CIEE Leadership in Language Learning
Forging gateways to other cultures with the most extensive portfolio of high-quality world language programs
CIEE’s mission is to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.
With 100+ foreign language study abroad programs across 30+ locations, CIEE is committed to helping people prepare for success in the global workplace and unlock new cultures by learning another language.
CIEE students consistently demonstrate significant gains in language proficiency upon completion of our courses, positioning them for success in an increasingly globalized world.
Our Participants Achieve Incredible Gains
of U.S. college students taking language courses while studying abroad with CIEE would recommend the course*
of U.S. college students studying abroad with CIEE reported that they developed their language skills significantly*
*Out of 7,972 U.S. College students surveyed after taking language courses while studying abroad with CIEE
growth in composite reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for high schoolers studying a world language with CIEE in 2023**
**Measured through a pre-post administration of the STAMP 4S assessment by Avant
CIEE Language Learning
The CIEE Difference
CIEE College Study Abroad, High School Study Abroad, Gap Year Abroad, First Year Abroad and Teach Abroad programs deliver outcomes on language skills that simply can’t be achieved in the traditional classroom environment.
Global Reach
- CIEE offers locations to study abroad in 40 cities in 28 countries across the globe.
- 21 dedicated High School Study Abroad Language & Culture programs offered.
- 31 dedicated College Study Abroad language immersion programs offered.
- 3 semesters worth of language credit in 1 term with CIEE’s Open Campus program
Over $13 Million Awarded Every Year
- CIEE Award Over $13 Million In Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants Annually
- CIEE administers the largest high school study abroad scholarship fund in the country, making study abroad more affordable for over 1,000 students every year.
CIEE World Language Programs
With CIEE, students can choose from more than 100 foreign language study abroad programs across 30+ locations, where they are immersed in local cultures, learn dialects, and express themselves in one of a dozen languages, including:
CIEE High School Study Abroad
CIEE Global Navigator study abroad programs are designed specifically for high school students. With CIEE, students can go abroad during high school or after graduation for as little as 3 weeks to a full semester or academic year.
Global Navigator programs typically include homestays, language immersion, cultural activities, and academic coursework, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in the host country's culture and educational system.
From advancing Mandarin language skills in Shanghai to learning to speak like a Parisian in the City of Light, high school students can practice their conversational language skills in a new community; collaborate with diverse students from across the U.S.; and may even come home with the Seal of Biliteracy and college credits.
View high school language programs for:
CIEE High School Language Program Impact
Our program curricula align with U.S. high school learning goals of world language proficiency, global competence, and college readiness. The average language growth for CIEE students in a 4-week Language & Culture program approaches or exceeds the national average growth* that students achieve in 1 year of a high school world language course**:
*National averages derived by Avant from high school language proficiency assessments administered nationally in 2018–2023
**Since students at earlier stages of language proficiency make greater gains more quickly than students at more advanced stages, it is not appropriate to compare percentage growth across languages. For example, 66% of the 2022 Italian students were at the beginning level, while only 15% of those in the Spanish courses were beginners. Arabic results are not included due to an insufficient number of matched cases.
CIEE College Study Abroad
CIEE offers college study abroad programs for language learners of all levels – from students focused on basic language acquisition to a student ready for a fully immersive experience taking all courses in the host country language alongside native students.
Through CIEE study abroad programs, college students learn to communicate effectively in their target language, through daily interactions, academic pursuits, internships, volunteer experiences alongside members of their host community, and more. They develop heightened cultural awareness, empathy, and cross-cultural communication skills – all essential for success in today's interconnected world.
CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL
Teaching abroad is an excellent opportunity for English-speakers to learn a new language or improve their fluency by practicing in real-life settings. As teachers help students learn English, they expand their foreign language skills. It's a win-win situation for everyone!
Through CIEE Teach Abroad, participants develop cross-cultural communication skills, foreign language proficiency, and leadership experience that makes them more competitive in the job market and successful in the workplace. All while building meaningful relationships with coworkers, neighbors, and new friends in the local community.
CIEE Teach Abroad Programs
CIEE TEFL
A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification is the first step to becoming a teacher of English to non-native English speakers and is often required by schools hiring English language teachers.
CIEE offers: