For Parents

See Your Teen Explore the World

CIEE First Year Abroad (FYA) programs offer your teen a life-changing college experience in 1 of 7 global destinations. From the smallest travel planning detail to the coordination of the full experience in-country, CIEE provides support to keep them safe, reaching their academic goals, and living the freshman year of a lifetime!

Learn about Student Safety

What Parents and Guardians Want to Know

What is FYA?

How It Works

Make First Year Abroad Affordable

Parent Info Session Video

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An Experience That Will Help Set Your Teen Up For Succes

First Year Abroad offers a high-quality study abroad experience that colleges and universities know improve retention rates, grade point averages, degree completions, transfer rates, and career placements (according to NAFSA’s compilation of independent research measuring the impact of study abroad).

For students still considering their college plans, FYA pairs the experiential and international learning they love with the high-quality curriculum in:

• Arts & Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Business
• STEM

Is My Teenager Ready to Study Abroad?

In today's rapidly changing world, global skills and cultural understanding are increasingly important. Studying abroad can be a transformative experience for teens, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in a globalized world. The teenage years are a period of peak open-mindedness and adaptability, making it the perfect time to dive into a cultural immersion program.

However, the decision to study abroad should ultimately be their own. Some students feel ready as early as freshman year, while others may prefer to wait until later in college.

Excursions that Ignite Learning

Beyond the classroom, CIEE First Year Abroad (FYA) programs offer an exhilarating mix of excursions tailored to each location, enriching your student's academic journey with real-world experiences. Boating along the River Cam in England, visiting an environmentally focused coffee plantation in Costa Rica, and explore the shores of the Mediterranean...these are just a few of the experiences that await your student on a FYA program.

Here's a glimpse of what your student can expect:

• Culturally enriching activities: From visiting historical landmarks to tasting local cuisine, your student will gain a deeper understanding of the host country's culture and traditions.
• Exhilarating adventures: Whether it's hiking through breathtaking landscapes, boating down scenic rivers, or trying their hand at a new hobby, your student will have the opportunity to push their boundaries and create lasting memories.
• Opportunities for personal growth: Through interacting with local people, navigating unfamiliar situations, and developing new skills, your student will gain confidence and independence

Explore the Sample Activities section of each program page to discover the incredible experiences waiting for your student on FYA.

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