How to Apply

It's easy! Start your study abroad application today!

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Start Your Journey

Wondering how to apply to study abroad? You’ve come to the right place!

Here’s a general outline of what you can expect during the CIEE Study Abroad application process:

1. Share a few personal facts – name, addresses, birth date, etc.
2. Select the name of your university or college
3. Choose your program, term, and year (if you click “apply” from a program page, we will pre-select this for you)
4. Provide us with emergency contacts
5. Include the study abroad advisor at your university or college
6. Some programs require a few extra steps; if that's the case, you'll see these on your application
7. Finally, read and sign CIEE's Terms and Conditions and pay your application fee

Have any questions? Call us at 1-844-484-5687 or email inquire@ciee.org to connect with one of our U.S. based advisors. Most of our staff have studied or lived abroad and can advise on all your study abroad questions. We look forward to seeing you abroad!

FAQs About Applying to Study Abroad

If you’re wondering how to apply to study abroad with CIEE, follow these five simple steps:

1. Map your journey – When and where do you want to go?
2. Prepare for costs – Explore scholarship and grants options
3. Talk to your advisors, parents, and friends – Loop in the experts
4. Check documents and deadlines – Passport, transcripts, visas, etc.
5. Start packing!

While there’s no one way to get accepted to study abroad, we can make a few recommendations when it comes to submitting a strong application. These recommendations include:

1. Identifying a CIEE Study Abroad or Global Internship program you want to apply for
2. Ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements, including our minimum G.P.A. (typically 2.5 Overall GPA)
3. Submitting your CIEE application by the program's designated due date (view all our deadlines here)
4. Checking if your school has any internal study abroad application requirements and submit by their deadline(s), if applicable

Depending on the study abroad or internship program you apply to, as well as your university’s requirements, there's a high likelihood you’ll be required to write a personal statement or respond to several essay prompts.

When it comes to writing your personal statement for your study abroad application, we recommend the following:

1. Identify your “why”
2. Explore how your passions translate into a career
3. Align your goals with a CIEE program

Prepare to write at least 300 words for your personal statement, which is a little more than half a page, single-spaced. We encourage you to explain your passions, demonstrate how you’d be successful on this program or internship, and most of all – be yourself!

Study abroad application deadlines vary based on program type, location, and your college or university’s specific schedule. At CIEE, programs are reviewed on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application well ahead of the deadline.

Check out our full list of study abroad application deadlines on our Program Deadlines page.

Applying for a study abroad scholarship at CIEE is simple! Depending on the type of scholarship you apply for (merit-based, need-based, or other), you may need any of the following:

1. Complete the Scholarship & Grants essay portion of your application which requires you to explain to us how your CIEE program will impact your college experience and/or future career plans in 300 words or less.
2. Identify the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number from your most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Aid Report (SAR).
3. If you want to be considered for the CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant: you must provide proof your Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
4. Complete the G.P.A. and transcript sections of the program application before you submit the Scholarships Application.

Remember:

• To be eligible to study abroad with CIEE, you must have matriculated at a college or university for at least one semester of full-time study and provide grades and a transcript.
• Consult with your campus study abroad advisor to learn more about your school's accepted programs, application deadlines and procedures.
• Submit your application EARLY, as some programs have limited spaces available.
• CIEE will email you about your application status five to seven days after the receipt of your completed application, within the application review window for the term you have applied for.
• Late applications may be considered dependent on immigration requirements and available space on program.