about ciee>>  educational principles>>

Each CIEE Member institution has signed the CIEE Principles of Good Practice for International Education as part of their membership commitment. Interested in having your institution become a CIEE Member? Find out more here.

Principles of Good Practice for International Education

Living and studying in another country provides individuals with the opportunity for personal development: It promotes the acquisition of new skills and knowledge of other cultures as well as insight into the individual's own society and his or her role in it. This process fosters international understanding and contributes to peaceful cooperation between nations. The purpose of international education is to promote these goals.

Institutions may involve themselves in international education at a variety of levels, yet regardless of which level selected:

• An institution's practice should be based on a mission statement in which the policy governing involvement in international education is clearly elaborated.

• Institutions should commit themselves to the efficient and effective administration of the programs in which they participate.

The following principles should underpin an institution's practice:

I) Integrate international education into the wider administrative and academic structure of the institution.

II) Provide adequate resources for the administration of programs.

III) Identify, develop, and evaluate opportunities for international education that are consistent with the institution’s overall objectives and academic standards.

IV) Ensure that programs are accurately described in advisory and promotional materials and that their purposes, financial implications, and educational objectives are clearly stated.

V) Ensure that knowledge of the opportunities available is effectively disseminated throughout the institution.

VI) Ensure that agreements entered into with other institutions to promote international education, whether exchange agreements or co-sponsorship of programs, are consistent with the institution’s overall academic objectives and standards.

VII) Ensure the stability of individuals to participate in each program is evaluated according to clear and objective criteria.

VIII) Ensure participants are given necessary academic advice, both at the home institution and in the host country, to enable them to obtain the greatest educational benefit from the program.

IX) Ensure extracurricular aspects of programs give participants every opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the host country.

X) Ensure that appropriate back-up services covering such aspects as accommodation, health provision, and transportation are an integral part of the program.

XI) Ensure the regular monitoring and evaluation of programs in relation to their stated objectives and the overall goals of the institution.

XII) Ensure the existence of mechanisms for changing programs in light of the findings of this evaluation.