The new suite of CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs allows you to fit in a study abroad semester (or two!) in your gap year with the focus that’s right for you. Choose from 3 program models: Language & Culture, Internships, or Multi-Destination!
A gap year is the time between high school graduation and college, when students can defer their college enrollment to travel, gain new skills, pursue internship opportunities, and more. Learn more about the benefits of CIEE's unique approach.
CIEE is accredited by the Gap Year Association having demonstrated excellence in the field of gap year education and passed all required standards approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Interested in starting college abroad with a CIEE First Year Abroad program instead? Learn more here! Or check out our summer, semester, or academic year programs for high schoolers.
CIEE's High School Semester Abroad programs include carefully-screened host families as well as group excursions, which are made possible by our decades of experience and in-country resources. With our own study centers near each location, our students are guaranteed 24/7 support from local CIEE staff while they are on program. Safety is our #1 priority and students receive international insurance to cover accidents or illnesses throughout their stay.
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Introducing CIEE First Year Abroad (FYA), a program where you complete your first year or semester of college in 1 of 7 incredible global locations. ..(more)
Up for an adventure like no other? Our Global Navigator summer abroad programs take you way outside your comfort zone, far away from home. Explore a different culture in more than 35 amazing destinations across the world. Come home with new skills, newfound passion, a broader perspective – and maybe even college credits! Find out more! ..(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Kyoto lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Japanese culture. Live and learn in Kyoto!..(more)
Your gap year in France will take you to Paris, Toulouse, and Nice where you’ll enjoy the support and freedom to discover yourself before college...(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Rome lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Italian culture. Live and learn in Rome!..(more)
Delve into the science of climate change surrounded by Costa Rica’s lush rainforest. Discover its impact on tropical ecosystems as you explore the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and meet with local farmers, scientists, and activists. Quantify tropical tree growth, estimate carbon stocks, and measure environmental effects of greenhouse gases in the living laboratory that is the CIEE Monteverde eco-campus...(more)
Explore air and space engineering in the vibrant cradle of future technologies, Toulouse. Feast your earthbound eyes on supersonic airliners, rockets, and space stations. Get insights from engineers on how to address global challenges through engineering, like sustainable transportation or the energy crisis. Work with other Global Navigators to define a real-world problem and design a solution. Then, put your solutions to the test modeling them in computer simulations!..(more)
Live, learn and explore in one of the safest and most beautiful cities in Mexico. People come here to visit ancient Mayan ruins and amazing geological formations, yet still discover so much more. Mérida was ranked the second safest city in the American continent in 2020, the Best Small City by Condé Nast Traveller, acknowledged as the American Capital of Culture by Unesco, and recognized as one of the 10 Best cities to travel by Forbes and Lonely Planet?..(more)
Teeming with biodiversity, the Mediterranean Sea supports more than 17,000 different species, making magnificent Mallorca in the western Mediterranean a special place to focus on sustainability. Here, where Marine Protected Areas abound, you will learn firsthand about marine organisms and their interactions with coastal and marine ecosystems...(more)
Intern in Buenos Aires, where an up-and-coming startup scene meets cosmopolitan culture, giving you a head start on your professional journey. ..(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in London lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in British culture. Live and learn in London! ..(more)
It’s hard to think of a place more passionate about pop culture. In Tokyo you’ll find multi-story arcades, galleries, cinemas, libraries, shops, and museums dedicated to gaming and your favorite pop art forms. On this 3-week cultural immersion, you’ll follow both tracks (one after the other) to gain a broad knowledge of all three creative arts and industries...(more)
Dive into Japanese language and pop culture. Fascinated with anime and manga? Looking to learn the Japanese language or improve your proficiency? In this highly immersive program, you will spend time each day after your language classes interacting with members of the community...(more)
Your gap year in Florence strikes the ideal balance of structure and independence, giving you the freedom to grow, discover yourself, and prepare for college...(more)
Explore Europe during a multi-destination gap year in Madrid, Rome, and Paris, where structured learning and cultural immersion help you grow before starting college. ..(more)
Your gap year in Spain will take you to Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, where structure and freedom allow you to learn more about yourself before college...(more)
What’s it all about? K-pop (short for Korean pop music) covers a range of musical styles, from electronic and dance-pop to hip hop and R&B. The craze is characterized by cutting-edge music videos with striking audiovisual elements, trendsetting fashion, and highly skilled choreography. Creative use of art, graphics, costumes, and color make this an art form well worth studying. ..(more)
A gap year in Milan, Florence, and Rome offers the right balance of structure and independence, allowing you to dive into Italian culture before diving into college...(more)
Sashay into the unique fashion classroom of Paris. Through expert-led classes, experience the design process from conception to production. Learn how designers work with patterns, sketches, prototypes, and 3D renderings and use these techniques in creating your own fashion designs...(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture. Live and learn in Monteverde!..(more)
Interested in playing sports, making arts and crafts, and helping kids learn about teamwork? Join forces with a local nonprofit organization serving underprivileged children and teens in Santiago and help run a summer camp project with local teens. You’ll gain valuable leadership and coaching experience while playing a part in improving the lives of approximately 400 children and youth who might otherwise spend their days on the street...(more)
If you ever dreamed of running your own business, this program is where you want to start! With an entrepreneurship education expert as your mentor and guide, join a small group of future business leaders like you on a journey across Europe’s startup hot spots...(more)
Whether you dream of becoming a diplomat or are fascinated about problem-solving on a global scale, this three-week adventure will open your eyes to the inner workings of global institutions and how their decisions affect communities around the world, including yours...(more)
In Paris, find the perfect balance of structure and independence, giving you the freedom to explore France and yourself before heading off to college...(more)
Master the art of negotiation and learn to advocate for peace in Tallinn. Estonia offers a unique perspective on diplomatic relations. This small country between Russia and northern Europe has achieved political and economic progress in a short period of time—largely due to its diplomacy. From the country’s capital, Tallinn, get ready for an inside look at the day-to-day tasks of diplomats!..(more)
Go behind-the-scenes to discover how companies tackle modern engineering challenges.
Gear up to explore a variety of engineering projects in and around Berlin. Through expert-led classes and hands-on workshops, learn firsthand about German technology, innovation, and production. Team up with other Global Navigators to propose a real-world solution to a contemporary engineering problem! ..(more)
Take part in a traditional tea ceremony and Taiko drumming. Learn the art of making sushi, soba noodles or wagashi sweets. This immersive experience is all about soaking up the centuries-old Japanese customs and culture all around you. For a taste of the here-and-now, you can still find popular shopping districts, video-gaming arcades and sidewalk vending machines selling unique products (from socks to pizza slices!) to round out the experience...(more)
Picture yourself living in the heart of the city, right around the corner from the famous “wedding cake” white monument in Piazza Venezia and only 10 minutes walking distance from the Colosseum; trying your hand at a range of applied art techniques, from ancient to contemporary; taking Italian cooking lessons to prepare and enjoy scrumptious meals; or playing pick-up soccer or volleyball in your spare time. ..(more)
Explore the bushland, grasslands and deltas in this world-renowned biodiversity hotspot alongside an expert guide and conservationist. Track giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, and more. Examine issues in protecting wildlife and ecosystems in Botswana while balancing human needs, conduct interviews and surveys, see conservation techniques in action as you gain first-hand experience in wildlife conservation...(more)
This program brings together students like you, who want to make a difference in their community and the world. And it all starts with self-awareness. As you explore Irish culture through the lens of intercultural studies, you'll also investigate your own cultural background and identity. What is your leadership style? What social justice issues are you passionate about? How can you make a difference in your community back home?..(more)
Craft your own narratives against the backdrop of ancient castles, winding lanes, and spectacular landscapes. Grasp the depth and breadth of Scottish literature in Edinburgh, the birthplace of Arthur Conan Doyle and Iain Banks. Through expert-led workshops, immerse yourself in gothic narratives, crime tales, and mythological legends and develop storytelling tools and techniques...(more)
Despite major advances in the educational system in Ghana, inequity still exists among students, with gender, geography (rural vs. city), and income levels all determining factors. To level the playing field, global organizations and innovative NGOs are working to create better access to Ghanaian schools for all children, and a more well-rounded, child-friendly learning environment once they get there...(more)
Amazing food, bustling sidewalk cafes, and seven city beaches make this artsy metropolis a magnet for international students! Students attending this 4-week CIEE Global Navigator program in Barcelona, Spain will receive 60 hours of Spanish language instruction (4 college credits) and dive into the art and food culture of this important city...(more)
Advance your Mandarin in the fast-paced metropolis of Shanghai.
Take your Mandarin to new heights with four weeks of language immersion in China’s largest city, Shanghai. After language classes, hit the city’s trendy and ancient streets to practice your language skills with locals. ..(more)
Catwalk across Europe to discover fashion marketing on the global stage!
Start behind the scenes in Paris, delving into the origins of the fashion industry. Travel to Milan for a closer look at haute couture. Then, complete your journey in Madrid, exploring fast-fashion and its impact on daily life. For your final project, develop your own marketing plan for a product or brand alongside other Global Navigators and pitch it to a panel of experts! ..(more)
Find your muse in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Delve into the art of drawing, a foundational skill for any young artist, in the open-air museum of Florence. Tap into your imagination as you pick up cross-hatching, blending, scribbling, and more from professional artists and experts. You may even pick up a paintbrush and try your hand at ancient mediums like mosaics and frescoes—seen all over Florence. ..(more)
Get the best of both continents in one of the world’s most beloved cities. What better place to perfect the Spanish language?
Vibrant. Creative. Intellectual. Intense. These are some of the words used to describe Buenos Aires. There’s no shortage of cultural riches to discover. Go to the theater. Dance the tango. Watch a heated football match. Feast on provoleta (fried cheese) and some of the best steak on the planet. Discover graffiti art off the beaten track...(more)
Are you up for a unique challenge in Madrid? While all our Language & Culture programs offer immersion and college credits, this Honors program is for students with the drive to grow their Spanish and cross-cultural understanding to the max!..(more)
Go where the action is. Over the last decade, Berlin has become an entrepreneurial hub with one of the fastest growing startup scenes in the world. Its economy is based on high-tech firms and the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, research facilities, media corporations, and convention venues. ..(more)
Discover the marine environments and underwater life of the Mediterranean... in Spanish!
Dive deep into the study of marine organisms and their interactions with coastal and marine ecosystems while gaining a greater appreciation for the island of Mallorca...(more)
Conjure up new stories and characters inspired by the myths of Ancient Rome.
With more than 3,000 years of history, Rome is steeped in legend. Through expert-led classes, dive into the basics of storytelling amid the backdrop of Roman mythology. Analyze stories that have endured for millennia. Develop the tools and techniques to breathe life into your tales! ..(more)
What does it take to score as an entrepreneur in the international, interconnected business world of today? Get the answers straight from entrepreneurial leaders, and get set to launch a venture of your own...(more)
Are you up for a unique challenge in Seville? While all our Language & Culture programs offer immersion and college credits, this Honors program is for students with the drive to grow their Spanish and cross-cultural understanding to the max!..(more)
Home to Wimbledon and the English Premier League, there’s no better place to delve into the business side of sports than London Town. Through interactive classes, explore sponsorships, branding, fan engagement, and digital media spend. Team up with other Global Navigators to propose a marketing campaign for a fictitious local sporting event or club. Then, present it to industry professionals...(more)
Immerse yourself in Korean language and culture with a four-week summer program in Seoul. Master Hangul—the world’s youngest alphabet—while strengthening your conversation skills through interactive lessons. Beyond the classroom, connect with locals in traditional markets and temples, and experience the energy of Seoul’s iconic neighborhoods like Hongdae and Myeongdong...(more)
Power up your imagination for video games in the ancient capital of Japan. Enter the various levels of the gaming world in Kyoto. Through hands-on classes, get an inside look at how video games are made. In just three weeks, learn the basics of storyboarding, coding, and animation. Then, create a prototype for a new video game and present it to a panel of industry experts!..(more)
This program is based out of the American Language Center (ALC), a non-profit with over 30 years of experience working with local NGOs on cross-cultural exchange. Through their myriad outreach programs, you will work with local youth, collaborate with Moroccan peers, and learn to look at complex issues from multiple perspectives...(more)
Take a spellbinding trip through literary London, home to countless authors and stories that have shaped the world. Through expert-led workshops, develop the tools and techniques needed to write in different genres and produce your own Creative Writing Portfolio. Take cues from the Harry Potter franchise and learn how novels can be re-imagined into films, plays, web-based media, and fan fiction...(more)
Dive into the Performance Arts in London’s vibrant theatre scene, as you write and perform a collaborative mini play. Through expert-led classes, learn how to interpret texts, distinguish between theatrical styles, and take on backstage and acting roles in your culminating show. ..(more)
Assess the health needs of local communities in Botswana, an African nation making great strides in public healthcare. In Botswana, investigate the benefits of government investment in healthcare infrastructure. Collaborate with local community-based organizations (CBOs) dedicated to identifying and addressing population health needs. Join experts and other Global Navigators to help implement a health fair in rural Botswana...(more)
Join the daily swirl of life in Rabat, the cosmopolitan capital that’s home to diplomats, students and multilingual professionals. It’s the ideal backdrop for your daily Arabic language instruction (in both Darija and Modern Standard Arabic), and explorations into the rich traditions of Moroccan culture...(more)
This program offers an exciting and challenging alternative for more proficient language learners! While all our Language & Culture programs offer intensive immersion, this Advanced program is designed to group students who have intermediate to advanced fluency in French and the drive to take their language and cross-cultural understanding to the next level...(more)
Hone your French with four weeks of language immersion in Rennes, the capital of Brittany, located in northwestern France. After language classes, hit the town to test your skills and engage in lively conversations with locals. Explore the city’s colorful, historic center, with its narrow streets and majestic monuments—like the Town Hall, Opera House, and Rennes Cathedral. Surround yourself by the French and English gardens..(more)
In the capital Palma de Mallorca, we offer our most motivated Spanish learners a challenging opportunity. Open only to students with two or more years of high school Spanish, this program requires students to speak Spanish at all times, so get ready for full immersion!..(more)
Get a backstage pass into sports management in the home of FC Barcelona.
Explore the various facets of the sports industry—from club management to athlete sponsorships—in Barcelona. Through interactive classes, find out what it takes to run a sports team. Guided by experts and entrepreneurs, learn how to assess opportunities and get an insider’s look at sports law, finance, media, marketing, and more. ..(more)
Discover the nuts and bolts of robotics engineering in the futuristic city of Tokyo. Spark your imagination for building robots in Japan’s innovative capital. Through hands-on classes, explore the basics of robotics and coding and learn about electrical components, circuits, chips, and microcontrollers. In just three weeks, build your own simple robot alongside other Global Navigators. In the end, present your robot and show off what it can do!..(more)
At the forefront of technology, Singapore is where incredible business ideas become reality. Through accelerated, interactive classes, discover how to get a viable and sustainable business off the ground. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework, team up with other Global Navigators to discuss community challenges, pitch a sustainable business solution, and participate in an ideas fair to share your prototype...(more)
Experience life as a Berliner! In the German capital you’ll expand your intercultural awareness exponentially by sharing this city with people of more than 160 ethnicities who live here. Berlin has a unique history and attracts many visitors each year curious to understand this diverse city. Much of this world-changing history only happened in recent years and is still very tangible. ..(more)
Few experiences rival the opportunity to study abroad in Rome. Nowhere else can students walk among thousands of years of art, history, and exciting layers of contemporary Italian culture, while surrounded by unparalleled churches, monuments, and museums...(more)
Accelerate your French with four weeks of language immersion in this student-friendly city in southern France. After language classes, dive into French conversations out in community markets, cafes, funky shops, chic boutiques, and the liveliest square in town—Place du Capitole. ..(more)
Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, is famous for his leading role in ending the cruel apartheid system of racial segregation in the ‘90s. Elected to office after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, he introduced housing, education, and economic development initiatives to improve the lives of the black population. His mission continues today through a variety of Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) initiatives—roll up your sleeves and join in! ..(more)
Your gap year in Seville offers the perfect balance of structure and independence, giving you the freedom to explore Spain and yourself before college...(more)
With their diverse genres and storylines, manga have become the bestselling comic books in the world. Through expert-led classes, enter the Japanese comic book universe in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and artistic capital. Experiment with Japanese visual storytelling techniques in character design, plotting, and sketching, discovering your own creative process, from concept to creation. ..(more)
Soak in Amsterdam’s culture, too. Start with a canal cruise and keep going on foot and bike to experience this vibrant city. Play soccer and attend an open-air concert in Vondelpark, shop at the largest flea market in Europe, and meet local teens. Visit significant sites, including the Anne Frank house and museums showcasing Amsterdam’s rich artistic heritage...(more)
Experience what it takes to negotiate and maintain peaceful diplomatic relations.
Tensions in East Asia continue to make headlines. This traveling program offers you a unique chance to gain perspective on the region’s complex history and present-day challenges. Start in Taipei, engaging in debates on current issues. Then, see it all culminate in a final mock negotiation in Seoul with other Global Navigators—putting your new knowledge and debating skills to the test!..(more)
Supercharge your Spanish skills in scenic Alicante. Embark on a four-week language adventure in Alicante, in the southeastern coast of Spain. After language classes, dive into conversations with locals while exploring the stunning waterfront. Meet local teens, shop at the Mercado Central, and hang out in the city’s old quarter, Barrio Santa Cruz, with its medieval alleys, whitewashed buildings, and flower-scented streets. ..(more)
Sauté, braise, and flambé your own dishes in the food capital of the world. Discover the secrets of French cuisine in Paris alongside food experts and chefs. Each week, step into the kitchen for hands-on classes and explore restaurants and open-air markets to inspire your creations. Through coursework developed with Paris’ world-renowned culinary school Le Cordon Bleu, you'll prepare appetizers, entrées, pastries, and dessert!..(more)
Explore aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity in and around Lisbon alongside biologists and sustainability researchers. Field work and fun trips take you birdwatching at a coastal lagoon, snorkeling in a marine park, kayaking in the longest river of the Iberian Peninsula, observing dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean, and intertidal monitoring at Avencas beach. These three weeks are all about water, so get ready to get wet! ..(more)
Observe unique Australian wildlife in the marine, coastal, and bushland ecosystems in and around Sydney alongside a local guide and environmentalist. Study the science behind extinction and the impact of human activity on fragile ecosystems. Conduct field work and collect data for analyzing and evaluating sustainability strategies implemented in urban coastal cities. Volunteer in bush regeneration and design a Conservation Campaign for your hometown...(more)
Learn and perfect your French with native professors. Explore the city’s rich heritage, one neighborhood or museum at a time. Discover hidden treasures during fieldtrips throughout France. Live with a local family and get into the rhythm of everyday life, sharing authentic French meals along with stories and traditions...(more)
Experience four weeks of language immersion in one of the world’s most influential fashion capitals: Milan. After language classes, step out into the city's chic neighborhoods to converse with Milanese locals and sharpen your language skills. Stroll through enchanting vias adorned with stunning architecture. Discover the artistic haven of the Brera district, where galleries and boutiques line the cobblestone streets. ..(more)
Enjoy an intercultural learning experience while improving your Spanish language skills through customized and goal oriented hands-on fun activities. Throughout your stay, practice speaking Spanish in shops, markets, and cafes. You’ll also explore the city with tours led by CIEE staff and local professors. Need some extra assistance with your Spanish language skills? We’ll have local students ready to help...(more)
Learn the ropes of successful Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operation as you discover how supporting disadvantaged children can lift an entire community. For three weeks, you will brighten the way for some special youngsters as you build valuable social work skills...(more)
Make your mark in the Czech Republic, a burgeoning hub of contemporary art, design, and innovation. Against an old-world backdrop, high school students in this 3-week CIEE Global Navigator program in Prague will study both traditional and new techniques, from painting and linocut to digital production. Find out more!..(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Copenhagen lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Danish culture. Live and learn in Copenhagen!..(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Madrid lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Live and learn in Madrid!..(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Mérida lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Mexican culture. Live and learn in Mérida!..(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Buenos Aires lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Argentine culture. Live and learn in Buenos Aires!..(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Seoul lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Korean culture. Live and learn in Seoul! ..(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Prague lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Czech culture. Live and learn in Prague! ..(more)
Your First Year Abroad program in Paris lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in French culture. Live and learn in Paris! ..(more)
Spend a semester abroad in Barcelona, taking English classes in a city where Mediterranean sunshine meets daring architecture and vibrant street life...(more)
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