no more than one semester of college post-high-school graduation
Check out our detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria to triple-check that you meet all requirements.
After confirming your eligibility for the program, our recommended next step is perusing CIEE’s First Year Abroad programs to determine your preferred program. Consider factors like timing, cost, location, academic courses, and excursion opportunities to help narrow your choices. We’re available to answer any questions you may have, too!
Now, you can officially apply to First Year Abroad! Let’s get into it.
CIEE First Year Abroad Application
You’ll complete your First Year Abroad application through my.ciee.org, a CIEE portal to keep track of your application and other related items.
Your application will consist of several details, including:
- Personal information like your name, address, and date of birth
- The name of your high school
- Preferred CIEE program, high school graduation year, and where you want to go
- Emergency contacts
- Passport information
- High school transcripts and GPA
- A recommendation letter from a previous or current instructor
- Questions regarding your health and wellness
- Three program location choices
- A few questions for CIEE to get to know you better
- Legal guardian acknowledgment form
After completing your application, the next step is to be patient while we review it! We know – the waiting is the hardest part.
After you’re accepted, you’ll be directed to our academic home and school of record, Dean College (a fabulous institution in Massachusetts), to complete the college’s separate application. Like CIEE, Dean College’s application process is relatively straightforward and shouldn’t take more than ten minutes to complete. Remember, as a First Year Abroad student, you’ll also be enrolled at Dean, but you must be accepted by both CIEE and the school before moving forward with your First Year Abroad program.
Read More: Q&A with the President of Dean College
We know – that seems almost too simple, right? But it really is! Of course, you likely have some more questions (just to be sure). For peace of mind, we’ve outlined our responses to some of your most frequently asked questions below!
#1: When Should I Apply for Study Abroad?
This is a great question, especially regarding First Year Abroad, because the timing of these programs is different from a typical college study abroad experience during your later college years.
Remember, when you apply to First Year Abroad, you’re applying to start college, so you should submit both your CIEE application and your application to Dean College around the same time you’d submit any other college application, which typically happens during your senior year of high school. Most college application deadlines fall in early springtime during your second semester before high school graduation, so we recommend submitting your First Year Abroad application around the same time.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About the College Admissions Process
#2: Do I Need a Visa to Study Abroad?
Another excellent question! It can get complicated. Due to the length of the First Year Abroad program, you do not need a visa. However, if you’ve traveled to Europe in the last six months or hold a non-U.S. passport, please get in touch with us to discuss this in more detail.
Although you may not need a visa, you must have a valid passport to join First Year Abroad. If you already have a passport, make sure that it will be valid for six months after your program ends. If you need a new passport or need to renew your existing one, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Important note: Do not wait until the last minute to apply for a passport! The process can take months and participants will not be refunded for their program if their passport does not arrive in time for their departure.
#3: How Do I Apply for a Scholarship to Study Abroad?
First Year Abroad programs start at $17,000, and your one-time CIEE fee covers a lot, including:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Pre-departure advising
- Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
- Orientation
- On-site staff
- Cultural and/or co-curricular activities
- Excursions and/or study tours
- Travel protection
- 24/7 emergency on-site support
You’re also eligible to apply for financial aid directly through Dean College! Make sure to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and use Dean College’s federal school code (002144), to assess your financial need. If eligible, you’ll be awarded federal or state (if you’re a Massachusetts resident) aid that can apply to your First Year Abroad Program.
In addition to any possible federal or state assistance, if you’re a student of limited financial means, you can also apply for the Gilman Scholarship. To be eligible, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program.
To apply, all you’ll need to do is upload the first page of your FAFSA Student Aid Report and proof of your CIEE application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. If accepted, awardees may receive up to $5,000 towards their study abroad program.
CIEE also offers several discounts and alumni-proven fundraising tips in our Student Fundraising Toolkit. Make sure to check them out!
Read More: Funding for First Year Abroad
When asking yourself how to apply to study abroad, take each step in the application process in stride! Carefully review your application requirements, know your options, and always feel free to contact us if you’re feeling stuck! You’ll be starting your First Year Abroad adventure before you know it.