Funding
Make First Year Abroad Affordable for Your Budget
CIEE First Year Abroad programs provide students with a unique international education experience. Rather than start college in the U.S., students can spend their semester or first year of college in one of 7 incredible global destinations. Participate in a 12-week semester program earning 12-13 college credits, or complete an academic year by studying in one or two destinations.
CIEE program fees for First Year Abroad programs cover a lot, including:
• Placement with a carefully screened host family or local residence hall
• Online orientation before leaving the U.S. and in-person orientation upon arrival
• Supervision and support of local staff
• Pre-departure assistance
• CIEE-led educational trips and excursions
• International medical and travel insurance
• 24/7 support and counseling available to students and parents from CIEE headquarters staff
• Access to CIEE Alumni network
We want to make First Year Abroad (FYA) programs as accessible as possible for students who wish to apply, and we understand that a big part of that goal is offering financial support options. We’ve outlined a few different avenues to make FYA more affordable, and as you consider your options, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Option #1: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and 529 College Savings Plans
When you’re a CIEE First Year Abroad participant, you’ll also be enrolled as a full-time student at our academic home and school of record, Dean College. This means that as you apply to First Year Abroad, you’ll also be applying to college - making you eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and the ability to use your 529 college savings plan just like any other college student.
- You can complete the free application for the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during the First Year Abroad application process. This will assess your financial need, and if eligible, you’ll be awarded federal or state aid (if you’re a Massachusetts resident) that can apply to your First Year Abroad program. Use Dean’s federal school code—002144—when you complete the online application on the Federal Student Aid website. Eligible financial aid options include:
- The Federal Pell Grant (maximum award of approximately $3,695 per semester)
- Stafford Loans (federal loans) (maximum loan amount of $20,500 annually based on qualifying factors)
- The MASSGrant (Massachusetts residents only)
Pro tip! Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an idea of your potential financial aid package. Pell grants and Stafford loans can be applied to the cost of your First Year Abroad program. Learn more about these options and your maximum award amounts at studentaid.gov.
- In addition to any possible federal or state assistance, you can also apply for the Gilman Scholarship, a scholarship of up to $5,000. This scholarship supports students of limited financial means who want to study abroad, including CIEE First Year Abroad participants! Pay close attention to the Gilman Scholarship eligibility and deadlines, since they may be earlier than the FYA application deadline.
- Funds from a 529 college savings plan can be used to help cover the cost of your First Year Abroad program.
For more information on paying for your First Year Abroad program, visit Dean College's financial information page.
Option #2: CIEE Discounts
When considering your financial options for First Year Abroad, peruse CIEE’s study abroad discount opportunities, too:
• Refer-a-Friend Rewards: Earn extra cash when you refer friends to CIEE
• Alumni Rewards: If you’ve studied abroad with CIEE before, you’re eligible for money off your next CIEE program
Is First Year Abroad more affordable than a semester of college in the U.S.?
Tuition, program, and enrollment fees for CIEE First Year Abroad start at $16,800, which is more affordable than the average out-of-state college cost of $19,755, including room and board. Make sure to take a closer look at the cost of a specific first year abroad program you’re interested in for exact pricing.
First Year Abroad
Register for one of our upcoming webinars to learn more about First Year Abroad. The CIEE team will answer your questions and help you get started on the next steps towards making your study abroad dreams a reality.
Fundraising Is a Great Way to Help Pay for Your Adventure Abroad
For alumni-proven fundraising tips, download the Student Fundraising Toolkit!
Check out the video below to see how a student raised over $5,000 for a CIEE program in just six weeks
Save when you apply for an First Year Abroad academic year program
Dreaming of a full year abroad? CIEE sweetens the deal with a $1,500 discount on your second semester when you choose a full academic year. This discount is automatically reflected in the prices listed on the program page and in the application. Interested in an academic year program? CIEE offers exciting customizable First Year Abroad (FYA) programs in select locations. Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination.
First Year Abroad Blogs
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