Guide to Studying Abroad as a Freshman in College

Dreaming of study abroad early in your time at university? You’re in luck!

Although majority of students study abroad in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of university, there are programs out there designed for first-year college students interested in studying abroad right away! Independence and a sense of adventure are prerequisites for studying abroad as a freshman.

Ready to learn more? Here’s your complete guide to studying abroad during your freshman year of university.

Yes! While it is an unconventional route, it’s possible to study abroad during your first year of college.

If you’ve had your eye on studying abroad since high school you can definitely jump right in, with the right program and plenty of research.

Each freshman study abroad program, also commonly referred as “First Year Abroad” program is different and will have unique requirements. Some programs will allow international students to study abroad for their first semester, whereas others may allow them to spend the entirety of their first academic year abroad.

In most cases, studying abroad in your first semester or year also means gaining college credits just as you would while studying at home. This means that you’ll already have momentum upon return, and you won’t have to make up for missing credits or lost time when it comes to graduation. However, it’s worth confirming with your provider and academic advisor to make sure your credits properly transfer.

Let’s dive into the options!

Third-party program providers make the process of studying abroad as a freshman easier, as they’ll support you from the time you start your application to the in-country orientation and beyond. These programs often provide accommodation, visa support, airport pickup, social activities, cultural excursions, and more. You won’t deal directly with the university, but with a third party study abroad organization that is partnered with institutions around the world.

For example, CIEE Study Abroad partners global universities that offer first-year study abroad programs in locations such as Rome, Berlin, Barcelona, Tokyo, and more. Once the program is complete, students are able to transfer credits earned to their home university through Dean College, an accredited US institution.

Similarly, Verto Education partners with a U.S. based university to offer students the opportunity for a semester or an academic year. You can even study in two different countries while earning official college credits for your first academic year abroad.

You can also study abroad during your first year through university-led programs. If you’re certain that you want to study abroad during your first year of college through a university program, you’ll need to select a university that offers this experience because not all do.

Examples of universities in the US that offer first-year abroad for students include:

To participate in a freshman year study abroad, you would simply apply to the university as usual. Universities that offer first year abroad programs usually allow you to register your interest on your college application.

Studying abroad is a big feat, let alone studying abroad during your first year. While it is an exciting and enriching experience, there are some important aspects of spending your first year of college abroad to keep in mind before jumping in.

• Choosing the right program: Consider the culture and kind of lifestyle you’d like to embrace, and whether there is a specific language you’d like to learn when studying abroad. When choosing the location, don’t forget to keep any special dietary or medical needs in mind as well.
• Setting goals: What do you hope to achieve or gain by studying abroad as a freshman? While some students study abroad to enhance their career prospects, others do so to develop their personal skills and independence. Going into it with clear goals will help you make the most of your experience.
• Convincing your parents to study abroad: It’s important to get your parents on board for your study abroad adventure. Studying abroad can be a daunting task, so it’s important to convince your parents by expressing your priorities and plans and reassuring them that you’ve researched the program thoroughly.
• Affordability & budget: Consider your financial situation and whether you can afford to study abroad. Not only will you need to consider program fees, but also in-country expenses. If you’re receiving financial aid, you’ll need to arrange the details with your university or third-party provider.
• Safety & well-being: Some freshmen get homesick when going away to college even when their school is in the same state. It’s important to gauge your independence and readiness and ensure that you’ll enjoy your first year study abroad experience.
• Academic considerations: It’s important to understand how your grades will transfer or affect your college GPA. Some programs abroad will have a pass/fail system during your first year, whereas others will grade your work. One size doesn’t fit all, so be sure to ask your college or study abroad program about transfer credits.

Read more: A Practical Guide to Studying Abroad (For Parents)

Now you know that you can study abroad as a freshman, it’s time to put this knowledge into action! Here’s how you can study abroad during your first year of college:

It’s important to plan early when studying abroad. This is to ensure that not only do you have plenty of time to overcome any issues, but also to secure your spot on the program!

Many freshman study abroad programs require students to apply while still in high school, around 9-12 months in advance. If you want to study abroad in September 2025, for example, you’d need to submit your application by December 2024.

You should also ensure that you have your passport and that it is valid. Not only do you need to make sure that you have enough empty passport pages, but some countries may also require that you have at least 6 months of validity from your start date of studying abroad.

While not many people study abroad right away in college, many programs exist and they offer very unique experiences. If you’re undecided in your major, that’s OK. You can focus on classes to fulfill general education requirements. However, if you plan to study a subject like science, medicine, allied health, or engineering, make sure you’re able to complete any prerequisites abroad so you’re ready to enter the program upon your return.

Freshmen study abroad programs often require students to have a minimum high school GPA. For example, to apply to CIEE’s first year abroad programs, you need to have at least a 2.7 GPA.

For some destinations, visa rules require you to have turned 18 by the time the program begins.

Aside from the formal requirements, be sure you’re independent and mature enough to set off for freshman year abroad. If you think you need a bit more time, you have three more years to decide!

Once you’ve gathered important documents such as your academic transcripts, motivation letter, letters of recommendation, and so on, you can now complete and submit your application! Most applications can be completed and submitted online.

In your motivation letter, be sure to explain why you want to study in this particular country, and how the program will benefit you academically, professionally, and personally. Read our guide on how to ace your study abroad application to maximize your chances of success!

Scholarships and grants can support you financially in your study abroad endeavors. Thousands of dollars go unclaimed each year because many students are unaware of the opportunity to receive financial support when it comes to program costs, airfare, and more. Applying for scholarships is free, and as the saying goes, if you don’t buy a ticket, you don’t win the lottery!

When combining college credits, seeing the world, developing a global perspective, and also the flexibility to choose where to study, there are many reasons to study abroad as a freshman!

Here are some of the pros of studying abroad as a freshman:

• ✅ Gain independence: Traveling is not only eye-opening but it also helps you develop independence. Living abroad on your own and navigating language barriers can seem intimidating, but doing so will only make you a more confident person.
• ✅ Enhance your resume & gain global citizenship: International experience on your resume highlights cultural adaptability and awareness, proactivity, and inquisitiveness – all characteristics that employers value. Whether you head to Barcelona, Kyoto, or London in your first year abroad, you’ll gain a cultural education and develop a global perspective early.
• ✅ Learn a new language: Learning a language through classes is one thing, but being immersed in it through daily life will greatly facilitate learning. In addition to formal classes, ordering your favorite coffee, bartering at markets, and other everyday interactions will improve your language abilities.
• ✅ Get a better idea of your major or future career: A lot of people find studying abroad to be life-changing and it can take them in a new direction. Rather than going down one path for two years then studying abroad as a junior and realizing you want to study something else you were inspired by on your trip, you can figure it out earlier in your academic career.
• ✅ Meet people from diverse backgrounds: Studying abroad allows you to meet amazing people. Making friends with international students and members of the local community will help you form connections across the world. This will make you a lot more confident to meet new friends on campus once you return.
• ✅ Small program size: Often, program sizes are small because first year study abroad programs are niche. This offers more personalization when it comes to program support, and students will foster greater friendships with other students in the program.

As amazing as studying abroad during your first year can be, nothing is perfect. Everything has its drawbacks, and here are the potential cons of studying abroad as a freshman:

• ❌ Giving up a “typical” freshman experience: Freshman year at university is the prime time to make friends, join clubs or teams, and make yourself at home in your new city. You can still do this while studying abroad, however, returning after a semester or so abroad may leave you feeling left out if people have already established friendship groups back home.
• ❌ Studying at home may not match the expectations: While you may argue that this is a pro for studying abroad, it can actually make studying at home afterward difficult if you’re longing for your study abroad life. You may miss the cultural differences, historic monuments, or foreign cuisine when you return to familiarity at home.
• ❌ Homesickness & culture shock: Traveling the world can be empowering, but it can also cause homesickness and culture shock. It’s also true that studying abroad isn’t for everyone. While most long-term travelers experience these negative aspects of traveling, many overcome them. However, there are others who realize that they’re happiest in familiar environs – and that’s OK!.
• ❌ Social interactions may be difficult at first: Whether it’s language barriers or cultural differences, social interactions can be difficult at first when studying abroad. When you don’t know where to go or the “things to do” in your new host country, it can be difficult to put yourself out there and make new friends. We’ve got you covered though! Read our guide to making friends when studying abroad for tips to turn this con into a pro.

Diving right into studying abroad will provide you with experience that will turn you into a more independent and capable person. While nothing beats experience, it’s always better to prepare for your study abroad experience, especially as a freshman. Here are the things you can do to improve your study abroad experience.

• Reach out to study abroad advisors: Study abroad advisors and program coordinators have plenty of experience in dealing with students who face culture shock, logistical issues, and other obstacles. Their purpose is to ensure that students receive maximum support, so be sure to reach out to them!
• Keep in contact with friends & family: You may feel like an adult, but your parents will still worry about you as you travel the world. Be sure to reach out to friends and family frequently, not only for their sake but also for yours!
• Embrace cultural differences: The purpose of studying abroad is that you get to gain a cultural education alongside your studies. It’s important to be realistic and anticipate encountering cultural differences that may irk you from time to time. Culture shock is a natural part of traveling, and acknowledging these differences can help you move past it and embrace your host destination!

Read more: How to Survive Your First Week of Studying Abroad

You may wonder if studying abroad as a freshman is right for you, but regardless of when you decide to do it, studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth. Who knows, after studying abroad as a freshman, you may decide to pursue a more international path for the remainder of your four years!

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