What Does It Mean to Be a CIEE Student on a First Year Abroad Program?
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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, like typical college study abroad. But the similarities among our programs, including first year abroad, may surprise you.
Follow along as we detail what it really means to be a CIEE student on a first year abroad program.
What You’ll Be Doing as a First Year Abroad Student
Although it’s much more fun than just this brief list – what you’ll be doing as a first year abroad student is in many ways just like what you’d be doing during a college study abroad program – taking classes and earning credits, partaking in experiential learning and guided excursions, and getting to do some exciting exploration on your own. Let’s take a closer look at each of these activities.
Read More: A Week in the Life of a First Year Abroad Student
First Year Abroad Academics
Your classroom abroad will be an exciting part of your first year abroad adventure. You’ll have the chance to choose from a variety of intro-level college courses, each worth 3-4 credits, that span a variety of disciplines, including:
- Languages: German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish
- Arts: Intro to Studio Art, Music Appreciation, and Art History
- Social Sciences: World History, Cultural Geography, and Intro to Psychology
- Business: Principles of Management, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics
- Math: Intro to Statistics, College Algebra, and Calculus
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science
- Others: English Composition, Computer Science, Digital Photography, and many more!
While some college study abroad programs may be more subject-specific, the goal is the same: you’ll take fascinating courses abroad, earn credits toward your college degree, all while immersing yourself in local culture. The ultimate trifecta.
A cool feature of our first year abroad programs that isn’t as extensively included in other study abroad programs is the robust academic support in place – after all, it’s your very first year! With our tutors, support services, and academic advising teams, we’ll help you succeed in the classroom because, remember, your first year (or semester) abroad will set the foundation for the rest of your college career.
And while you’ll be prioritizing your studies, you’ll also learn from our world-class faculty and be exposed to new perspectives. Plus, your course material will really come to life with the experiential learning and exploration you’ll get to do during first year abroad, too. Ahh, the magic of studying abroad!
Read More: How Your Education Is Enhanced with a First Year Abroad Program
First Year Abroad Experiential Learning
As soon as you land in your new international city, we have you covered. First stop: CIEE’s orientation, where we’ll provide you with an introduction to the cultural and social aspects of your first year abroad location. You’ll immediately get an inside look at another country’s way of life.
Throughout your program, you’ll participate in workshops, volunteer opportunities, and career exploration with local organizations and professionals.
You’ll also get to participate in guided cultural excursions, doing some pretty incredible 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
In Berlin, Germany, learn about the Peaceful Revolution and the grassroots movement that contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall in Deipzig.
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 Housing & Meals
Your first year abroad housing and meal options will be like other CIEE study abroad programs. Depending on the program you choose, you’ll either live with a homestay family or in a residence hall. Both are fun, immersive housing options that will give you a unique experience of your new international city.
Breakfast and either lunch or dinner will be provided when you live with a homestay family, and you’ll be responsible for all of your meals when you live in a residence hall.
First Year Abroad College Admissions and Enrollment
The most significant difference between first year abroad and CIEE’s other study abroad programs is the college admissions and enrollment process.
Like college study abroad, you’ll already be in enrolled in a U.S. institution during your first year abroad, at CIEE’s academic home and school of record, Dean College. However, you won’t start your studies on the Dean College campus; instead, you’ll be abroad your first year, earning credits toward your new college degree.
And your options when you return after program are different, too. While you’ll automatically have the option to continue your studies at Dean College, you have two other paths you can take after your first year abroad experience:
- Apply and transfer to a CIEE First Year Abroad College Partner
- Apply and transfer to any college or university of your choice
We consider it a bonus to have extra options after your first year abroad!
Although there are some nuances, being a first year abroad student is no different than being a typical study abroad student. The difference is that you’re just doing your international education and travel first, as a way to start college. And as someone who prioritizes becoming a global citizen, why not do it first?