Built collaboratively with institutions, these high-impact programs bring students abroad for their first semester of college: a pivotal stage of academic and personal growth. While living in EF Hubs, students take classes at local universities, immerse themselves in new cultures, and gain the tools to learn and lead with confidence.
![](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1015795/751x367/da2e924581/cfy-stage-mobile.png/m/3840x1877/filters:blur(0))
CUSTOM FIRST-YEAR PROGRAMS
![](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1015795/40x52/2719e4806b/test.png/m/2954x3840/filters:quality(70))
Jump-start higher-ed journeys abroad
![](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1015795/750x542/1d340b255a/cfyp-curvedimage-mobile.png/m/3840x2775/filters:blur(0))
An opportunity that sets institutions apart
Intercultural learning opportunities attract curious, growth-minded applicants.
Off-campus experiences help manage enrollment while bolstering retention.
Students returning from abroad help evolve campus culture through a new global lens.
![](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1015795/751x48/1d07d25da5/tan-curved-divider-2.png/m/3840x245/filters:quality(70))
Intentional experiences
From accommodations to academic partnerships, every element of our Custom First-Year Programs works together to provide students with enjoyable, engaging, and impactful study abroad experiences.
![](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1015795/4088x257/5227c78776/black-curved-final-upside-down.png/m/3840x241/filters:quality(70))
6 cities. Endless possibilities.
Custom 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 customize impactful study abroad experiences in the heart of each city.
![](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1015795/2561x163/3b94cb9f03/curved-divider-white-upside-down.png/m/3840x244/filters:quality(70))
How we brought one institution’s goals to life
We partnered with a university to achieve their study abroad objective: Helping students obtain a firm grasp of technology and society in South Korea by prompting them to think critically, build perspective, and make connections. Tapping into the resources of our EF Hub, we curated thematically relevant program experiences, including: