Study Abroad That Strengthens Your Classroom: CIEE’s 2025 Outcomes

As world language educators, you know better than anyone how language learning opens doors, expands horizons, and fosters global citizenship.    

This past summer, CIEE’s Language & Culture programs didn’t just teach students a language; they helped them live it. The results after four weeks of language immersion were remarkable.   

Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Global Seal of Biliteracy, we can formally recognize the outstanding gains students achieved in their language proficiency. Best of all, these gains return to your classrooms: students come back more confident, communicative, and motivated, amplifying the work you’re already doing throughout the school year. 

With over $7 million in scholarships available for Summer 2026, it is never too early to apply. The process is teacher-friendly and quick. The scholarship deadline is January 21, 2026—encourage your students to submit their applications today! 

Over 900 High School Students Earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy

CIEE collaborates with the Global Seal of Biliteracy to award the Global Seal to students who demonstrate exceptional language skills. We are proud to share that 924 students—40% of our Language & Culture participants—earned the Global Seal based on their results from the Avant STAMP 4S proficiency test.  

The STAMP test—administered before departure and again during the final week abroad—measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking proficiency. Among this year’s Seal recipients: 

• 894 students earned the Functional Fluency Award, requiring a score of 5 (Intermediate-Mid) or higher across all four categories. 
• 30 earned the Working Fluency Award, which requires a score of 7 (Advanced-Low) or higher, plus completion of or enrollment in 11th-grade English.  

These achievements highlight both the hard work of students and the power of immersive environments in accelerating language growth. 

What Is the Global Seal of Biliteracy and Why Does It Matter?  

The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a universally recognized, portable credential that certifies a student’s language skills, regardless of where they live or whether they have already graduated. 

Unlike state-level Seals tied to local requirements, the Global Seal is: 

• Acceptable nationwide and internationally
• Usable for college admissions, scholarships, and employment
• Valid for heritage speakers, immersion learners, dual-language students, and alumni 

For students charting their academic or professional futures, it is a credential that truly opens doors. 

Streamlined Access to Students’ Language Credentials  

Students can easily showcase their language proficiency thanks to the Global Seal’s Digital Language Profile platform. Each qualifying student receives a unique serial number, enabling them to create an online profile, display a digital certificate, and share their credentials with schools, universities, employers, and on social media.  

Students can also purchase a physical certificate through the Global Seal’s online store. 

Immersion = Measurable Growth 

Beyond earning the Global Seal, CIEE’s Language & Culture programs continue to deliver academic outcomes that align with what schools and teachers value most: 

• 65% of participants (1,482 students) opted for and earned college credit through Tulane University, CIEE’s School of Record.   
• 80% of students increased their STAMP test composite score from pre- to post-program, an exceptional result given the short program length and plateau issues common at higher levels. In just four weeks, students achieved growth that typically takes a full academic year—directly reinforcing the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational skills you teach every day.
• 93% reported learning more about the host culture.
• 94% said the program helped them develop a more global perspective. 

These outcomes underscore the value of our programs in advancing language proficiency and cultural competence, equipping students with skills that extend beyond the classroom.  

How the Avant STAMP 4S Supports Student Learning 

Language assessment is a cornerstone of CIEE’s Language & Culture programs. The Avant STAMP 4S (STAndards-Based Measure of Proficiency) helps us: 

• Place students at the right level from day one
• Track learning progress across all four skills
• Analyze program effectiveness and continuously refine our curriculum 

Schools and teachers benefit as well: returning students are more prepared, more confident, and more advanced in their language skills. 

A Win for Your Classroom, Too 

Teachers consistently tell us that students who study abroad come back transformed—they participate more, take more academic risks, and bring new cultural insights into the classroom, elevating discussions for the entire class. 

“Kids are entering our school already planning on [studying abroad] because they’ve heard so much about it. It’s also changed our community because now the community looks at our school as a leader in global education.”  

— Meghan Schumacher, French Teacher, West Seattle High School, WA 

As educators and administrators, your support is essential in connecting students with opportunities that broaden their horizons and accelerate their learning. 

Partner With Us to Inspire the Next Generation of Global Citizens 

We invite you to share these success stories with students, colleagues, and families. Encourage interested students to apply early—especially for scholarships. 

Together, we can continue empowering student voice, elevating world language programs, and building globally minded schools. 

Learn more about CIEE’s High School Summer Abroad programs and help your students open a world of possibilities.