CIEE Community Impact Initiative
College Study Abroad
Take your study abroad experience beyond the classroom through the CIEE Community Impact Initiative. Connect with your host community, make a meaningful difference, and build skills that help you grow as an individual by serving others in three ways:
- Community Impact Orientation: Kick off your CIEE program by meeting local community partners during your first week abroad. Get to know your new community and make an impact through weekly service work projects.
- Community Impact Week: Celebrate the difference you’re making alongside fellow students and local organizations. Share your experiences, reflect on what you’ve learned, and recognize the impact of your service projects within the community.
- Community Impact Global Poster Competition: Turn your experience into a story worth telling. Reflect on the achievements and lessons from your service work by creating a poster that showcases your impact abroad. Compete for the opportunity to present at the annual CIEE Study Abroad Conference and help secure a CIEE donation for your community partner!
CIEE Community Impact Initiatives
Food Security
- Collect surplus food and redistribute it to families in need through ReFood in Lisbon
- Prepare nutritious food, promote sustainability, and combat food waste through Our Big Kitchen in Syndey
- Distribute meals while supporting educational initiatives for youth with Ladles of Love in Cape Town
Community Development + Public Health
- Restore historic neighborhoods and public parks in partnership with Retake Rome
- Care for seniors and families in vulnerable situations at Fundació Roure in Barcelona
- Support community clean-up initiatives and sustainability practices with Tokyo River Friends in Tokyo
Youth Development + Education
- Promote literacy, educational access, and social inclusion through the Seongbok Braille Library in Seoul
- Provide mentorship and study support to children and teenagers through Mais Skillz in Lisbon
- Support vulnerable groups by providing recreational activities through Darsena Deportiva in Seville
Community Impact Week
Every spring and fall semester, each of CIEE’s 45+ global centers hosts a week-long celebration highlighting the impact you and your peers are making in your host city.
During Community Impact Week, you’ll:
- Share what your community needs and how you’ve helped to make a difference
- Celebrate the connections you’ve built all semester
- See your stories shared online so the whole CIEE network can celebrate the work you and local partners are doing
It’s all about showing up, giving back, and recognizing the community impact you’re making abroad!
CIEE Community Impact Global Poster Competition
Each year, CIEE hosts the Community Impact Global Poster Competition – a chance for you to highlight the service project you’ve worked on abroad and represent your region at the next annual CIEE Study Abroad Conference.
One finalist from each CIEE region will:
- Travel to the conference’s host city (round-trip airfare and lodging provided)
- Present their project on an international stage
- Compete for awards
- Earn a CIEE donation for their community organization – helping your impact continue long after you’ve returned home
Get Started
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Step #1: Choose Your CIEE Study Abroad Program
Explore 590+ unique programs and pick your favorite.
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Step #3: Express Your Interest in Community Impact
Let your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor know you're interested in getting involved.
You can also wait until you're settled in your host city and sign up to participate in CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative on-site. Be sure to connect with a CIEE staff member at your CIEE Center!
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