Meet the Educators Leading CIEE's 2026 High School Summer Abroad Programs

Founded in 2015, the CIEE Global Navigator Movement is transforming secondary education by making academically-aligned study abroad an integral part of the U.S. high school experience. CIEE high school summer abroad programs give teens a chance to explore the world while building valuable life skills, global competence, and college readiness.  

A critical part of the CIEE experience is our Program Leaders—the educators, topic or language experts, and global education advocates who connect classroom learning to the real world, ensuring summer abroad becomes an unforgettable learning adventure. As champions of our mission, Program Leaders get to travel and immerse themselves in communities around the world, helping guide students and broaden their worldview.

Meet a few returning CIEE Program Leaders, who volunteered to answer common questions about the role and the experiences they gain traveling with CIEE. 

• Sophia G., California, 3rd summer 
• Michele A., Maine, 4th summer  
• Summer L., Texas, 4th summer 
• Ryan V., Delaware, 5th summer  
• Erin M., Ohio, 8th summer 

What Our Program Leaders Are Most Excited About 

• One of my favorite parts is getting to learn new things right along with the students! Even if I’ve been on the site before, I am always learning and leave an even better educator. I love getting to see the students light up when they experience new things for the first time and step into new versions of themselves— it is always such a joy and reminds me of myself taking my first steps abroad and how it changed my life path. — Ryan V. 
• Seeing some of the colleagues and friends I have made throughout the years I have worked with CIEE. Also working with a variety of students and helping them get the most out of the program. — Sophia G.  
• I am looking forward to returning to Palma de Mallorca for my 4th summer session and meeting a new group of students. Our daily schedule in Palma allows for students to work side by side with Program Leaders, Biologists, and Center Staff to enhance not only their understanding of STEM topics, but also to build lasting relationships with all. — Michele A. 

How CIEE Program Leaders Prepare for the Summer 

• I am working on my beginner Spanish! Over the last 3 years, I have made many personal friends with the CIEE Center Staff in Palma. I look forward to my return trip with a better command of the Spanish language and the ability to communicate on my own. — Michele A. 
• To prepare, I brush up on what I know about the sites and activities that I will experience with my students so that I can answer as many of their questions as possible. I also brush up on what’s trending on location so I can recommend cool places, experiences, and restaurants to students for their free time. This year, I am focusing on free or very cheap experiences that students will be most interested in toward the end of the program (and the end of their spending money). — Summer L. 
• I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to material things, but I for sure will bring a fan on program as it is going to be HOT this summer in Japan. I also like to brainstorm ideas of what I will do on my day off. As Program Leaders, we’re “on” a lot of the time, so having a plan to either relax or do something that fulfills you is really important to keep spirits high and energy charged. That way, I have a plan and can do something that feels refreshing or exciting just for me! — Ryan V. 
• I always make a list of things I want to do in Berlin during any free time. The time always goes quicker than you expect it to. — Erin M. 

Why They Chose CIEE 

• When I return from a CIEE program, I have a renewed spark and drive to create authentic learning experiences in my classroom in Texas. I feel like so much is possible after working with a group of students who genuinely want to learn Spanish. — Summer L.  
• In my experience as a Program Leader, I am confident that CIEE runs an exemplary study abroad program with a focus on learning, safety, and personal growth. Over the last few years, I have observed the change in many student participants as they begin in Palma, a bit nervous or shy, and leave the program with a better understanding of the world, themselves, and the lifelong relationships they have cultivated. — Michele A.  
• I enjoy working for CIEE. I have seen myself grow as a leader in my own career, but also overseas while working with different students and staff. I enjoy the challenges that may arise, but also truly enjoy the camaraderie that we develop. — Sophia G. 
• I’m really passionate about study abroad programs and students learning German. I first applied in 2018 because I thought it sounded like a wonderful opportunity. This summer, I’ll be working my eighth session with CIEE High School Summer Abroad! — Erin M.  
• I remember seeing the job ad back in 2020 and thinking, “This is exactly what I want to be doing with my life”—sharing immersive and cultural experiences with students because it is exactly what changed my life and led me to live in Spain, become a language educator, and explore so much of the world. It combined all my favorite things: teaching languages, experiential learning, and connecting young people to new cultures! This is year 5 for me as a PL, and I have never regretted it; in fact, quite the opposite—I often share that it is my favorite part of the year! — Ryan V. 

Advice for Future Program Leaders 

•  Working as a program leader truly helps set you apart in your role as a teacher or administrator back home. You develop unique skills and learn to adapt and be flexible to a variety of outcomes. You learn to take in the small moments and truly enjoy life for what it is. It has helped shape my leadership in my role as a principal. Take it all in, enjoy every moment (even the challenges), and learn to be as flexible as you can be, because things can change in the moment, and you need to have the ability to adapt. — Sophia R. 
• The kids are really great, so take the time to get to know them. I’ve also met some of my favorite adults working as a Program Leader. I look forward to going back to Berlin not only for the students, but also for the friendships and relationships I’ve built through CIEE over the years. Get to know the people you’re working with because it really is a bonding experience. — Erin M.  
• I would encourage others just to apply! I would suggest to applicants that they stay open to the many opportunities, be flexible on their destination and timelines, and, most importantly, embrace the many personalities, both student and staff, that they will come in contact with. — Michele A.  
• GO. FOR. IT! Being a Program leader is an unforgettable experience. Getting to spend a month in one of your favorite locations with awesome students is so rewarding. Brace yourself (and prepare yourself) for lots of time walking outdoors, an amount of stair climbing that you didn’t think was possible, the HEAT, and a very intense schedule. When you are ready for what’s to come, it’s so much easier to enjoy the time you have. The challenges are completely with it! — Summer L. 

Join the Global Navigator Movement 

Ready to embark on a transformative summer abroad? Discover the world, gain valuable skills, and make lasting memories as a CIEE Program Leader! Learn more about the incredible opportunities ahead and apply today.