CIEE Study Abroad Programs
History of CIEE Study Abroad Programs
The Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) is a non-profit organization that has been sending students abroad since its foundation in 1947. With its roots being right after the end of World War II, CIEE was one of the first organizations dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence between nations via students and teacher exchange programs.
At this time, CIEE was called the Council of Student Travel (CST). It facilitated travel by U.S. students to study in Europe while bringing international students to the U.S. After a few short decades of this, CST created a plan to focus on moving forward in the direction of international education. In 1967, the organizations’ name was change to what we know it now- CIEE.
Over the past 70 years, CIEE has achieved expanding their sights to international study and travel. As they now offer more than 170 programs to over 40 countries worldwide! Hence, the program is committed to evolving as life does, and this is a factor to their success. With many programs, internships, alumni relations, and scholarships to offer potential students, it’s no surprise why CIEE excels in providing study abroad programs.
Benefits of Choosing CIEE
Due in part to the fact it has been around for some 70 years, CIEE study abroad programs have proven time and time again that they truly provide the highest quality programs. Thus, CIEE focuses on providing the best in academics, cultural immersion and opportunities. In addition, student support, health and safety, and most of all innovation, to keep up with the times and their participants travel desires.
As a founding member of the Interassociational Advisory Committee on Safety and Responsibility in Study Abroad, CIEE proves its commitment to the operation of safe and secure study experiences. Safety is not something CIEE wants students to be concerned about when fulfilling their dream of living alongside locals worldwide and taking part in these once in a lifetime cultural excursions.
CIEE is doing all they can to make study abroad accessible to every student. Students whose dream of traveling and studying abroad. A wide range of scholarships are offer through CIEE programs. There are need-base grants, merit scholarships, MSI grants, and scholarships if you are an alumni or siblings of alumni!
Beginning in 2018, students will get MSI grants of $2,000 for semester programs and $500 for summer programs. Students who are attending a Minority Serving Institution (MSI). Another unique option to CIEE programs is their 20% discount off each additional semester to students. This will apply to students who enroll in more than one four-week session.
Where CIEE Goes
The CIEE Study Abroad Programs will allow you to travel to 43 different countries, plus the one “multi-country program”. Language is not a barrier for CIEE as they offer programs in 27 different languages worldwide!
The CIEE Study Abroad Programs do not discriminate or favor any one demographic. They offer programs for collegiate study abroad, faculty-led custom programs, and gap year abroad programs. For their high school audiences, they offer abroad options in the semester and summer. They also offer High School USA as well as internships and a Congress-Bundestag Scholarship.
Other programs offered serve working programs like teach abroad, work and travel USA, Internship USA, professional career training USA, Baltic- American freedom foundation, professor and research scholar USA, camp exchange USA, and the Hungarian- American Enterprise Scholarship Fund. Professional Development programs with the CIEE are also available in the form of annual conferences, TEFL, international seminars and more.
The CIEE website also offers a unique comparison tool to quickly compare trips you may be considering.
Contact CIEE
For all general questions about CIEE study abroad programs and services please contact them at
Phone: 1.800.40.STUDY or 1.207.553.4000
Fax: 1.207.553.4299
Email: studyinfo@ciee.org
Mailing Address: CIEE
300 Fore Street
Portland, ME 04101-4110
Passports & Visas
One of the most frequently asked questions from students planning to study abroad is regarding passports and visas. All international trips require a valid passport, especially for studying abroad. In addition, passports must be valid for up to six months after the return date of your trip. Routine processing for passport applications takes 4-6 weeks, but expedited services are available if students need it ASAP. So, please contact us for more information on how to get a rush passport if you think you qualify for this service.
Student visas are generally necessary when students study abroad, though this depends on the country they are traveling to as well as how long they plan to stay. For more information about your specific trip and visa needs please contact your study abroad program or the U.S. Embassy. If you think you need a visa or passport processed fast, please drop us a line. We have a network of passport specialists that can help you get your passport as quickly as 24 hours.
