CIEE USA High School Grant Programs

Benefits of Grant Programs

CIEE Grant Programs foster cultural understanding and diplomacy by giving international students a once-in-a-lifetime experience of living with a host family and attending high school in the U.S. on a full scholarship.

Even though they come from various cultural, economic, and religious backgrounds, Grants students have something in common: all have gone through a highly competitive selection process. When selecting students, evaluators know Grants students will need to have certain abilities and personal qualities. It’s often a tough decision, as many who apply have above-average skills in English, excel in academics and sports, and show other strong abilities. For example, to become 2009-2010 FLEX participants, around 35,000 students applied and only 1,100 students were selected. And last year, only 6% of those who applied for the A-SMYLE program were awarded one of 50 scholarships.

All Grants students are expected to stay active and involved in their individual program’s goals. With the help of active and dedicated CIEE Local Coordinators, students participate in required community service activities that teach civic education, leadership, volunteerism, and other program principles. Following their exchange year, Grants students become part of the first-rate network of State Department alumni who apply their cultural exchange experience at home for many years to come.