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 80 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.

Frequently asked questions

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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

Sophia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Is a great program

I've loved my experience with CIEE London so far. Everyone has been really friendly, the professors are very passionate, and the CIEE London Student Life Staff are very attentive and care about how you're doing. They have high standards for the professors and staff they hire so everyone is really great. The staff actually care about how you're doing and you're struggles, and are always around to be of assistance. I also really enjoy how I don't have class on Friday or Wednesdays, so it gives me plenty of time to travel! Another thing I really loved is how many events the Student Life Center put on! There were a ton of things to do throughout the 6 weeks I was here, so even though I was traveling a lot, I felt like I still got to do plenty of activities with the staff and my peers.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be afraid to do things on your own!! This program is super flexible so you'll have lots of free time, but don't spend it just sitting in your dorm or apartment! There are so many things to do in and around London, so go take advantage of the flexibility built into the program.
Pros
  • Friendly and caring staff
  • Flexible schedule
  • No Class on Wednesday and Friday
Izabella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Italian Language & Culture in Rome; Best Experience Ever

I had a wonderful time traveling with CIEE to Italy. The program and everything expected from us was extremely well planned out and I had an amazing time!

The classes typically included an outside activity, and after you would have class for around 3-2 Hours. After class you would either go around and speak to natives, and ask them about their day or use the skills you learned in class. This would be a grade for the class, which were all facilitated through Canvas. I know multiple people who received a college credit for the class, which is usually an extra fee, but totally worth it.

My time in Rome was amazing, especially thanks to my host family. They were extremely accommodating and I got really lucky with having them. I stayed in a quad or in a house with 4 other students, which was really fun because we all grew really close. We were all luckily from Texas, so I assume that helped as well. I would recommend that if you're nervous about your child being alone to definitely choose on the portal for the application for them to have a roommate!

The support from CIEE Program leaders was amazing, they were constantly with us, and made sure that they had our location and made sure we were safe. Every class had a different program leader, and all of them no matter if you were their kid or not, made sure you were being accommodated for 100%. I distinctly remember one of our program leaders helping one of the students who was having issues with their homestay, and he ensured that she was moved out the next day.

The people I met on my program were the best people ever! I had a great time cruising through Rome with them, and I am really happy that I was able to meet them and experience that with them.

Every weekend consisted of a trip that we would take, and the ones for Rome were a small town called Perugia and Orivieto. We went to a chocolate factory and received a TON of free chocolate. Another great trip we went to was to Sperlonga, a beach town that was absolutely wonderful. The other weekends were either spent with your host family or going out.

This experience is totally worth it! I received so much help but I also received so much aid to be able to attend. I would totally recommend applying to every scholarship they provide and also make a GoFundMe for flights!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I think arriving to the airport was the scariest moment of my life. I was absolutely petrified but I just sucked it up and had the best time EVER.
Pros
  • Accommodating
  • So much Perks, more than you'd assume
  • Breathtaking scenery
Eve
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE study abroad

I studied abroad at 16 with CIEE in London to study Theater and it was INCREDIBLE!! I’m a sophomore in college now and I still look back so fondly on this experience. I made so many friends who I still keep in touch with and I made memories exploring England that I will never forget! The best part is that there are so many scholarship opportunities that make I accessible to so many students. All I can say is if you’re considering it just APPLY! The worst that could happen is that it is y an option for you but the best that can happen is that you can explore the world while learning about something you’re passionate about!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take as many pictures and notes as possible. I had a journal that I wrote in daily and made into a scrapbook and it’s one of my most prized possessions!
Pros
  • Travel
  • Learning
  • Friends
Annie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely loved it!

I had a fantastic experience with CIEE's study abroad program! I spent a trimester in a town twenty minutes from Sevilla and stayed with a fabulous family with whom I am still in contact today! CIEE was so helpful along the way, and I felt supported but also had plenty of independence on the program. My school was great and I made lifelong friends who I am planning on visiting this upcoming summer. My Spanish improved immensely, and I was able to communicate fully with native speakers by the end of the program. 10/10 would recommend!!!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I had a soup with pig intestines in it!!!
Pros
  • Independence with assistance when needed
  • fantastic homestay
  • flexible program with transferable grades
Abigail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Summer Abroad in Madrid, Spain

I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain with CIEE through their Spanish Language & Culture program during the summer after my junior year of high school. Going into the program, I was nervous about speaking Spanish with locals, but the immersive environment completely changed my confidence. The classes were interactive, engaging, and focused on real world communication, which we immediately practiced during afternoon tasks around the city. Navigating the metro, ordering tapas, and interacting with my host family made the language come alive. I returned to the U.S. for my senior year ahead of my peers and with a genuine passion for global perspectives.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My biggest advice to future travelers is to embrace the initial discomfort and dive straight into the immersion. It is completely normal to feel nervous about your Spanish abilities when you first arrive, but you have to trust your growing language skills. Navigating Madrid, interacting with locals, and exploring places like the Prado Museum will build your confidence faster than any traditional classroom ever could. Lean into the city's culture, try everything, and view any nervousness as a step toward gaining an unforgettable international perspective right before you head off to college.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

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

Why did you choose this program?

I have always wanted to go abroad, and CIEE was one of the programs at my school that fit perfectly during a change in my life, as well as being a more affordable option. Having the opportunity to spend the semester at a University in Scotland and taking Scottish history classes presented me with the perfect way to spend five months. It gave me the push I needed to go outside my comfort zone and do something truly amazing
 

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

CIEE was very hands-on with the onboarding process and had multiple calls to make sure I had all the proper documents for the university and was enrolling in classes that were good for me. They also provided me with kitchen necessities and bedding when I first arrived at my flat in Scotland. During my entire time there, they planned day trips and other events to help us get comfortable in new situations and help us understand Scotland and its people.
 

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

Going abroad is a gratifying experience, but it is not easy. Spend time getting to know the country you're spending time in. Once you get there, try to make friends with people in your program or find local groups you can participate in. If you isolate yourself, it can get pretty lonely. Explore outside the city you're in and talk to anyone you can. The BIGGEST recommendation as well is to plan a budget and stick to it.
 

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

During the week, you'll go to your classes and sometimes to events the program has planned. The week changes depending on your class schedule. On the weekend, you are free to do whatever you wish. I did a lot of exploring and late nights on the town. Getting familiar with the transportation is essential, as you'll need to use it for university.
 

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

I had two biggest worries: I would have no friends and run out of money. I was scared that I would be too nervous to venture out and make new friends, so I had to really push out of my comfort zone and experience the awkwardness of meeting new people and who I got along with. I got involved in anything that I could. On the money aspect, it was really tricky because you can't work unless you're on a visa, and even then, you can't work more than 20hrs a week. Thankfully, my home university and CIEE helped me come up with a good budget plan that got me through my semester. Looking back, budgeting is super important, but at the same time, there are things I regret not doing because I was too worried about money. You only live once and you should live it as well as you can.
 
 

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
NAFSA Logo