You shouldn’t apply to more than one CIEE Teach Abroad program at a time. It means extra work for you and doesn’t give you an advantage. Most of our programs have a very high acceptance rate, and even if you’re not accepted, we will offer to transfer your application to a second-choice program. We advise people to focus on completing one application for their top choice. If you’re not sure which one to choose, give us a call and we can advise you!
I want to transfer to a different program or start date.We can help with that! Call or email your coordinator to explain which program and start date you would like to transfer to. If there are different options available, like one/two semesters or with/without TEFL, be sure to specify that information as well.
When will I hear back about my application?If you’re applying close to the deadline, we normally review applications and get back to people within ten business days of submission. If you’re applying early and need to get a decision before the deadline passes, please email your coordinator to explain the situation and they should be able to assist you.
When will I need to pay the program fees?There is a non-refundable $50 fee to submit an application. This ensures that we are devoting our time and resources to assisting serious applicants.
Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you’ll be asked to pay a Commitment Deposit. If your program includes TEFL, the deposit amount will be $1,000 and our TEFL team will email you about enrollment in a TEFL class once it is paid. If your program does NOT include TEFL, the deposit amount will be $500.
The remaining balance of the program fee (total fee minus Commitment Deposit) is due a few months later, after you accept a job from a school in your destination country. Visit our Program Pages to see the total fee for each program.
Once I am accepted by CIEE, how long will I have to respond?Once an applicant is accepted, we ask them to make a decision about participation and pay a Commitment Deposit within ten calendar days. If that’s not possible or you need more time, be sure to let your coordinator know. Your application will remain active, and we’ll hold the door open as long as we can, but beyond a certain point, you might run out of time to get a visa or all the positions might be filled. You’re also more likely to get a placement that matches your preferences if you make the deposit and get started early.
If you don’t end up making the deposit after all, you can still request a transfer to a future start date so you won’t lose the work you put into your application!
Can I add or remove the TEFL certification from my application?Yes! To add TEFL, log on to your application, click on the HOME tab, and then click the ADD TEFL button. You can do this at any time up to departure.
If you opened an application for a program “with TEFL” and would like to opt out, please email your coordinator. Once you have made a deposit and started a TEFL course, however, it’s not possible to change your mind and remove the TEFL course from your program.