Apply

To apply online, visit the MyCIEE section of the website.

ELIGIBILITY

All CIEE Study Center programs have specific eligibility requirements. Please see the catalog or the CIEE website (www.ciee.org) for details on the requirements for your program.

To be eligible for any CIEE Study Center program you must have matriculated at a college or university for at least one semester. AP credits on your transcript may be considered in conjunction with any program-specific language requirements but will not be considered as part of the matriculation requirement. CIEE reserves the right to reject any application.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

The deadlines below are the dates by which your application must be postmarked. Your home institution may have earlier application deadlines. Check with your study abroad advisor for details.

Because applications for programs are reviewed on a rolling basis, you are encouraged to submit your application well ahead of the application deadline. You can expect to be contacted about your status within ten days of the receipt of your complete application. You will be notified of our acceptance decision by email. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. Applications will not be considered until all materials have been received in Portland, Maine.

Please note that starting with the fall 2011 semester, the Prague, Czech Republic: Central European Studies program has returned to rolling admissions

Applications for spring semester programs will be reviewed starting July 15.

Students and advisors interested in updates on CIEE programs, including enrollment updates, should sign up for a My CIEE account here.

A Note from CIEE Regarding Independent Travel Prior to the Start of Our Programs: Please be aware that the visa process for some countries may require students to surrender their passports for several weeks prior to the start date of the CIEE program. These consular requirements may impact independent travel plans. Visa requirements should be investigated and considered by all applicants prior to planning independent travel. CIEE requires all students to be in possession of the proper visa documentation in order to participate in our program.

Consult the Deadline Extensions page of the CIEE website for up-to-date information on Application Deadlines and Extensions.

COMPETITIVE ADMISSIONS

Beginning with spring 2009, CIEE moved to a competitive review of applications for the Dakar, Senegal: Language and Culture program.

This move to a competitive admissions process was prompted by the immense popularity of this program and a competitive admissions process will continue the CIEE tradition of a high-quality academic program at our Study Center in Senegal. We also believe that this will be the fairest process possible to assign the available spots on the program.

Complete applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Dakar, Senegal–Language & Culture: grade point average, French language requirement (2 semesters or equivalent of college-level French), strong academic evaluations, and a well-written personal statement specifically addressing the questions noted in our application instructions.
  
  

We anticipate having many qualified applicants for this program. In the case that we are unable to accommodate all of the qualified and interested applicants, we will create a waitlist. Applicants will be notified of an acceptance decision in the week following the application deadline.

Please note that CIEE reviews applications for most programs on a rolling basis. We encourage students to submit their applications well in advance of the application deadline.

* Starting with the fall 2011 semester, the Prague, Czech Republic: Central European Studies program has returned to rolling admissions.

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1
Before you begin the application process, please carefully read these instructions and all associated forms that follow in their entirety, and review the CIEE Academic Policies and Procedures.

Step 2
Consult with a study abroad advisor on your campus. Your study abroad advisor will help you determine the appropriateness of the program you are interested in attending and will inform you of application deadlines and procedures that apply to your institution.

Step 3
Collect your application materials. A complete application contains the following items:

• $30 Non-Refundable Application Fee
  (payable by credit card)
  
  
• Application and Personal Statement
  
  Read program materials closely before writing your Personal Statement. Type a 500-word (250 words for summer programs) statement that answers the following questions.
  • How does the program content relate to your present and future academic and career goals?
    
    
  • What aspects of your personal experience—for instance, relevant coursework, job experiences, previous travel or study in the host country—have prepared you to live and study in a foreign country? Please specify any particular experience with the culture of the host country.
    
    
  • What are your objectives for your time overseas with CIEE?

  For the following programs, the Personal Statement must be in the local language:

  Spanish
  Argentina–Buenos Aires
  Chile–Santiago and Valparaíso
  Dominican Republic–Santo Domingo
  Nicaragua–Managua
  Spain–Alcalá de Henares
  Spain–Alicante (liberal arts)
  Spain–Barcelona (liberal arts) (advanced liberal arts)
  Spain–Madrid (legal studies) (liberal arts)
  Spain–Palma de Mallorca (semester only)
  Spain–Seville (advanced liberal arts)
  Spain–Seville (business and society)
  Spain–Seville (liberal arts)
  Spain–Seville (summer internship)
  Spain–Seville (teaching development)

  French
  Belgium-Brussels (advanced liberal arts)
  France–Paris (critical studies)
  Please be as specific as possible about your interest in critical theory and critical studies.

  • How does the program content relate to your present and future academic and career goals? Please focus on what role contemporary French critical theory may play in your definition of these goals. You may wish to identify a certain field that intrigues you (deconstruction, gender theory, film theory, post-colonialism, the French avant-garde or psychoanalysis, for example).
    
    
  • What aspects of your personal experience—for instance, relevant coursework, job experiences, previous travel, or study in the host country—have prepared you to live and study in a foreign country? Please specify any particular experience with the culture of the host country. Be precise about why that course, encounter, or experience got you interested in the CIEE Paris Critical Studies program.
    
    
  • What are your objectives for your time overseas with CIEE? What kind of critical studies project do you envision for your time in Paris

  Russian
  Russia–St. Petersburg (russian language—semester and academic year and russian language—summer)
  The Personal Statement must be written in Russian with no assistance except the use of a dictionary.
  
  Service-Learning
  For the following programs, the Personal Statement must also demonstrate prior experience with volunteerism and/or community service:

  Dominican Republic—Santiago (service-learning)
  South Africa—Cape Town (service-learning)

  
  

Evaluation
One academic evaluation is required for summer, semester, and academic year programs. The evaluation should be from a person familiar with your college or university academic background, your reasons for studying abroad, and if applicable, your reasons for applying for a CIEE-administered scholarship. The evaluation should be from a professor who knows you well. Provide the evaluator with information on the program, including eligibility requirements and the application deadline.

Language Skills
If you are applying to a program with a language prerequisite, the evaluation must be from a language instructor with whom you recently studied. Without this, your application will be considered incomplete.

If college-level language courses are not reflected on your official transcript (i.e., if you received college-level credit for language classes taken in high school, were exempted from language courses when entering college, or are a native or heritage speaker), you are required to have a language instructor at your home school evaluate your current language ability. The instructor should be familiar with ACTFL guidelines and evaluate your speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills as indicated on the evaluation form. They must also indicate what level language course you would place into at your home college or university. If an instructor at your home school is not able to complete this form, please contact CIEE for further information.

Other Disciplines
For the following programs, your evaluators should be familiar with and specifically address your background in the specified disciplines:

Argentina–Buenos Aires: social science or Latin American studies

Costa Rica-Monteverde (sustainability and the environment): environmental studies

Costa Rica–Monteverde (tropical ecology and conservation): biology

Czech Republic—Prague (film studies):
Production Track: film studies
Screenwriting Track: screenwriting or creative writing

Dominican Republic—Santiago (service-learning): independent research

France—Paris (critical studies): film studies, literary theory and/or criticism, critical studies

South Africa—Cape Town (service-learning): independent research

• Academic Information Form
  
  
• Official Transcript(s)
  Request an official transcript from each college or university you have attended and submit them, in signed and sealed envelopes, together with other application materials. Request transcripts as early as possible.
  
  
• Home School Nomination Form
  (Required for ALL applicants)
  
  

School of Record: Should your home school study abroad advisor indicate on this form that you need to use a School of Record (SOR), you will receive your transcript from Spelman College, the CIEE School of Record, upon successful completion of the program.

There is a $340 processing fee for using the CIEE SOR. Should your home school advisor indicate that you need to use the SOR, you will be billed for this fee. This fee is refundable until you are a confirmed participant. Once you are confirmed, this fee is non-refundable and you are responsible for payment.

• Passport size photo
  Photograph is used for on-site document. Guidelines for acceptable passport photos can be found at: travel.state.gov.
  
  



ADDITIONAL APPLICATION MATERIALS

Information applies to all programs in each location unless otherwise noted.


Brazil—São Paulo: Applicants are required to submit an updated résumé, a cover letter, and a preliminary course registration form with their application materials.

São Paulo: Semester Registration Form and Course List (pdf).

China–Beijing (advanced chinese studies): Applicants are required to submit a completed university specific application. While the Peking University application can be completed online, CIEE must receive a printed copy with the student’s original signature (no copies, faxes, or scans).

Czech Republic–Prague (film studies):
Both Tracks: Applicants must complete and submit the Supplemental Questionnaire (pdf) to provide additional information regarding their film experience. This questionnaire is designed to help CIEE and FAMU better evaluate the applicant’s background and interest in film.

Production Track: Applicants must submit a sample of recent work in DVD/VHS converted format, and 1-2 story boards or treatments for a short film to be shot in Prague.

Screenwriting Track: Applicants must submit an original screenplay (or an excerpt of about 10 pages) and proposals for two additional screenplays.

Dominican Republic—Santo Domingo: Applicants are required to submit a copy of their birth certificate.

England–London: Applicants are required to submit a completed University-specific application for the following CIEE Study Center programs. Please mail all London university-specific applications to CIEE's Portland, Maine, office.

arts and humanities (goldsmiths pdf)
asian and african studies (school of oriental and african studies pdf)
arts and sciences (university college london pdf)
arts and sciences (university of westminster pdf)

Ghana—Accra: Applicants must submit eight (8) passport photos.

Ghana—Legon: Applicants must submit eight (8) passport photos. Applicants are required to complete a University of Ghana application (pdf). Please mail the University of Ghana application to the CIEE Portland, Maine office.

Germany—Berlin: Applicants are required to submit a completed FU-BEST Berlin application (pdf).

Japan—Tokyo (semester) :

• TWO original evaluation letters
• Original home school nomination form
• Official transcript from all colleges and Universities attended
• Sophia University Application
  Please mail application materials to:
  
  CIEE – Tokyo AS
  300 Fore Street
  Portland, ME 04101
  
  No faxes, copies, or scans will be accepted, except for passport scans and passport photos.
  
• TWO academic evaluations are required. Evaluations should be letters typed on University letterhead and signed or completed in blue or black ink or typed on the CIEE evaluation form and signed.
• Please read the instructions before you complete the Sophia University application. Please mail this application to the CIEE Portland, Maine office.
• Please use your name as it appears on your passport in all application materials.
• Applicants must attend a four-year degree granting institution.
• If you are applying to both the semester AND summer programs, you must submit two complete applications. CIEE cannot reuse the application materials.
• Applicants with one year or less of university credit on their transcript at the time of application are required to submit an official high school transcript with their application and official SAT scores.
• Non-native English speakers must submit official TOEFL scores taken within the past 2 years.
• CIEE may request resubmission of any application items that Sophia requires.
• Sophia University makes the final acceptance decision on all CIEE student applications.

Please contact Molly Leighton, CIEE Study Abroad Advisor, Asia, with any questions.
Tel: +1.207.553.4097
Fax: +1.207.553.5097
Email: mleighton@ciee.org

Japan–Tokyo (summer):

• Non-U.S. citizens should contact CIEE regarding visa requirements PRIOR to applying. There may be restrictions on participation in this program.
• Applicants are required to submit a Sophia University summer application found in your online MY CIEE "to-do" list. Please mail this application to the CIEE Portland, Maine office.
• All application materials must be ORIGINAL documents. No faxes, copies, or scans will be accepted.
• Please use your name as it appears on your passport in all application materials.
• Evaluations should be completed in blue or black ink or typed on the CIEE form.
• If you are applying to both the semester AND summer programs, you must submit two complete applications. CIEE cannot reuse the application materials.
• CIEE may request resubmission of any application items that Sophia requires.
• Sophia University makes the final acceptance decision on all CIEE student applications.

Korea–Seoul (summer) : Applicants must complete and submit a Yonsei University Summer Application Form which can be accessed here (.pdf).

Portugal, Lisbon—: Applicants must submit proof that they have applied for an FBI background check.

Russia-St. Petersburg: Applicants who hold Russian citizenship must contact CIEE prior to applying as there may be some restrictions on participating in the program. Program participants must apply for their visa in the U.S. Students planning independent international travel prior to the program must contact CIEE before applying.

South Africa–Cape Town (arts and sciences): CIEE Study Center applicants are required to complete a University of Cape Town (UCT) application (pdf). While the UCT application may be completed online, signatures (of students and parent if student is less than 21 years old at the time s/he submits the application to CIEE) on the UCT application must be originals (no copies, faxes, or scans) and in blue ink. Please mail the UCT application and to the CIEE Portland, Maine office.

South Africa-Cape Town (service-learning): Applicants are required to submit a résumé with their application and all applicants must write an essay that demonstrates their prior experience with volunteerism and/or community service.

South Africa-Stellenbosch (arts and sciences): CIEE Study Center applicants are required to complete a Stellenbosch University (SU) Application. In addition, students must submit a résumé as part of the SU application. Please mail the SU application and résumé to the CIEE Portland, Maine office.

Spain, Barcelona (architecture and design): All Architecture Track students are required to submit a portfolio in PDF format on CD. This portfolio is used by the Architecture Studio professor to determine each student’s level and background. The Architecture Studio is a required course of the architecture track.

Students should label the portfolio CD as follows:

• Student’s Name
• Barcelona AD
• Architecture Track Portfolio

NOTE: Students on the design track do not need to submit a portfolio, unless participating in the internship course.

Sweden, Uppsala: Applicants are required to submit a course registration form with their application.

PASSPORTS
All students must have a valid passport to participate on a CIEE program. Passports should be valid for at least six months past the program’s end date. Students without a valid passport (or one that expires less than six months after the program end date) should apply without delay for a new passport. We suggest that students expedite their passport application in order to receive their new passports in plenty of time to complete any necessary visa applications or pre-departure procedures required by the host country.

You should have your passport available for use two weeks after you apply for study abroad in order to begin the visa application process. CIEE strongly recommends that you expedite your passport application. Please keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end date of your program.

Apply for your passport today!

INFORMATION FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS
Applicants who also wish to be considered for a CIEE-administered scholarship should download the Scholarship Application from our publications center. Additional information about CIEE scholarships can be found here.

Scholarship applicants are advised to begin the process as soon as possible. Scholarship applicants should only apply for those scholarships for which they are eligible and are required to complete all sections of the application as outlined. Your study abroad advisor or the financial aid administrator on your campus can assist you in determining your eligibility and the appropriateness of the scholarship for which you wish to apply. They can also provide additional advice about alternative sources of funding for your program abroad. Awards are based solely on completed application materials. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.

Scholarships applications are due on the following dates: November 1 for spring programs and April 1 for summer, fall, and academic year programs. These deadlines will not be extended.


QUESTIONS?

Please contact us if you have any questions about a program or the application process. You can reach us by telephone at 1.800.40.STUDY, or by e-mail at:

studyinfo@ciee.org

CIEE does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, national and ethnic origin, or disability.

Completed Applications should be sent to:

CIEE
300 Fore Street
Portland, ME 04101

Please send through a priority mail service that can be tracked.