CIEE and ASU Show Online Learning Expands Access to Study Abroad

In 2024, CIEE partnered with Arizona State University to increase access to study abroad by giving students in all CIEE College Study Abroad programs across all CIEE international locations the option to enroll in one or more of the 3,000+ ASU courses offered asynchronously online. 

To demonstrate to partners from across the country how this partnership is eliminating cost and curriculum barriers, this past January CIEE hosted the CIEE Leading Change Series: Expanding Access Through Online Learning Workshop that highlighted ASU’s innovative approach to online learning. 

Workshop participants gained hands-on experience in immersive online learning tools like virtual reality and Dreamscape Learn, as well as an up-close look at the student support infrastructure that contributes to ASU’s reputation as the gold standard in online education: students taking ASU’s online courses are taught by the same faculty members who teach on campus and have full access to 24/7 student support services. 

Since the partnership began, CIEE x ASU has resulted in: 

• Stronger academic alignment
  ASU’s expansive curricular options make it easier to find course solutions for students in highly sequenced degree programs like engineering or health sciences.
• Reduced financial stress
  With ASU courses included in CIEE’s program fees, students can meet degree requirements without incurring additional fees during their term abroad. 
• Flexible program models
  From Open Campus Block to Intern + Study Abroad, and from Business + Culture to Semester Global Internships, ASU courses allow students from any major to stay on track to graduation across CIEE programs and locations.   

Online Courses Increase Access for Students Historically Underrepresented in Study Abroad

Since the CIEE x ASU partnership was launched: 

• 37% of students taking ASU courses while abroad are Pell‑eligible, compared to 20% across the overall CIEE student body. 
• 25% of students taking ASU courses identify as first‑generation college students, compared to 15% of CIEE students overall.
• STEM and business majors represent the majority of students taking ASU courses, reflecting the partnership’s strength in supporting highly sequenced degree paths. 

In the video below, partners shared how the CIEE x ASU partnership has benefited their students and institutions. 

To learn more about the Leading Change: Expanding Access Through Online Learning Workshop, visit our website. For questions about our partnership with ASU, reach out to your Manager of Institutional Relations to learn how you can help your students overcome barriers to study abroad.