CIEE Leading Innovation in Study Abroad with Free Online Courses!
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In Fall 2024, CIEE led innovation in study abroad by offering all CIEE study abroad students free access to over 3,000 accredited ASU online courses taught by the same faculty who teach in-person at ASU.
In just one year, over 80 universities are leading innovation in study abroad by approving ASU online coursework on CIEE Study Abroad Programs, helping their students overcome the curriculum barrier to studying abroad. Their students studied abroad on five continents as they enrolled in hundreds of online courses, including science, technology, engineering, computer science, business, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, social sciences, environmental science, ecology, and sustainability!
The Most Impactful Leading Change in Study Abroad Innovators include:
- Bucknell University
- California Polytechnic University
- College of Charleston
- Howard University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of South Carolina
- University of Texas at Austin
- Western Washington University
180 Different Online Courses Were Leveraged to Increase Access to Study Abroad!
Students on CIEE Study Abroad programs taking ASU online classes were more likely to be upperclassmen, first gen, STEM majors, Pell recipients, or taking 300-level courses.
Range of Academic Majors Taking Advantage of Online Learning Was Astounding!
- Business – Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, International Business, Marketing
- STEM – Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Kinesiology, Mechanical Engineering, Neuroscience, Nursing, Physics
- Social Sciences/ Humanities – Art History, Economics, English Literature, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology
Online Courses Were in All Academic Majors, from Business to STEM to Humanities!
- 39% of online classes were business related, 34% were STEM related, 27% were humanities related
- Top business classes included Fundamentals of Finance, Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, Taxes and Business Decisions
- Top STEM classes included Advanced Evolutionary Medicine, Bioethics, Software Analysis and Design
- Top humanities classes included Art in Asia, Religions of the World, Global History Since 1500
Student Feedback - Online Courses Earn Excellent Student Evaluations
Course evaluations confirm strong student satisfaction:
- 87% of students taking an ASU online course recommend the course.
- 92% find the content level appropriate.
- Overall, students rated online courses and instructors equal to or better than in-person classes
Advisor Feedback - Online Courses Increase Study Abroad Access
In May 2025, we shared highlights from college advisors who attended a curriculum workshop at ASU and embraced online courses and quotes from students who loved their study abroad online classes. Here are two more:
- CIEE’s collaboration with ASU allows us to increase study abroad access for engineering students. That one ASU course that they are allowed to take online, and in English, may be the difference that allows them to study abroad and still stay on track to graduate in four years. - Helena Wilkins Versalovic, Director, International Engineering, University of Texas - Austin
- “Our office approved CIEE’s ASU Online courses because they provide students with high-quality, flexible academic options that complement their international experience. These courses ensure students can stay on track with degree requirements while taking advantage of the cultural and personal growth that comes with studying abroad. We expect this partnership to expand access, support academic continuity, and make study abroad more feasible for a wider range of students. We’re excited to see more students take advantage of these opportunities and return home with both academic progress and a transformational experience.” - Morgan Inabet, Director, Global Carolina Education Abroad Office, University of South Carolina
Today’s students are ubiquitous learners, seeking to learn everywhere, all the time!
So, today, we extend our admiration to the 80+ “leading change” university partners who are breaking down the curriculum barrier for their students by embracing international place-based online learning.
Innovation takes courage and determination, and these college leaders are showing their courage by placing today’s students first when it comes to opening doors to study abroad for all students from all backgrounds!