Studying Abroad After High School
Picture yourself in Paris, strolling along the Champs-Élysées on your way to a cozy café, where you and your classmates review French vocabulary over croissants and a café au lait. Or imagine wandering a Kyoto public garden, the air filled with cherry blossoms like snow in springtime, before heading to a vibrant marketplace to practice Japanese with local vendors. These are just glimpses of the extraordinary experiences waiting for you when you study abroad after high school.
There are two exciting paths for recent high school graduates who can’t wait to go abroad: taking a gap year before starting your studies or spending your first year of college abroad. Let’s explore these awesome opportunities.
What Are the Benefits of Studying Abroad After Senior Year of High School?
The year after high school is a once-in-a-lifetime window of opportunity. This is your chance to embrace your independence and discover who you are outside your usual surroundings — so why not do that on a global adventure?
Here’s what makes studying abroad after senior year such an unforgettable and rewarding choice:
Self-Discovery
Living abroad reveals your values, beliefs, and passions in new ways, helping you understand what truly matters and paving a clearer path for your future.
Independence
Adapting to life in a new culture without your usual support system builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and self-reliance.
Language Gains
According to a NAFSA study, immersion in a foreign country lets you practice the language daily, boosting fluency and building valuable skills for today’s job market.
Community & Networking
Connect with fellow students and locals, creating lifelong friendships and a global network that will shape your worldview.
Clarity
Experiencing a different culture broadens your perspective and helps refine your personal goals and ambitions.
A Global Edge
International experience sets you apart for college, scholarships, and job opportunities, showing cultural awareness, adaptability, and resilience.
Take a Gap Year Abroad
What Is a Gap Year?
A gap year is a structured break between high school and college that allows students to pursue meaningful experiences outside of a traditional academic setting. It’s a chance to step back, recharge from the pressures of senior year, and avoid potential academic burnout.
What Do Gap Year Abroad Programs Offer?
Planning a gap year is as flexible as you want it to be. Some students choose to design their own year, piecing together travel, work, and volunteering opportunities. Others opt for structured programs that provide a clear framework, support, and logistics to make the experience seamless. Here are some elements a gap year program may include:
Gap Year Program Elements
Immersive Language Learning
Daily intensive classes and cultural immersion help you build fluency quickly while connecting with locals.
Staying with a Host Family
Share meals, traditions, and daily life with locals for a deep cultural experience and lasting bonds.
In-Country Travel
Explore nearby cities and landmarks to fully appreciate your host country’s culture and environment.
International Travel
Experience multiple countries in one year, immersing yourself in diverse cultures and landscapes.
Cultural Workshops
Engage in hands-on activities like cooking classes or traditional arts to immerse yourself in local customs.
CIEE’s Gap Year Abroad programs offer structured, enriching experiences in places like Japan, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. Perfect for language learning and cultural exchange, participants attend 15–20 hours of weekly language classes while living with host families and immersing themselves in local culture. Tuition covers housing, meals, excursions, and support like medical and travel insurance. With guidance from CIEE’s expert staff, students can explore, learn, and grow in a safe, rewarding environment.
Gap Year Abroad Eligibility Requirements
Participating in a gap year abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it comes with some essential requirements to ensure you’re prepared. Here are some common requirements:
- Age Requirement: Most programs, including CIEE’s, require students to be at least 18 years old at the time of departure.
- Recent Graduate Status: Programs are generally open to students who graduated from high school within the past year.
- Academic Standing: Good academic standing is typically required.
- Passport: A valid passport is essential for international travel.
- Visa: Depending on your destination and program length, a visa may be required.
Living abroad also requires flexibility, independence, and cultural sensitivity. For structured programs, you may need to demonstrate these qualities during an application or interview.
Fulfill Your Gen Ed Requirements Right After High School
If you don’t want to delay your first year of college — why not take your classroom abroad? A first year abroad program offers a unique opportunity to start checking off required courses while traveling the world.
What Are General Education (GE) Requirements?
GE requirements are the foundation of most college degree programs. They include courses in a variety of subjects — such as math, English, science, and humanities —that ensure students receive a well-rounded education. These credits are often required regardless of your specific field of study, making them an excellent focus for your first year abroad.
Finding First Year Abroad Programs with GE Classes
If you’re looking for a program that allows you to complete GE requirements abroad, start by researching programs affiliated with U.S. colleges or universities. This helps you ensure your credits will transfer. For example, CIEE’s First Year Abroad program partners with Dean College to offer accredited courses at CIEE Centers in cities like London, Berlin, and Kyoto. These courses align with U.S. college standards, making it easier to transfer credits when you return.
Here are four tips for selecting the right study abroad program that offers college credit:
1. Confirm Accreditation
Ensure the program is affiliated with a U.S. college or university and offers transferable credits.
2. Check Degree Requirements
Review your intended college’s GE requirements and compare them to the courses offered by the program.
3. Talk to Advisors
Consult with admissions or academic advisors at your future college to confirm that the credits will transfer.
4. Understand the Process
Ask how transcripts will be issued and what documentation is needed for credit transfer.
With the right planning, a first year abroad program can keep you academically on track while you have the adventure of a lifetime.
How Do You Transfer College Credits After Earning Them Abroad?
Transferring credits from your year abroad to your college is straightforward — with the right preparation. Joining a program designed for seamless credit transfer, like CIEE’s First Year Abroad programs, ensures your hard work abroad contributes directly to your degree.
Make sure to keep detailed records during your program. Save syllabi, course descriptions, and other documentation; colleges may request this information to evaluate credit equivalency. After completing your program, request official transcripts from the affiliated institution and submit them to your college.
Can I Really Spend My First Year Abroad?
Absolutely! As an example, let’s take a close look at CIEE’s First Year Abroad (FYA) program. Designed for recent high school graduates, this program allows you to complete your first semester or year of college in one of seven global locations while earning transferable credits through Dean College.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of program departure.
- Be a high school graduate with a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a weighted 4.0 scale.
- Have graduated no more than 18 months prior to the program start date.
- If you are currently enrolled in college, you must be in your first year and have completed no more than one semester post-high school.
- Meet health and wellness requirements, including managing self-care and prescribed medications independently.
- Be prepared to adapt to cultural differences, such as new dietary, living, and social norms.
- Demonstrate maturity, flexibility, and readiness to handle the challenges of living abroad through the application and interview process.
Visa requirements will depend on your destination, but you’ll need a valid passport. It’s essential to research the specific regulations for your chosen location to ensure a smooth application process.
This program is perfect for students ready to begin their college journey while exploring the world, meeting academic requirements, and gaining unforgettable cultural experiences.
Choosing the Right Study Abroad Program After High School Graduation
When deciding how to spend the year after high school, it’s important to think about your goals and priorities. Are you looking for time to explore or do you want to dive into college-level academics while living abroad? Both gap year and first year abroad programs offer transformative experiences, but they cater to different needs.
A gap year is ideal for students who are seeking a break from academics to focus on self-discovery, travel, and cultural immersion. It’s a time to learn outside the classroom, try new things, and return to college with clarity and confidence.
- What It Includes: Language classes, cultural activities, and excursions. Some programs may offer volunteering or internships, depending on your destination.
- Academics: Focuses on experiential learning and cultural immersion rather than earning college credits. This is perfect for students who want to explore personal interests.
- Costs: Program fees typically include housing, some meals, excursions, and local support. Additional costs may include airfare, travel insurance, and personal spending.
First year abroad programs are perfect for students who want to jumpstart their college education while experiencing life in a different country. You’ll earn transferable college credits while enjoying the benefits of studying abroad.
- What It Includes: College-level courses taught by accredited institutions, secure housing, cultural excursions, and 24/7 support.
- Academics: Classes are typically tied to a U.S. partner institution to ensure transferable credits. Subjects may include humanities, STEM, or social sciences.
- Costs: Tuition includes housing and excursions. Meals, textbooks, and personal expenses may require additional budgeting.
Explore Study Abroad Directly After Your Senior Year
Taking the leap to study abroad after high school is a life-changing decision. Whether you choose a gap year to immerse yourself in new cultures or a first year abroad to fulfill General Education requirements in a global setting, both paths offer unique opportunities for growth, independence, and a broader perspective. For more inspiration, explore CIEE’s programs and start planning an unforgettable beginning to your college journey.
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