Bridging Cultures Orientation
Upon arrival, all students will receive practical tips, culture-related content, and country-specific information to prepare them to make the most of their time abroad.
Meet your institutional goals
Our portfolio of study abroad programs is customizable to meet your university’s strategic recruitment and retention goals, while providing first year students with the opportunity to connect with their cohort and the world around them.
Leverage WorldStrides' resources and expertise to help your institution grow in a non-traditional way by providing First Year Abroad programs for incoming or deferred first-year students. The FYA program not only provides your students with a tailored first-year program, but it also prepares them to return to campus as an experienced student with clear academic goals.
Recruitment
First Year international programs are a great way to boost your recruitment initiatives by bringing in new cohorts of students who are interested in understanding the world around them.
Enrollment
Boost your overall enrollment numbers and meet your first-year enrollment goals. By utilizing facilities and resources abroad, FYA programs allow you to enroll more students.
Retention
Reduce enrollment melt. Student cohorts who develop a strong connection with their peers and develop a diverse worldview are more likely to thrive when they return home.
Academic focus areas
Our first year study abroad programs can be tailored to align with specific colleges or majors, ensuring that your first year students return to campus ready to progress with their chosen degree plans. The courses associated with each subject area below are just a sample of what's available.
Business
We offer a range of introductory business courses available to first-year students. See below for a sample of the courses offered:
- Introduction to Marketing
- Introduction to Accounting
- International Business
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Business Math
Engineering & Computing
If your students are looking to begin their higher education in engineering or computing, they will need introductory science or math courses with labs. See below for a sample of the courses offered:
- Chemistry for Engineering + Lab
- Physics for Engineering + Lab
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Statistics
Humanities & Social Sciences
We offer several different opportunities for first-year students interested in communications, humanities, and social sciences. These are also great options to fulfill general education requirements. See below for a sample of courses offered:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Communication Studies
- World History
- Culture and Society in Spain
- Media & Society
Natural Sciences & Environmental Studies
Students can get started right away with their introductory courses in sciences and environmental studies. See below for a sample of courses offered:
- General Biology
- Foundations of Chemistry
- Introduction to Earth Systems
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Introduction to Sustainability
- Survey of Human Geography
Program spotlights
These are just some of our programs that can be customized to meet your university's needs when it comes to building your first year study abroad program.
Roehampton University
London, England
Why we love it:
- U.S. university campus layout in southwest London
- Access to 50+ courses in a variety of disciplines & a
- Easy access to Central London and its free museums and activities
- Nearby green spaces including Richmond Park and Wimbledon Commons
- This multicultural city is a great place for first-time travelers
Universidad de Málaga
Málaga, Spain
Why we love it:
- Located in El Palo neighborhood five minutes from the beach
- Guaranteed placement in select courses only for our students
- First-year courses available in English
- Spanish language courses available for all levels
- Walkable city with great public transportation
- More than 40 museums to explore, including Museo Picasso and the only Museo Pompidou outside of Paris, France
American University of Rome
Rome, Italy
Why we love it:
- Beautiful campus located on top of Janiculum Hill with rooftop views of the city
- Small class sizes creating an intimate learning environment
- All programs are taught in English
- Walkable to ancient monuments and museums
- Focused fieldwork and integrated excursions that directly relate to the in-class experience
American College of Greece
Athens, Greece
Why we love it:
- 64-acre campus located in the Aghia Paraskevi neighborhood
- 80+ courses in a variety of disciplines
- First-year courses available in English
- Access to all athletic facilities, which served as U.S. High Performance Training Center in 2004 Olympics
- Easy access to monuments, museums, activities for all interests
Konkuk University
Seoul, South Korea
Why we love it:
- Located near the Han River in vibrant Seoul
- Known for its focus on research and international collaboration
- Students can take courses taught in English in STEM, humanities, and business at an AACSB-accredited university
- Students will be paired with a local student to help them adjust to university life and living in Seoul
Intentional program design
These first-year study abroad programs are designed to provide the same benefits as an on-campus student experience, including co-curricular activities, mentoring, and cohort development. Plus, they are completely customizable. Universities can pick and choose the program design elements that best fit their needs. Here are just a few options available on all of our FYA programs to choose from:
Weekly Cultural Activities
Cultural activities usually include tours of the city, cooking classes, dance classes, weekend or overnight excursions to another part of the country, and more.
Academic Support
Students have access to academic support at their host institution, as well as guidance and personalized support from our on-site staff.
Academic & Career Development
Students have access to our Professional Development Toolbox and can opt into the Global Professional micro-credential.
Student Support
On-site staff provide 24/7 support to students while abroad. Staff will assist in scheduling appointments, accompanying the student on a doctor’s visit if needed, and aid them in any other way
Peer Mentor Program
Students will discover more about their host country and life as a college student by pairing up with a local student over the course of the semester.
What's included
Our holistic approach means first year students will have access to the same support all our students enjoy, including one-of-a-kind support before departure, on the ground while they are abroad, and when they return home. Here's a look at what's included in all the of the above programs.
Tuition & Official Transcript
Cultural Activities & Excursions
Airport Reception
In-Country Orientation
Housing & Internet
Local Team Support
International Insurance
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Mental Health Support
Career Resources
Want to learn more?
Connect with our Campus Partnerships team to learn how we can support you and your education abroad portfolio. Whether you're looking to become an affiliated partner, design a strategic program, or want to schedule a campus visit, we can help!