CIEE Community Impact Initiative

CIEE’s Youth Mentorship programs connect you with local partnerships and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), empowering you to serve and support the youth in your host community.  

Explore programs like: 

• Leadership & Service in Children’s Education in Legon, Ghana: Join local educational enrichment initiatives for at-risk children and youth aged 4 to 15.  
• Leadership & Service in Youth Development in Mérida, Mexico: Gain valuable experience at a local NGO to support local children and their families.  
• Leadership & Service in Youth Development in Mohammedia, Morocco: Partner an experienced non-profit to work with local youth. 
• Leadership & Service in Youth Development in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic: Encourage the growth and development of campers at a summer camp for children and teens. 

CIEE’s Leadership & Service in Public Health programs give you hands-on health experience through partnerships with local experts, community organizations, and NGOs. 

Explore locations like:  

• Gaborone, Botswana: Work with a local community-based organization to identify and address the community’s health needs.  
• Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic: Join field-based public health education initiatives alongside a local NGO to promote healthy habits among children and teens.  

The Good Neighbor Kitchen is a fully funded, 10-day summer study abroad program designed for rising 10th-grade students with a passion for cooking and community service.  

Join us in Mérida, Mexico, for:  

• Culinary training: Learn about Mexico’s culinary traditions from local chefs, following a curriculum developed by the Culinary Institute of America. 
• Community service: Prepare and serve meals at community kitchens, connect with local families, and learn about the work of CIEE partners to deepen your connection to the community. 
• Cultural immersion: Dive into the local culture, cuisine, and community through excursions, cultural activities, and local homestays. 

CIEE also offers service opportunities through our Ecology & Sustainability and Wildlife Conservation programs. Gain hands-on experience while meeting local advocates and experts dedicated to preservation.

Explore programs like:

• Marine Ecology & Sustainability in Lisbon, Portugal: Work with local NGOs to raise public awareness of coastal dune preservation and explore aquatic ecosystems, learning from local biologists and sustainability researchers.
• Wildlife Conservation in Sydney, Australia: Observe Australian wildlife across marine, coastal, and bushland ecosystems to understand the unique conservation challenges of coastal cities.
• Ecology & Sustainability in Monteverde, Costa Rica: Study in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, learning from local conservationists in a country paving the way for climate change mitigation.
• And more!