CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange

CIEE

Why choose CIEE?

A nonprofit, non-governmental organization, CIEE is the world leader in international study and exchange programs. For more than 75 years, CIEE has helped thousands of students, professionals, and educators gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most comprehensive, relevant, and valuable exchange programs available.

Scholarships

CIEE

CIEE Scholarships and Grants

CIEE’s need-based grants offer support to students who face financial barriers to studying abroad. CIEE awards need-based grants based on students’ EFCs and program selection. The Gilman Go Global Grant offers students $750-$2,000 toward airfare, plus $2,500 toward semester program costs, or $1,000 toward summer program costs.

Value
$500 - $2,500

Reviews

Default avatar
Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE ROME- OPEN CAMPUS

I couldn't give a more positive review to this program. Very easy classes and great professors. CIEE Rome offer high-quality academic experiences, including a variety of courses taught by experienced faculty members. The cultural immersion opportunities are quite endless. The effectiveness of language instruction, cultural activities, and interactions with local communities in Rome. The quality of housing options provided by CIEE, as well as the availability of support services such as on-site staff, orientation programs, and assistance with logistics and cultural adjustment. Clear communication and well-organized programs are crucial for a positive study abroad experience and that's exactly what Rome did. The responsiveness to student concerns or emergencies that I presented were taken into consideration so I felt seen and valued throughout it all!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Coming to orientation and not knowing many people, but then many of those faces turned into friendly acquaintances.
Default avatar
Maryn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

J-Term Monteverde

I had the best experience and made the best friends. My biggest piece of advice is to go in with no expectations, and to keep an open mind. There is going to be new food, a new culture, new people and plenty of other things you may not be used to. If you're open to what the trip has to offer, you are going to have the most unforgettable experience. The CIEE staff is amazing, and I felt so safe during my entire trip to Monteverde, Costa Rica. I only did the J-term session, and wish I had stayed for longer. I took Sustainable Development in the Tropics, and actually learned so much in only 3 weeks. Could not have better things to say!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
There were so many monkeys and coatis, which were really cool to see. I also saw a sloth and some iguanas, which was awesome. During our free weekends, my friends and I went ziplining, in hot springs, horse back riding and to Manuel Antonio for the beach. There are so many opportunities to explore and have fun.
Pros
  • Wildlife
  • New perspectives
  • Amazing friends
Default avatar
Zach
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Japan Study abroad

Hi! I studied in Tokyo, Japan, and did a homestay! It was a pleasant experience to live in another country and see how others live their lives! Also, learning another language extends how many people you can interact with and how many incredible stories you can hear! I highly recommend it, and going through CIEE is a great choice! Also, the school I attended (Sophia University) was an excellent school to go too! They are adorable and international school-friendly! However, the Japanese class is a lot of work, so be ready to work, but learning another language and talking to others in their language is fulfilling!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate some incredible things in Japan! Like cow tongue and jellyfish! There were things I didn't like, salted squid...but I am glad that I had an open mindset and tried everything!
Pros
  • Learn a language
  • Meet cool people
  • Live abroad
Cons
  • Miss home
  • Sometimes stressful
  • Hard to get what you want sometimes! (language barrier)
Default avatar
Lydia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Open Campus: A Must

I have really enjoyed the CIEE open campus program; it provides an opportunity for students to explore new cities and have a wide range of travel opportunities. The professors are all incredibly kind and personable, and the CIEE staff is friendly and helpful. The CIEE staff provides great recommendations for food, night activities, day trips, and other resources that students may find helpful for exploring whatever region they are in. I have been able to meet so many new people, and make a variety of friends with unique experiences.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would perhaps choose to study in Australia.
Pros
  • Friendly staff
  • Meeting new people
  • Travel opportunities
Cons
  • Housing maintenance issues
Default avatar
Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome Program!

I loved my time studying abroad in Rennes. I was fortunate enough to live with a wonderful host family who were willing to answer my *many* questions and who were excited to introduce me to their culture. I enjoyed my classes at Université Rennes 2, and felt supported by CIEE staff as I navigated the registration process. I also grew to adore the ease of transport with Rennes two metro lines and numerous buses (which were almost always on time). I felt safe wandering about the city, even after dark.

I have some major food allergies (peanuts) but I had little difficulty navigating my allergies while abroad. I'd recommend researching what the common allergin labels are for food before you travel. Food allergies are less common in France (due to frequent early exposure), so you may have to carefully explain dietary issues to those around you. However, like I said, I had no issues.

I'd say the most challenging part of this program for me was the number of protests, leading to days where we missed class. Our program leaders did a great job helping ensure we got the number of hours of instruction needed to transfer our credits, and explaining what was going on around us. I always felt safe.

If you participate in this program (and I hope you will) take advantage of all the clubs and trips offered by CIREFE (The Exchange Student Branche of the University) and CIEE. Those were some of the best parts of my study abroad experience.

I also recommend this program to anyone interested in education. I was able to participate in a field experience teaching English in a French high school. There were also opportunities at the middle and elementary level. My host teacher was very helpful and I enjoyed working with my students.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I highly recommend eating lunch at the university. While each day's options are a surprise, the university meals are excellent and very cheap. For 3 euros, they provide you with a main dish, a small side salad, bread (of course) and a dessert. The food was usually good, provided me opportunities to try new things, and allowed me to save money so that I could go out to dinner with friends on weekends or travel.

I also recommend a raincoat and sweaters if you are here in the spring. The humidity makes it feel cold.

Finally, I recommend you visit le Marché de Lices on Saturdays. It's a historical farmers market that has existed for more than 400 years!
Pros
  • Supportive staff, host families and teachers
  • Convenient and affordable public transportation
Cons
  • Disruption due to protests

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Sofia Solari

Hi! My name is Sofia Solari. I studied abroad with CIEE's high school abroad program for an academic year in Sevilla, Spain and then returned to Sevilla for the spring semester of my junior year in college.
Sofia Solari

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I chose CIEE in high school because my older brother used the program to study abroad in France and had a wonderful experience. When I was applying to study abroad in college, I knew I wanted to use CIEE again because I had such an extraordinary time with the program. I made so many friends during my first time abroad, that it was a no-brainer I would choose CIEE again for my college experience.

I feel like CIEE offers so many things such as different classes, excursions, and cultural exposures that really enabled me to learn Spanish quicker and become apart of the Sevillan community.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

CIEE assisted me with everything I could have imagined! CIEE had on site staff in Spain that would support me in any mental, emotional, or physical assistance that came up. Not only that, but before going abroad with the program (both times) they provided info sessions and orientations.

I felt I had all of the information that I needed prepared by CIEE before I left the United States, and when I actually landed in the country, there were 3 days dedicated to orientation, so we all felt confident entering the Spanish community.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would say the largest piece of advice I could give is: remember, homesickness is normal! You may feel homesick at times, especially during holidays, but remember you are only abroad for a short amount of time, and you should take advantage of your city! Join activities, talk to people, explore!

I feel like it is easy to get caught in the moment of missing home, but when I started to have that feeling, I would meet up with friends or walk around Sevilla. I would talk to my parents and friends from home occasionally, but I really put effort to dive deep into the culture. I took many classes offered in my town, and I joined a local gym!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

During both programs with CIEE an average day consisted of meals with my host family, school, some homework, and exploring the city + participating in extracurricular activities such as cooking, pottery, and dance classes and hanging out with friends.

Once my schoolwork was completed, often times me and my friends would go to a park and sit and talk. My spanish friends would show me new Spanish songs, and we would make plans for the weekends.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear going into the program was that I was not going to make friends. However, I think being a foreigner is a great conversation starter! So many classmates of mine introduced themselves and I began to hang out with them all the time. Do not be afraid to ask people questions or start a conversation!

When I first met my friend Javi, he made fun of my accent and I was mortified. Little did I know he would become my best friend on the program. I talk to him every single day, even now, and every time I go back to Spain we see each other and laugh about memories. I can not believe I have known him 6 years!

What was your favorite memory abroad?

My favorite memory abroad was being able to attend the Feria de Abril in Sevilla, Spain. The Feria de Abril is a huge tradition in the south of Spain and I had the opportunity to eat traditional foods, dance, and dress up in a flamenco dress. My friends helped me pick out a dress and invited me to their caseta (little tent) where they introduced me to their families and friends.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Katherine MacColl

Job Title
Teach Abroad Senior Coordinator
Katy taught abroad for 4 years in Turkey and then in Thailand. She is dedicated to helping others experience all that teaching abroad has to offer.
Katherine MacColl

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory is from Myanmar. My friend and I did a guided hike through the countryside. We spent our nights above temples and the days wandering through another world. I remember being in awe of the differences, even between Thailand and Myanmar, and in the attitude of the people. They were the happiest people I had ever been around, even with the limited access they had to things that we feel that we "need".

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

CIEE has been a great place to work and has really motivated me to stay in the education industry. I love helping others and CIEE strives to give amazing customer service, always putting the teacher first. I have learned more about the process and how to best help others through it. I think, whatever you are doing in education, it is a place where there is always room to grow and continue to make an impact that has amazing ripple effects.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

The best stories are those when the students or teachers feel they have made an impact. However, maybe more than what we think we impact, the impact that others make on us is what truly inspires me. Travel and living abroad changes you, it demands growth and patience. Students that feel that impact from their students and communities reminds me why I love helping them get started.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose our program in Chile. Santiago is such an incredible city and the chance to work in a college setting has always been enticing to me. You are able to be the lead teacher and have amazing experiences to grow as a teacher and of a Spanish speaker. The program feels so tight knit, and you create an amazing group of friends right when you arrive.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

CIEE goes above and beyond to encourage education on all levels. The Teach Abroad programs gives people the knowledge and confidence to go abroad, changing their lives forever and being able to change others lives through teaching. We work to break down stereotypes and we are upfront and honest about the challenges that we all have to face when we go abroad, but we make sure that participants have the tools to overcome these.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The biggest factor in being a successful company is to truly care. We all care about our participants and the experiences that await them. I hope that all of our participants feel like and feel connected to a great support system before and after their arrival in their new home. Without heart, what we do doesn't mean anything.

Professional Associations

The Forum on Education Abroad Logo
Gap Year Association Logo
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