First Year Abroad Blog

​​Plenty of high school students spend time imagining what it’s like to be in college. While your number one priority in college should be earning your degree, there’s a lot... keep reading

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... keep reading

Attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community vary around the world. It's of the utmost importance that no matter where you go, you do a little pre-trip planning to ensure your safety... keep reading

Moving abroad for your first year of college is an exciting experience that comes with a wide range of firsts, including leaving behind the friends and family you have at... keep reading

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that fills your life with unforgettable memories. Now, imagine adding the excitement of celebrating your birthday abroad to that mix! Marking your special day... keep reading

Starting your first year of college is a super exciting journey! You can look forward to having many new experiences and finding amazing friendships. As you navigate this new chapter... keep reading

Throughout your teen’s college decision process, the best thing you can do is offer as much support and assistance as possible so they can make the best decisions for their... keep reading

If you know you want to travel and even live abroad, your first year of college is the perfect time to start. CIEE's First Year Abroad program lets you make... keep reading

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... keep reading

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to see the world and experience a new culture, but can it help with your academic career in a practical way? In short, the... keep reading

Studying abroad has the reputation of being expensive, but it doesn't have to be! You may be surprised to learn that the fees for a CIEE First Year Abroad program... keep reading

Saying goodbye as your teen embarks on their study abroad program is bittersweet! You know they're off on a grand adventure, but as parents, you're likely worried about their safety... keep reading

When your teen embarks on their first year of college abroad, it's normal to have many questions about their experience. CIEE takes participants' First Year Abroad safety very seriously and... keep reading

Living with a host family is one of the best ways to experience a new place while studying abroad. For recent high school grads on their CIEE First Year Abroad... keep reading

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to see the world and grow as a person at any stage of your academic journey. While there are many excellent travel programs open... keep reading

It’s hard to think about what comes after a study abroad adventure when you just can’t wait to get started! But because First Year Abroad is such an important step... keep reading

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... keep reading

Getting into your dream college may sound daunting, but it certainly doesn’t have to be, especially when you have CIEE for support. Let’s dive into some recommendations! How to Pick... keep reading

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

“When is the best time to study abroad?” This is a question we at CIEE hear often. The good news is any time is an excellent time to go abroad... keep reading

First year abroad programs are seriously amazing. Yet, like anything, they can come with some challenges and learning curves. After all, you are exploring an unfamiliar country with its own... keep reading

The age-old study abroad question: should I study abroad for a semester or year? And while both are great options, the answer really depends on the individual. Let’s take a... keep reading

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. You’re likely seeing it mentioned on the news and social media; it’s probably even been a topic in your classes or school assemblies. But there’s... keep reading

In addition to keeping everything straight when it comes to the college admissions process, you may have recently started hearing and reading about how it’s undergoing some significant changes. As... keep reading

You might’ve heard words like “deferred” and “waitlisted” before but might not know precisely what that means for the next step in your college journey. As you start this new... keep reading

As you prepare for the college application process, you’re likely asking yourself and your mentors around you, “What looks good on college applications?” It turns out there are quite a... keep reading

There are many details to keep in mind when applying for college. And when you’re also interested in a post-high school study abroad program like CIEE Gap Year or CIEE... keep reading

Applying to college may seem overwhelming. There are all these varying deadlines and application requirements, and each application seems to include slightly different writing prompts than the last. We get... keep reading

Starting college is an exciting journey filled with new experiences, personal growth, and cultural immersion. However, alongside the excitement, many college students can feel overwhelmed by the stressful college admissions... keep reading

As you prepare for a first year abroad adventure, we know that you’re starting to get organized and planning your to-do list – and that includes understanding your financial options... keep reading

Ahh, you’re getting closer to your first year abroad adventure. We’re so excited for you. But before you go, a few logistics still need to be ironed out – like... keep reading

When choosing a first year abroad program, you want to go with a program that delivers on its promises: high-quality education, adventures galore, and support when you need it. Let’s... keep reading

Did you know that studying abroad for a semester can make you more employable? It’s true! Studies show that students who have studied abroad have a greater intercultural understanding, can... keep reading

When you’re a student interested in first year abroad, that means you’re also a student who prioritizes education and wants to impress a college admissions team. And when you complete... keep reading

If you’re considering a first year abroad program for an exciting freshman year of college, first, excellent choice, and second, it’s time to decide which specific program is right for... keep reading

Considering a first year abroad program? Excellent choice! You might be asking yourself, “Is studying abroad worth it?” And we’re here to tell you that, all considered, it certainly is... keep reading

When you’re considering your options for after high school graduation, whether it be college, getting some professional experience, or considering programs abroad, it’s normal to have a lot of questions... keep reading

If you’re a recent high school grad asking, “How to convince my parents to let me study abroad,” or if you’re a parent of a recent high school grad who’s... keep reading