CIEE Pledge to Lead Change in Study Abroad - July Update

CIEE’s Pledge to Lead Change in Study Abroad is a commitment of $6M over four years to help colleges implement new study abroad models that increase access to study abroad, enhance student outcomes, and improve institutional success, including increased enrollment, student retention, academic success, graduation rates, and post-graduate employability.

Below are highlights from three new study abroad programs at Arizona State University, the Borough of Manhattan Community College, and UC San Diego.

ASU Early Start Global Accelerator Program Improves First-year GPAs and Retention

The goal for ASU’s Early Start Global Accelerator Program is to improve first-year retention and graduation rates among high-risk, first-year students. ASU aims to prove that early global exposure boosts first-year persistence and success, benefiting both the university and ASU students.

To date, more than 200 first-year students have completed an immersive nine-day study abroad experience focused on Costa Rican culture, sustainability, and environmental science. Post-program results show that Early Start Global Accelerator students outperformed the comparison set of students on GPA, credits earned, and first-year retention. In addition, participating students reported growth in confidence, academic motivation, and independence.

The program's metrics are a testament to ASU faculty who focused on building an inclusive student community. In the video below, ASU faculty members reflect on the program's greatest impact and what they’re fine-tuning for the next cohort.

The application for the third cohort opens on July 15. 

BMCC Global Scholars Program Helps 500 Students to Study Abroad 

The goal for BMCC’s Global Scholars Program is to internationalize the entire BMCC community by engaging faculty and student leaders to send 1,000 students abroad by 2028. BMCC aims to improve first-year retention, graduation rates, and employability among Pell-eligible, diverse, and first-generation students.

To date, 560 BMCC students have completed a global experience, including 206 students who are studying and interning abroad with CIEE this summer. Many BMCC students are participating in one of 15 BMCC faculty-led programs exploring subjects such as Robotics in Dublin, Astronomy in Edinburgh, and The Black Experience in Legon. 

Early indications are that retention rates are higher for students who completed one of the BMCC Global Scholars programs than for non-participating students. 

BMCC is reviewing faculty submitted proposals for programs next winter.

In the video below, hear from BMCC students about their CIEE Study Abroad experience in Paris.

UC San Diego Future Innovators Program Helps 80 Students Intern Abroad

The goal for UC San Diego’s Future Innovators Program is to increase participation in study abroad by non-traditional students and to improve future career success for incoming Pell-eligible or low-income students by removing systemic barriers to international professional development. UCSD aims to support 180 first-year or transfer students on internships abroad in Berlin, London, Cape Town, and Singapore.

To date, 80 students have participated in the program, including 39 students currently participating in their Summer Global Internships as part of the second cohort.

Post-internship surveys are strong with students indicating the experience moved them closer to their career goals. Academic indicators also show promise with the majority of the first cohort maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or above. Surveys show that returning students participate in more international engagement programs and public service activities.

The current cohort of UCSD Future Innovators will complete their Summer Global Internship program in August. In the video below, UC San Diego students reflect on their experience as interns in Berlin. 

CIEE extends our appreciation and congratulations to the faculty and administrators who are collaborating on these new models of study abroad that are increasing access to study abroad, improving student outcomes, and advancing institutional success.