Bay Area Students Gear Up for Global Adventures with CIEE

On May 19, Global Navigator High School Study Abroad students from across the Bay Area gathered at Stanford University for a spirited send-off event hosted by CIEE. 

The gathering brought together students, parents, alumni, educators, and CIEE staff to build excitement, answer questions, and prepare for a life-changing summer abroad.

At the event, dozens of students representing more than 40 local high schools, including Gunn, Albany, Lick Wilmerding, Aragon, and Bishop O’Dowd, met for the first time and mingled with fellow travelers, learning what to expect from their upcoming adventures and hearing firsthand stories from CIEE alumni.

The event featured remarks from CIEE leadership and program staff, as well as key voices in the California language education community, including representatives from the California World Language Project (a collaborative project from the Stanford University Graduate School of Education) and the California Language Teachers’ Association. 

Together, they highlighted the power of language immersion, cross-cultural connection, and how studying abroad is a powerful catalyst for student growth.

Students also got a special sneak peek into CIEE life abroad through inspiring alumni spotlights. Iris W., who studied marine ecosystems in Mallorca, Spain, and Reece Giresi and completed an Honors Spanish Language & Culture program in Seville, shared vivid memories—from navigating local transit and bonding with host families to gaining confidence in Spanish and discovering new academic passions.

Interactive icebreakers like “Corners of the World” helped students reflect on what excites them most about their upcoming journeys. Meanwhile, parents joined conversations about how best to support their teens, before, during, and after their time abroad.

Throughout the day, attendees learned more about CIEE’s safety protocols, homestay vetting process, group housing structure, and the vital role of Program Leaders. 

The team also shared tips on how students can make the most of their experience: from participating in CIEE’s photo contests to joining virtual pre-departure orientations and connecting with program-specific communities using social media.

The event also launched the local promotion of the CIEE-CLTA California Language Student of the Year Award, offering scholarships up to $5,000 for students to study abroad.

With passports ready and excitement building, these Global Navigators are preparing to step into a summer of transformation that will equip them with global perspectives, lifelong friendships, and skills that extend far beyond the classroom.