CIEE Community Impact Initiative
Building bridges through the power of community
Our Commitment
CIEE’s founding purpose is to advance peace by building bridges of mutual understanding across national and cultural divides. We believe that cross-cultural understanding is forged through meaningful human connection.
CIEE Community Impact Initiative is a coordinated effort to embed community service within all CIEE programs. Through intentional collaboration with local service organizations, CIEE participants give back to their global neighbors and:
- Build authentic relationships with members of their host community,
- Better understand local perspectives and challenges, and
- Gain hands-on experience that equips and inspires them to continue community service after they return home.
CIEE Community Impact Initiatives
College Study Abroad
College Study Abroad, where students at every CIEE location around the world work alongside local partners to benefit their communities and participate in our Community Impact Orientation, Community Impact Week, and the Community Impact Global Poster Competition.
High School Study Abroad
High School Study Abroad, where students enroll in our service-focused summer study abroad programs in 12 global locations, including the Good Neighbor Kitchen and Good Neighbor Play Lab programs, and our Leadership & Service programs.
BridgeUSA
BridgeUSA, where participants engage in service through the Young Civic Leadership Summit, One World Café, and High School Community Engagement activities; our partners join us in serving communities across via our International Exchange Conference, Host Family Summit, and BridgeUSA Celebration Tour.
CIEE Community Impact Live
Follow CIEE on social media to see how we harness the power of community service to build enduring personal connections that strengthen global understanding and advance peace.
CIEE Community Impact Blogs
CIEE Launches BridgeUSA Community Engagement Scholarship for Students from Latin America
CIEE to establish a cultural exchange program that builds bridges of mutual understanding and peace between the people of the United States and Latin America CIEE today announced a new... keep reading
CIEE Community Impact Poster Competition Finalists
In November 2025, we launched the CIEE Community Impact Initiative to help American college students enhance their study abroad experience through the power of serving others. In spring 2026, students... keep reading
CIEE and America250: Service, Exchange, and Building Stronger Communities
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, CIEE is proud to partner with America250 on projects that inspire national reflection and civic engagement, including... keep reading