2026 High School Study Abroad Conference–Day Two

On the final day of the CIEE 6th Annual High School Study Abroad Conference, nearly 400 participants explored ways to shape global culture at their school and develop as global educators.
 

Closing Plenary Alumni Panel

Attendees also heard directly from CIEE alumni Jake Reynoso, Katherine Lake, Lucas Chacko, and Mellonie Williams, who shared how their CIEE programs shaped them as global citizens and fueled their personal growth, academic paths, and future careers.  

“In the professional world... no one’s telling you what to do with your career, or your life, or your trajectory. You have to start figuring that out a little bit yourself, and I think that is what a program like CIEE really helps with. Because while there is a core structure and amazing educators supporting you, there’s enough freedom for you to start to figure out what you want to do with your time and what skills you want to develop.” 

— Katherine Lake, CIEE alum 

“Studying abroad definitely helped me gain confidence in connecting with people. I think once you’re able to go to any part of the world, you realize that you can find a shared humanity in yourself and any other person, regardless of their background...my trip definitely helped me build those skills.” 

— Lucas Chacko, CIEE alum 

Breakout Sessions: Shaping Global Culture at Your School

The first breakout sessions of the day included panels with CIEE staff and educators from partner schools, offering real-world examples and practical strategies for building a culture of global learning. 

Sessions included:

• Mobilizing Alumni, exploring how schools can leverage alumni stories, peer advocates, and ambassador programs to spark student interest in study abroad and build a lasting culture of global learning.
• College First Year Abroad & Expanding Post-Graduation Opportunities, learning how students can begin their college career with CIEE's College First Year Abroad while earning transferable credits, building global competence, and preparing for success in college.
• Funding Study Abroad Through Fundraising and Partnerships, sharing practical strategies for reducing financial barriers through community partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and CIEE scholarship opportunities that make study abroad more accessible to students.
• Study Abroad as Fuel for the IB Journey, examining how international experiences support IB learning outcomes, including global-mindedness, reflection, personal growth, and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills.

Breakout Sessions: Developing as Global Educators

The second breakout sessions offered attendees practical strategies to expand global opportunities, support student well-being, and integrate international experiences into long-term educational pathways for student success.

Sessions included:

• Designed by You, Delivered by CIEE: Custom School Trips, discovering how educators can create curriculum-aligned international programs tailored to their students’ goals, interests, and academic needs.
• More Than a Summer: How Semester and Year Abroad Strengthens Student Pathways, exploring how longer-term CIEE High School Study Abroad experiences keep students on track to graduate on time and set them apart as confident, globally-minded applicants ready for college and what comes next.
• From the Field: Insights from CIEE Summer Site Visits, hearing firsthand from educators who participated in site visits about effective global education practices, classroom applications, and ways to bring international learning back to their schools.
• Building a Culture of Care: Coordinating Care, Response and Outcomes, discussing how intentional support systems and incident management practices can foster student well-being, strengthen communication, and become the foundation for a culture of care throughout international programs.
   

Looking Forward

Throughout the weekend, speakers and sessions emphasized viewing study abroad as an essential part of the high school experience for all students. Discussions highlighted the proven benefits of international experiences, from stronger academic outcomes and career readiness to increased adaptability, problem-solving skills, and global engagement, reinforcing the important role educators play in expanding access to these transformative opportunities. 

We are excited to welcome educators to San Francisco, October 8-10, 2027, for next year’s CIEE 7th Annual High School Study Abroad Conference. Until then, the work of building global citizens and expanding access to international education continues in classrooms across the country.