CIEE Program Models
CIEE programs are organized into distinct program models that ignite curiosity, expand worldviews, and align with both institutional priorities and student ambitions. Explore CIEE's comprehensive portfolio of innovative, dynamic, and cutting-edge programs to gain a competitive edge and thrive in today’s globally interconnected world. Programs include:
Multi-Disciplinary Programs
Arts + Sciences
This multi-disciplinary program model fully immerses students at CIEE’s renowned international host institutions where they enroll in broad courses across a wide variety of disciplines alongside local students and other study abroad students.
Open Campus Block
Ideal for students seeking the flexibility to customize their own journey, this program model allows students to study abroad for 6, 12, or 18 weeks in their choice of 1 city or up to 3 different cities while enrolled in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses across a wide range of subjects.
Semester In
This general studies program model allows students to choose from a broad range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses that align with their degree requirements. Students also enjoy coursework with a local flavor that immerses them in the culture of their host country.
Quarter In
Designed for students at quarter schools, this general studies program model offers a broad range of CIEE courses and CIEE x ASU online courses that align with the quarter-system calendar and degree requirements. Students also participate in co- and extracurricular activities that enhance their time in their host city.
Thematic Programs
Business + Culture
Designed for students with a background in business, this program model allows students to enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses that focus on business and the local culture.
Ecology + Sustainability
Ideal for students majoring in environmental science, ecology, sustainability, and STEM, this program model invites students to explore today’s most pressing environmental challenges in CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses.
Engineering, Technology + Sciences
This discipline-based program model is designed for STEM majors to progress in their majors while enrolled in a comprehensive selection of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses related to engineering, technology, science, and hands-on learning.
Language + Culture
Open to all academic majors, this program model allows students to enroll in CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses that align with their degree while taking 1 required language course delivered in the local language.
Liberal Arts
Designed for skilled language learners, this highly immersive program model allows students to enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and host institution courses that align with their academic major. All courses are delivered in the local language.
Sustainable Smart Cities
This program model allows students to enroll in CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses for an in-depth examination of how smart cities prepare innovative solutions to urban challenges through sustainability practices, technology, and public policy.
Internship Programs
Global Internship
Offered during the summer and semester terms, this program model allows students to enroll in a full-time international internship placement in an industry that aligns with their career aspirations alongside an embedded internship seminar. Semester Global Internship programs require 1 elective academic course (online).
Intern + Study Abroad
Offered during the summer and semester terms, this program model allows students to enroll in a part-time international internship placement in an industry that aligns with their career aspirations alongside an embedded internship seminar and part-time academic coursework. Summer Intern + Study Abroad programs require 1 elective academic course (in-person or online) while Semester Intern + Study Abroad programs require 2 elective academic courses (in-person or online).
Short-Term Programs
Summer Study Abroad
Open to all academic majors, CIEE summer programs range from 4 to 12 weeks in length, offering students the opportunity to earn credits toward their degrees, develop their language skills, and intern abroad without missing a beat during the school year.
January Study Abroad
Aligned with most university winter breaks, CIEE "J-Term" programs allow students to earn 3 credits in 3 weeks across all major subject areas while immersing themselves in enriching co-curricular and extracurricular activities and excursions.
CIEE Program Model Comparison Charts
> Download the Program Comparison Chart PDF
| Semester In | Arts + Sciences | Open Campus Block | Quarter In | College First Year Abroad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | CIEE Host Institution ASU Online | CIEE (in select locations) Host Institution | CIEE ASU Online | CIEE ASU Online | CIEE ASU Online |
| Duration | 12–15 weeks (varies) | 15 weeks (varies) | 6–18 weeks (varies) | 12 weeks (2 consecutive 6-week blocks) | 12 weeks (2 consecutive 6-week blocks) |
| Concept + Academic Offering | Extensive course offerings aligned with multiple academic disciplines | Extensive course offerings aligned with multiple academic disciplines | Extensive course offerings aligned with multiple academic disciplines | Extensive course offerings aligned with multiple academic disciplines | Aligned to core first year curriculum across a broad range of disciplines |
| Eligibility & Requirements | 2.5 GPA (varies) No prerequisites | 2.5 GPA Prerequisites are dependent upon host institutions (varies) Language requirements dependent upon course level and language of instruction (varies) | 2.5 GPA No prerequisites | 2.5 GPA No prerequisites | 2.5 GPA No prerequisites High School Diploma at program start |
| Credits | 12–18 (varies) | 15–18 (varies) | 6–7 per block | 18–21 quarter / 12–14 semester credits | 12–14 credits |
| Internship | Yes, optional and credit-bearing | No (unless permitted at host institution) | Yes, optional and credit-bearing | Yes, optional and credit-bearing | No |
| Service Learning Course | Yes, in select locations | No | Yes, in select locations | Yes, in select locations | No |
| Research Projects | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cultural Immersion | Yes, through co-curricular and extracurricular excursions and activities Access to host institution facilities and local student clubs | Yes, through co-curricular and extracurricular excursions and activities Access to host institution facilities and local student clubs | Yes, through co-curricular and extracurricular excursions and activities | Yes, through co-curricular and extracurricular excursions and activities | Yes, through co-curricular and extracurricular excursions and activities |
| Academic Environment | CIEE classes scheduled Monday–Thursday and use a U.S. teaching style Courses at the host institution are typically taught in the local style; the learning environment will vary by location | Classes scheduled Monday–Friday Learning environment varies by host institution; not adapted to U.S. teaching style | Classes scheduled Monday–Thursday and use a U.S. teaching style | Classes scheduled Monday–Thursday and use a U.S. teaching style | Classes scheduled Monday–Thursday and use a U.S. teaching style |
| Mobility | No, single location | No, single location | Single location or mobility (up to three Open Campus Block locations can be combined, dependent on visa constraints) | No, single location (please refer to the 2-block Open Campus program if interested in mobility) | Single location or mobility (up to two locations across two 6-week blocks) |
| Designed For | Students of all disciplines seeking cultural immersion while staying on track academically | Students seeking host institution setting and cultural immersion | Students seeking flexibility and mobility while staying on track academically | Quarter-system students seeking a study abroad experience aligned with their academic calendar and coursework | First-year students interested in starting their college journey abroad and transferring their credits back to a U.S. institution |
> Download the Thematic Program Comparison Chart PDF
| Business + Culture | Ecology + Sustainability | Engineering, Technology + Sciences | Language + Culture | Liberal Arts | Specialized STEM | Sustainable Smart Cities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | CIEE Host Institution ASU Online (on select programs for Specialized STEM) | ||||||
| Duration | 15 weeks (varies) | 12-18 weeks (varies) | 15 weeks (varies) | 12-18 weeks | |||
| Concept + Academic Offering | Wide range of business courses Host institutions chosen for their strength in business courses | Environmental topics related to biodiversity and ecological resilience Variety of courses related to sustainability At least one ecology, environmental science, or science related sustainability course or academic project is required | Discipline-based STEM topics focused on engineering, technology, and science At least one STEM-related course is required | Broad range of courses to align with many areas of study Language acquisition is a central focus through at least one required language course | Immersive language program delivered in the local language In select locations, a Spanish language course is required In most locations, in-person English courses are not permitted | Specialized STEM programs focused on specific STEM topics | In-depth examination of how cities prepare for the future through innovative urban planning and technology Variety of courses related to sustainability At least one sustainability-focused course or academic project is required |
| Eligibility | 2.5-3.0 GPA (varies) No prerequisites for majority of locations (varies) | 2.5 GPA (varies) No prerequisites | 2.5 GPA (varies) No prerequisites | 2.5 GPA (varies) No prerequisites | 2.5 GPA (varies) 4 semesters of college-level courses in the host language (or equivalent) | 2.5 GPA (varies) Prior coursework may be required (varies) | 2.5 GPA (varies) No prerequisites |
| Credits | 12-18 (varies) | 12-16 (varies) | 12-18 (varies) | ||||
| Internship | Yes, optional and credit-bearing | Yes, optional and credit-bearing | Yes, optional and credit-bearing | Yes, in select locations | Yes, in select locations (in local language) | Yes, in select locations | Yes, optional and credit-bearing |
| Service Learning | No | Yes | Yes, in select locations | No | Yes, in select locations | Yes, in select locations | Yes, in select locations |
| Research Projects | Yes, in select locations | Yes | Yes | No | Yes, in select locations (in local language) | Yes, in select locations | Yes |
| Cultural Immersion | Yes, through co-curricular and extracurricular excursions and activities (in local language for Liberal Arts and specifically designed to dive deeper into STEM for Specialized STEM) | ||||||
| Academic Environment | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday and use a typical U.S. teaching style Host institution courses may be scheduled Monday-Friday Host institution academic culture varies by location | ||||||
| Designed For | Business students seeking cultural immersion | Environmental science, STEM, ecology, and sustainability students | Engineering, technology, and science students | Students interested in language development and intercultural skills | Advanced language learners seeking deep cultural immersion | STEM students seeking specialized coursework | Students interested in sustainable development and urban planning |
For more information about these programs, please visit ciee.org/study and explore individual program pages.
> Download the Internship Program Comparison Chart PDF
| CIEE Summer Global Internship | CIEE Semester Global Internship | CIEE Summer Intern + Study Abroad | CIEE Semester Intern + Study Abroad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internship Type | Full-time | Part-time | ||
| Duration | 8 weeks | 12 weeks | 6 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Academic Offering | Embedded internship seminar with reflection and skills development | Embedded internship seminar with reflection and skills development 1 optional elective academic course (ASU Online) | Embedded internship seminar with reflection and skills development 1 required elective academic course (in-person or ASU Online) | Embedded internship seminar with reflection and skills development 2 required elective academic courses (in-person or ASU Online) |
| Eligibility & Requirements | Format 2.5 GPA (Rising sophomore standing and above required at time of participation) In select locations, local language skills may help secure a preferred internship placement | |||
| Credits | 6 | 9-13 (varies) | 6-7 (varies) | 12-14 (varies) |
| Internship Placement | Full-time (30-40 hours/ week; 225-300 hours total) | Full-time (~30 hours/week; 300 total) | Part-time (16-20 hours/week; 100-120 hours total) | Part-time (~20 hours/week; 225-250 hours total) |
| Academic Environment | Academic seminar (hybrid; in-person and online) | ASU online courses delivered asynchronously Academic seminar (hybrid; in-person and online) | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday ASU online courses delivered asynchronously Academic seminar (hybrid; in-person and online) | |
| Cultural Immersion | Yes, through co-curricular and extracurricular excursions and activities | |||
| Designed For | Students seeking a full-time summer internship | Students seeking a semester-long internship with optional part-time coursework | Students seeking a part-time internship alongside part-time coursework during the summer | Students seeking a part-time internship alongside part-time coursework during the semester |
Note: Students may also enroll in optional part-time internships in select CIEE semester programs, including Open Campus Block programs, Semester In programs, Engineering, Technology + Science programs, and Business + Culture programs.
> Download the Short-Term Program Comparison Chart PDF
| CIEE Summer Blocks | CIEE Summer Sessions | CIEE Long-Term Summer | CIEE Summer at a Host Institution | CIEE Summer Global Internship | CIEE Summer Intern + Study Abroad | CIEE January In | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | CIEE | Host Institution | CIEE | CIEE ASU Online | CIEE | ||
| Duration | 6-12 weeks (varies) | 4-12 weeks (varies) | 8 weeks | 4-6 weeks (varies) | 8 weeks | 6 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Concept + Academic Offering | Students select 2 courses | Students select 1 course | Immersive courses focused on language, public health, wildlife ecology, etc. | Multi-disciplinary courses | Embedded internship seminar with reflection and skills development | Embedded internship seminar with reflection and skills development 1 required elective academic course (in-person or ASU Online) | Students enroll in 1 course (varies by location) |
| Eligibility | 2.5 GPA | 2.5 GPA | 2.5 GPA Prerequisite coursework varies by location | Varies by host institution | 2.5 GPA Rising sophomore standing and above required at time of participation In select locations, local language skills may help secure a preferred internship placement | 2.5 GPA | |
| Credits | 6-7 per block | 3-4 per session | 6-10 (varies) | 4-9 (varies) | 6 | 6-7 (varies) | 3 |
| Internship | Not Available | Full-Time (30-40 hours/ week; 225-300 hours total) | Part-Time (16-20 hours/ week; 100-120 hours total) | Not Available | |||
| Academic Environment | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday Select programs require Friday classes | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Friday | Host institution classes scheduled Monday-Friday | Academic seminar (hybrid; in-person and online) | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday ASU online courses delivered asynchronously Academic seminar (hybrid; in-person and online) | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Friday |
| Cultural Immersion | Yes, through co-curricular and extracurricular excursions and activities | ||||||
| Designed For | Students seeking flexibility and mobility | Maximum cultural immersion through multiple sessions | Students seeking specialized coursework | Students seeking host institution setting and cultural immersion | Students seeking a full-time summer internship | Students seeking a part-time internship alongside part-time coursework during the summer | Students of all academic backgrounds |