First Year Experiences

College Study Abroad Programs For First Year Students

First Year Experience students hiking. EdOdyssey

What is an International First Year Experience?  

An international First Year Experience (“FYE”) is a high-impact semester abroad for a cohort of college freshmen. Custom created just for your students and institution, an EdOdyssey FYE offers your students an impactful international learning experience while also supporting their transition from high school to college. Help your students and your institution stand out as globally engaged leaders in education in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

What Can a FYE Program Look Like?

  • 1-3+ week immersion program for a group of 17-18 year olds before their first semester of college.

  • Semester-long program abroad for a cohort of your students with a host university.

  • A series of domestic excursions around the region of a university for your first year domestic and/or international students.

 

"This was probably one of the best trips I have been on. […] I had so much fun and it helped me make some new friends while

exploring new places."

-Alva M., EdOdyssey FYE Participant (Fall ‘22)

 

Benefits of FYEs for your Students & Institution:

  • Aids in student retention from matriculation to graduation.

  • Helps create a sense of community and belonging for students in their first year.

  • Builds confidence during the transition from secondary to higher education academics.

  • Provides students with international perspectives that can be brought back to your campus in the US.

 

Why Create a First Year Experience with EdOdyssey?

Our team at EdOdyssey is uniquely positioned to create incredible FYE programs because of our award-winning and extensive experience with both secondary and higher education program development. We understand the unique considerations that are associated with working with students who are in the transitional phase of their educational journeys, and are here to support you and them as they navigate their first year in higher education within an exciting and customized first year experience program.

We custom design every FYE for your institution and your students, and as an EdOdyssey program, your can be sure it will be Educational, Authentic, Human-Centered, and Ethical from start to finish.

Our Approach to Designing Amazing FYE Programs

EdOdyssey believes that every program should be unique and holistically designed. We take pride in our meticulous research, program processes, and planning methods because they result in comprehensive and supportive program experiences for you and your students.

  • Where will your students go? Our FYE hubs span across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and North America!

    Our Host Countries Include:

    USA, Canada, Peru, Chile, Spain, Italy, Ireland, United Kingdom (England/Scotland), Japan, China.

    Don’t see a location of interest or have questions about a destination? Contact us…

  • EdOdyssey will help to coordinate all classes and academic experiences with the host institution.

    Coursework

    · All pre-approved by your institution

    · A mix of your and the host university’s courses

    · Thoughtfully designed around learning goals for first year students

    Common options include: Custom FYE course, Research methods, Writing, General education requirements

    Faculty

    Your institution will have the choice to send designated faculty members to teach your FYE cohort, to hire local faculty members at the host institution, or to utilize a combination of the two. EdOdyssey will do the coordinating on your behalf with classroom rentals for your faculty and contracting local faculty members for teaching courses.

    Academic Supports

    EdOdyssey has dedicated staff members on the ground with your FYE cohort to ensure that they are academically successful during their time at the host institution. We also love working with your staff and faculty members on the ground, should you like to have an individual or a team of supports present as well!

    In addition to academic support, our on the ground team will also serve as a general support system for your students from start to finish. Support services include: Orientation (academic and cultural) upon arrival, academic tutoring, liaising between students and the host university, regular cohort meetings and outings, and support during periods of adjustment or culture shock.

  • FYE students will have the opportunity to live in local apartments or residence halls around the host institution, depending on the location. All accommodations are vetted by EdOdyssey staff.

  • EdOdyssey does not want to offer your students a pre-packaged, cookie cutter experience, but rather, an experience where they can discover more about themselves and cultivate a love for the new culture around them.

    Programming Includes:

    · Pre-Departure Orientaton

    · Local Activities

    · Excursions

    · Co-Curricular Activities

    · Re-entry Support

  • EdOdyssey builds all of our programs around health and safety and always takes into account the unique needs and challenges that come with first year populations living away from home, AND abroad, potentially out of their home country for the first time.

    Specifics

    · Thoughtful country selection based on risk and safety analysis

    · Housing and classroom spaces vetted in person by EdOdyssey staff

    · Health and safety guidance at Pre-Departure and On-Site Orientations

    · Dedicated on-site staff

    · Health insurance enrollment

    · Shared resources on trusted Travel Insurance Providers

    · Fully trained staff on the ground in the case of emergency

    Read more on our Health and Safety page

 

Getting Started

Interested in working with EdOdyssey to create a customized First Year Experience program for your students? Please fill out the following form and we will be in contact with you within 1-2 business days.