Thank You for Opening Doors to the World with CIEE

Authored By:

Communications

At CIEE, we believe that international education can transform lives, build bridges between cultures, and create a more interconnected world. Thanks to the generous support of our community, students from diverse backgrounds are seizing opportunities to study, intern, and explore the world in ways they never imagined possible.

Your contributions are not just gifts—they are investments in future leaders, global citizens, and changemakers. Here’s how your support is making an impact:

Expanding Access to Study Abroad

A selfie of Dr. Munroe with BMCC students

“Giving opportunities to those students that have historically felt like they did not belong, that study abroad was something that was out of their reach… we're trying to transform that.”
— Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, President of Borough of Manhattan Community College, recipient of a CIEE Leading Change in Study Abroad Matching Grant

Through initiatives like the Leading Change in Study Abroad Matching Grant, we’re ensuring that more studentscan participate in life-changing global experiences.

Empowering High School Students to See the World Differently

A teenage girl (Ellen) holding a flyer for the Deep Sea Conservation Festival

“Studying ocean conservation in Cape Town broadened my perspective on the intersection of human and environmental issues. It empowered me to think bigger and act boldly.”
— Ellen Rikhof, high school study abroad participant from West Seattle

From exploring sustainability efforts in South Africa to immersing themselves in language and culture, high school students who study abroad return home with newfound confidence, knowledge, and a passion for making a difference in their communities.

Nurturing Future Global Leaders

2024 YCLS Participants gathered in washington D.C.

“I am eternally grateful... for this life-changing experience that has been so impactful to me and the 50 of us who just became Fellows of the Young Civic Leadership Summit.”
— Elijah Okoh, 2024 Young Civic Leadership Summit Fellow from Nigeria

Programs like the Young Civic Leadership Summit equip young leaders with the skills and networks to drive meaningful change in their home countries and beyond.

Humanizing International Relations

a collage of a student in an art museum

“The BridgeUSA program is a great way to put a face with a country. In our case, Jess saw the face of America through her experience in Cozad, Nebraska, and equally, Cozad had the privilege of seeing the face of Ireland, that maybe they’d never seen before, through Jess.”
— Peter Osborne, Executive Director of the Robert Henri Museum and Art Gallery

Through BridgeUSA, international exchange participants like Jessica Sharkey bring global perspectives to small towns and big cities alike, fostering cross-cultural understanding and lifelong connections.

Preparing Young People for Career Success

a headshot of Tianni wearing black with her hair pulled back

“Interning at Elkstone [as a Frederick Douglass - Daniel O'Connell Global Intern] has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life... It inspired me to keep pushing for my goals and aspirations within the business world.”
— Tianni Carson, Health Service Administration major at Howard University and 2024 Frederick Douglass - Daniel O’Connell Global Intern in Ireland

By participating in international internships, students gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and return home better equipped to enter the workforce with a global perspective.

Keep the Momentum Going – Give Today

American teacher in south korea smiling with a group of students

Your support has already transformed lives, but there is still more to do. By making a gift today, you can help even more students access the life-changing experiences of studying, interning, and traveling abroad. Together, we can continue to break down barriers and build a more connected, inclusive world.

Donate Now and open the door to global opportunities!

P.S. Are you an alum? We'd love to hear your story! Please email alumni@ciee.organd let us know how your CIEE experience changed your life for the better.