How First Year Abroad Can Help You Figure Out Your College Major
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Earning college credit and fulfilling your general education requirements abroad is more than just a valuable academic opportunity—it can open your eyes to new experiences and ways of thinking, which in turn can help lay the groundwork for your future.
Here's how CIEE First Year Abroad programs can help you figure out your college major!
1. Taking General Education Courses Abroad Can Spark Inspiration
During your first year abroad, you'll be taking general education courses that are not only a requirement to graduate but will help you become a well-rounded student. These courses are designed to provide you with essential foundational knowledge and equip you with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to complete your chosen major.
Plus, the general courses you take abroad allow you to study topics you've never explored before, and you may find a new interest along the way.
Read our blog Can You Fulfill Your College General Education Requirements Abroad?
2. Pushing Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone Expands Your Way of Thinking
Stepping outside of your comfort zone can affect the way you view the world and yourself. It can boost your confidence, spark creativity and inspire you to think outside of the bounds of what you've always known.
This kind of personal growth and internal shift may push you to think about new college majors you hadn't previously considered.
3. Finding Out If the International Path Is Right for You
Spending your first year of college abroad provides you with firsthand experience of navigating life in a different culture. You'll be encouraged to adapt to new social norms, build connections with locals and adjust to living in a foreign country—a rare opportunity to discover if a globally focused major is right for you.
You may even want to pursue more international options after studying abroad, like working, volunteering or continuing your college education overseas.
4. Discovering If Your Passion Is Career-worthy
When you study abroad, you have the chance to fully explore your passions, whether it’s learning a new language, doing photography or travel writing. Striking out on your own and taking time to focus on hobbies in a new country can help you gauge if it’s something you’d enjoy pursuing long-term and find ways to connect it to your major.
3 Options You Have After Your First Year Abroad
Part of planning your freshman year overseas means considering what comes after your first year abroad. Here are a few options you have:
1. Complete Your Studies at Dean College
When you return home from your First Year Abroad program, you have the option to continue your studies at Dean College at the Franklin, Mass. campus. As part of your participation in CIEE’s First Year Abroad program, you are a fully matriculated student at this U.S.-based college making the transition home seamless.
2. Apply to a Participating Partner College
With CIEE's nationwide network of partner colleges, you can choose to transfer your studies with ease to participating schools. CIEE's partner schools have an arrangement to accept the college credits you've earned abroad with CIEE and participants can even save money on the application process with CIEE's help.
3. Transfer to the College of Your Choice
Lastly, returning FYA students can choose to apply to transfer their credits to any college of their choice. CIEE's FYA courses are designed to fulfill standard general education requirements at most universities in the nation. You should contact your school of choice to inquire about their transfer process for international credits.
Kick Off Your College Career with a Bang on a First Year Abroad Program
CIEE’s First Year Abroad program sets new college students up for an exciting start to their college career. You’ll see a new part of the world and make lifelong friends while staying on track to complete your college degree on time.
Discover which CIEE First Year Abroad Program is best for your first year of college.