About Our Brand
Who We Are
Founded in 1947, CIEE is the world leader in international exchange, delivering the highest-quality programs that increase global understanding and intercultural knowledge. We provide participants with skills, competencies, and experiences that elevate their ability to contribute positively to our global community.
Our History
In the years immediately following World War II, a number of organizations and institutions emerged in the U.S. and abroad that were dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence and respect between nations through student and teacher exchange programs. It soon became clear that these organizations needed expert assistance in coordinating their efforts.
To fulfill that need, CIEE (or the Council on Student Travel, as it was then known) was founded in 1947 and, in its first year of operation, attracted the participation of 32 member organizations. These were primarily U.S. nonprofits and cultural agencies that were engaged in sponsoring groups of students who wanted to travel to Europe for educational purposes.
By the mid-1950s, the Council on Student Travel (CST) was facilitating travel by U.S. students to study in Europe and bringing international students to the U.S. At the same time, CST established operations abroad and began sponsoring conferences on student travel for administrators, educators, and teachers.
In the 1960s, CST emerged as the locus of strategic and policy discussions on the future direction of intercultural education. In recognition of this strategic shift, in 1967 the Council on Student Travel changed its name to the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).
Over the past seven decades, CIEE has continually redefined its focus to meet the changing needs and expectations of students, faculty, staff, and institutions, solidifying its leadership as the world’s premier international educational organization.
Protecting Our Brand
The CIEE brand is one of our organization’s most valuable assets. It must always be presented in an impactful way that not only cuts through the clutter, but also elevates CIEE’s image in the marketplace.
The CIEE brand identity must be actively managed, maintained, and protected. We should:
Be Consistent
All representations of the CIEE brand elements must always be consistent and adhere to the standards set forth on this site. Brand elements may evolve over time, but the value of any such evolution must be considered very carefully before being implemented.
Be Protective
CIEE is a unique organization. Protect the CIEE brand uniqueness in the marketplace. Don’t use our brand elements in a way that confuses our identity with any other organization or in any audience.
Be Proprietary
The CIEE brand is ours; we own it. Don’t allow any other entity to randomly borrow or use any components of our brand in their own communications.
Be Quality Minded
All communications and representations of the CIEE brand must reflect the quality of our programs and offerings, and all representations of CIEE employees, students, and educators must reflect the high standards of the organization.