Custom First-Year Programs

A global semester that sets students up for success and sets your university apart

Our custom first-year study abroad programs allow students to earn transferable college credits abroad through a place-based general curriculum, returning to their home campus for the spring semester with a clearer sense of direction and a greater global perspective.

Co-created with our university partners, these unique study abroad programs help set students on a path to success while providing the institution with a distinct offering that helps expand on existing global initiatives.

How it works

 

  • Define your goals

    We'll work together to determine what destinations or themes would best complement your curriculum, then we'll begin to build your unique program.

  • Choose your instructors

    Partner with a university abroad or send your own faculty to teach your courses—either way, you can use EF schools as an extension of your home campus.

  • Promote your programs

    You’ll have access to marketing and promotional resources to attract students to your program (and your college!), including EF’s network of high school and gap student alumni in the U.S.

What's included

We know how important it is the find the right partner—one who delivers value beyond just coordinating the logistics of travel. That's why we work hand-in-hand with colleges and universities to co-create culturally immersive educational programming that helps bring your syllabus to life and creates unforgettable international experiences for your faculty and students.

Here’s some of what your custom first-year study abroad program can include.

  • Orientations

    Help prepare your students for a successful semester abroad with predeparture workshops on topics such as group norms, health & safety, and navigating public transportation while abroad.

  • Language Learning

    Enroll your students at an EF International Language campus; whether a novice or native speaker, they'll be placed in a course that matches their ability alongside other students from around the world.

  • International Univ. Partnership

    Students will have the opportunity to learn at top universities around the world by enrolling directly, or you can create a preselected curriculum that aligns with their general education requirements.

  • Faculty Travel & Support

    Utilize EF’s classroom spaces to teach your courses with your faculty abroad, giving your students the chance to bond with their professors—and your staff, the professional development opportunity of a lifetime.

  • Local Engagements

    From industry engagement experiences to culturally-immersive activities and service-learning projects, your students will gain a greater appreciation for their host community abroad.

  • Field Excursions

    Discover educational enrichment opportunities that empower students to connect their classroom curriculum to the world around them while gaining the confidence to explore new destinations.

  • Student Housing

    Immerse your students in a local homestay or utilize EF's student housing, where they’ll be based in central location in their host city with access to shared kitchen and lounge spaces.

  • On-the-Ground Support Staff

    EF’s global reach spans more than 100 countries across 6 continents with 52,000 staff, including academic advisors, activities coordinators, health & safety support specialists, and teachers.