4 First Year Abroad Programs You’ll Love

As you peruse CIEE’s many first year abroad program options, use this guide as a reference for quick and fascinating facts about six of our fabulous first year abroad locations packed into four exciting study abroad programs. 

We’ll help you decide what kind of adventure abroad you want as a freshman! And fair warning: they’re all incredible. 

First Year Abroad in Berlin

Start college in Berlin, a hub for the arts, history, and innovation. On this program, you’ll travel to a variety of sites including museums, landmarks, and even some culinary hotspots. 

Your First Year Abroad in Berlin will be an experience like no other. Let’s dive into some fast facts about each of this dynamic city. (Remove the paragraph part about Copenhagen)

Berlin

Berlin, Germany’s capital, is a fascinating city with an unconventional modern culture, complex history, beautiful architecture, and an innovative business scene. Spending your first year abroad in Berlin is a great way to learn more about our interconnected world. 

• Location: Berlin is near the Polish border; Germany is considered Central Europe.
• Population: Around 3.5 million people live in Berlin.
• Climate: Berlin also has four distinct seasons, with winters averaging around 35 degrees Fahrenheit, autumn and spring months around 40-50 degrees, and summers in the low 70s.
• Language: Most people in Berlin speak German, but English and French are also very popular. In fact, Berlin is quite an international city, so you’ll likely hear a lot of different languages spoken here.
• Currency: Berlin uses the Euro.
• Local Attraction: The Reichstag Building – an architectural wonder that has been at the forefront of significant events throughout Germany’s history.
• Bonus Fact: Berlin is home to the largest open-air gallery: the East Side Gallery.

First Year Abroad in Sydney

As one of Australia's largest cities, your First Year Abroad in Sydney promises an exciting way to visit the Land Down Under, get to know Australian culture, and get to know locals. As you explore the city, you’ll uncover lots about the world around you. 

Let’s take a closer look at some fun facts about Sydney: 

• Location: Sydney is one of Australia's southeastern coastal cities.
• Population: About 5.3 million people call Sydney home.
• Climate: The subtropical climate means hot summers and mild winters. The weather is impacted by the proximity to the ocean, so temperatures don't get as extreme as further inland. It is relatively sunny year-round. 
• Currency: Australia's national currency is Australian dollars (AUD)
• Local Attraction: There are a ton of attractions in Australia, but visiting the Sydney Opera House is not to miss!
• Bonus Fact: A Guinness World Record was set at Bondi Beach in Sydney for the largest swimsuit group photo.

First Year Abroad in Barcelona

Your First Year Abroad in the captivating city of Barcelona will be an experience of a lifetime. 

Located in the Catalonia region of Spain, you’ll learn about the cities stunning art scene, unique architecture, and more. Take a look at some fast facts about this incredible city:

• Location: Located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula on the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean coast.
• Population: About 1.6 million people live in Barcelona. 
• Climate: Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with warm and hot summers, and mild and rainy winters.
• Language: Spanish is the most-spoken language in the city, but you’ll also hear Catalan and English, too.
• Currency: The Euro
• Local Attraction: The impressive Sagrada Familia church designed by Antoni Gaudi
• Bonus Fact: Barcelona was offered the Eiffel tower before Paris

First Year Abroad in London

London guarantees a fascinating First Year Abroad venture through history, an opportunity to meet people from all over the world with a large international population, and the chance to set your sights on regal architecture and landscapes. Check out these fun facts about this charming city: 

• Location: London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom
• Population: Approximately 9 million people live in London. 
• Climate: The city has a temperate oceanic climate with relatively temperate summers and mild winters.
• Currency: The pound sterling
• Local Attraction: Buckingham Palace is a royal residence and a cultural landmark you won't want to miss!
• Bonus Fact: London has the oldest underground rail system in the world, the London Underground, which opened in 1863 and is colloquially know as the Tube.

No matter where you decide to go for first year abroad, you’re in for an incredible experience discovering cities packed with varied cultures, histories, landmarks, and more. And the best part? You’ll get to have all that adventure while starting college – does it get any better? 

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