First-Year Programs

Jumpstart higher-ed journeys abroad

Built collaboratively with institutions, these immersive programs give students the opportunity to study abroad during their first semester of college: a pivotal stage of academic and personal growth. Students gain perspectives, take courses, and earn credit in an EF Hub city before returning to campus with the tools to learn and lead with confidence.

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.

International EF Hubs

First-Year Programs are brought to life in our EF Hubs: dynamic cities with an established EF presence. With EF Study Centers, dedicated local staff, and deeply rooted regional knowledge, EF Hubs offer the pinnacle of our programming. Combining our on-the-ground insights with global resources, we’re able to create highly customized—and highly impactful—study abroad experiences in the heart of each city.

Barcelona Barcelona
This seaside city will sweep you off your feet with its world-famous architecture, dining, and vibrant culture.
London London
Located in the bustling heart of Britain, London is a cultural hub of historical happenings.
Munich Munich
In the idyllic Bavarian capital, contemporary meets medieval and the city meets the mountains.
Rome Rome
A mesmerizing city teeming with art, historic ruins, and bustling street life.
Seoul Seoul
South Korea’s capital city filled with fashion, music, technology, and innovation.
Tokyo Tokyo
This sprawling metropolis is an eclectic mix of the traditional and the ultramodern.