Business + Culture

GPA

• 2.5 for students taking just CIEE courses 
• 3.0 for students intending to take courses at CEU

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

• Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.     
• See more information about CIEE academic policies and requirements in the Student Academic Manual.

Requirements

All students enroll in 4-5 courses for a total of 12-16 credits, including:  

• CIEE Courses  
• Up to 2 courses total at CEU 
• Up to 2 ASU Online course (max 8 total credits) 
  • In the fall, students will be limited to ASU Session B 
  • In the spring, students will be limited to ASU Session A 

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-16 U.S. semester/18-24 quarter credits   

Course Credit

• CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits, 45-60 contact hours  
• CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester /4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours  
• CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours  
• CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 90 service hours  
• CEU Courses: Typically, 2 U.S. semester/3 quarter credits; 24 contact hours  
• ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours   

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.     

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time. Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses. 

Courses as CEU also follow U.S. academic culture, are small, highly interactive classes with a strong emphasis on mentorship and discussion. Classes may be scheduled Monday through Friday, and attendance is mandatory. 

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from ASU faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.       

Classes at CEU have a similar course size and are usually discussion-based, designed for intensive engagement and close collaboration with faculty.   

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end. 

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.        

At CEU, assessment is continuous, analytical, and with a strong emphasis on independent thinking, written work, and research. The exact mix varies by program, but evaluation includes written assignments and papers, continuous coursework, exams, and oral components. CIEE reports final grades for host institution courses using recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, following a predetermined grade conversion scale. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. 

Language of Instruction

English