Break free with a gap year
A gap year abroad is a unique opportunity to discover the world and find the right path for your future — at your own pace. Whether you choose to focus your experience on language proficiency, community service, or an internship, all CIEE programs combine classroom academics, cultural activities, and independent travel in many extraordinary destinations around the world. Break free for one semester or a full year — to a single destination or any combination of two! Just think: you’ll return home with great memories, new skills, and a fresh perspective before college.
Three types of gap years abroad are available. Take your pick:
Language & Culture
Take the opportunity to fire up your fluency in Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Italian, Japanese, or Arabic. Stay with a carefully screened host family, and enjoy interactive language classes and cultural excursions for a fully immersive experience.
Come home with a certificate of language learning, renewed confidence, and a global mindset.
Chile | China | Dominican Republic | France | Italy | Japan | Morocco | Spain
Service & Leadership
Spend your gap year serving a cause close to your heart and making a lasting impact on a community while developing a new set of skills and perspectives. Created in partnership with local NGOs, our programs balance service time, local adventures, and mingling with community members for full cultural immersion and maximum fun.
Come home with a certificate of international community service and a whole new perspective on the world.
Dominican Republic | France | Ghana
Global Internship
Join an English-speaking organization and get hands-on experience in a career or industry that fits your interests. All our programs combine three days a week of internship, with two days a week of professional and self-development seminars. While abroad, you’ll enjoy organized and independent travel opportunities, as well as plenty of interaction with native speakers for a fully immersive experience.
Come home with a certificate of internship, a head start on your resume, and perhaps even a new career plan!
Canada | China | Germany