CIEE Program Models
CIEE programs are organized into distinct program models that ignite curiosity, expand worldviews, and align with both institutional priorities and student ambitions. Explore CIEE's comprehensive portfolio of innovative, dynamic, and cutting-edge programs to gain a competitive edge and thrive in today’s globally interconnected world. Programs include:
Multi-Disciplinary Programs
Arts + Sciences
This multi-disciplinary program model fully immerses students at CIEE’s renowned international host institutions where they enroll in broad courses across a wide variety of disciplines alongside local students and other study abroad students.
Open Campus Block
Ideal for students seeking the flexibility to customize their own journey, this program model allows students to study abroad for 6, 12, or 18 weeks in their choice of 1 city or up to 3 different cities while enrolled in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses across a wide range of subjects.
Semester In
This general studies program model allows students to choose from a broad range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses that align with their degree requirements. Students also enjoy coursework with a local flavor that immerses them in the culture of their host country.
Thematic Programs
Business + Culture
Designed for students with a background in business, this program model allows students to enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses that focus on business and the local culture.
Ecology + Sustainability
Ideal for students majoring in environmental science, ecology, sustainability, and STEM, this program model invites students to explore today’s most pressing environmental challenges in CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses.
Engineering, Technology + Sciences
This discipline-based program model is designed for STEM majors to progress in their majors while enrolled in a comprehensive selection of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses related to engineering, technology, science, and hands-on learning.
Language + Culture
Open to all academic majors, this program model allows students to enroll in CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses that align with their degree while taking 1 required language course delivered in the local language.
Liberal Arts
Designed for skilled language learners, this highly immersive program model allows students to enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and host institution courses that align with their academic major. All courses are delivered in the local language.
Sustainable Smart Cities
This program model allows students to enroll in CIEE courses, host institution courses, and CIEE x ASU online courses for an in-depth examination of how smart cities prepare innovative solutions to urban challenges through sustainability practices, technology, and public policy.
Internship Programs
Global Internship
Offered during the summer and semester terms, this program model allows students to enroll in a full-time international internship placement in an industry that aligns with their career aspirations alongside an embedded internship seminar. Semester Global Internship programs require 1 elective academic course (online).
Intern + Study Abroad
Offered during the summer and semester terms, this program model allows students to enroll in a part-time international internship placement in an industry that aligns with their career aspirations alongside an embedded internship seminar and part-time academic coursework. Summer Intern + Study Abroad programs require 1 elective academic course (in-person or online) while Semester Intern + Study Abroad programs require 2 elective academic courses (in-person or online).
CIEE Program Model Comparison Charts
| Arts + Sciences | Open Campus Block | Semester In | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Host institution only 0-2 CIEE courses in addition, depending on location | CIEE only Optional ASU online | CIEE + host institution Optional ASU online |
| Duration | Semester-long (length varies by host institution’s calendar) | One, two, or three consecutive six-week blocks | Semester-long (12 to 15 weeks on average; aligns with the U.S. academic calendar and meets student needs) |
| Concept | Students take all their courses at a renowned host institution, fully immersed at local university Courses are offered in English (if available) and host country language | Campus-style teaching at CIEE Center following the academic needs of U.S. colleges Courses offered in English (except for language classes) Language courses and some language content courses taught in locations where English is not the local language | General studies program with broad range of courses aligned with majors and degree requirements at host institutions and at CIEE Center CIEE courses are offered in English |
| Academic Offering | Usually multiple disciplines available, but dependent upon host institution course offering | Variety of disciplines in every location | Multiple disciplines with extensive offerings – host institution courses (often multiple with different focus areas) plus courses of high demand at CIEE Center to ensure students enroll in the classes they need to meet degree requirements |
| Eligibility & Requirements | Prerequisites are dependent upon host institutions (varies by location) Language requirements dependent upon course level and language of instruction (outlined by host institution) | 2.5 GPA No language requirements | No language requirements, prerequisites, or on-program requirements Sophomores welcome 2.5 GPA (at some host institutions a slightly higher GPA might apply) |
| Credits | 15-18, but varies by host institution | 6-7 per block | 12-15 (with 15 recommended; in some locations up to 18 possible) |
| Access to Host Institution | Yes, students enroll full time at one host institution In some cases, one optional CIEE course can be taken | Restricted but some exceptions possible | Yes, often more than one. Students can mix and match: Combine courses with other host institutions (not possible in every location, as we don’t want students to commute too long or have trouble with schedules) and provider courses |
| Internship | Usually not possible because courseload is filled with host institution courses (sometimes available through the host institution) | Optional academic project worth 3 credits in one block (usually Block 2 or 3 to give students time to acclimate to new location) for 100-120 hours part time (usually in English) | Yes, optional and credit-bearing Courses are delivered in English and the local language (students choose) |
| Service Learning | Typically, not a part of the host institution offering | Service learning through local community available in select locations | Service learning through local community available in select locations |
| Research Projects | Typically, not part of the program | Independent research for credit available in a related topic chosen by the student as it relates to their study abroad destination | Independent research for credit available in a related topic chosen by the student as it relates to their study abroad destination |
| Cultural Immersion | Through taking courses alongside local students Access to host institution facilities and clubs | Yes, through volunteer projects, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, excursions, and buddy programs | Yes, through host institutions, credit-bearing internships, volunteer projects, extracurricular activities, excursions, and peer programs with local students |
| Calendar Alignment | Whenever possible due to host institution schedule (varies by location) | Yes | Yes |
| Academic Environment | Courses typically scheduled Monday-Friday Learning environment varies by host university and culture of the country; not adapted to fit U.S. culture | Classes scheduled Monday-Thursday and use a typical U.S. teaching style | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday and use a typical U.S. teaching style |
| Online Learning | Select Arts + Sciences programs allow optional ASU online courses (delivered asynchronously) | Yes, optional ASU online courses available in all locations where legally feasible (delivered asynchronously) | Yes, optional ASU online courses available in all locations where legally feasible (delivered asynchronously) |
| Mobility | No, single location | Up to three Open Campus Block locations can be combined (dependent on visa constraints) | No, single location |
| Ideal for… | Students looking for a semester-long experience at a prestigious host institution, backed by a U.S. provider known for their high-quality activities, excursions, and health, safety, and security support, so students can stress-free attend all classes alongside a combination of local and study abroad students plus mingling with other U.S. students in their free time | Students who want flexibility on timing; safe American classroom environment; enroll in the courses they need to fulfill degree requirements; find mobility appealing | Students looking for a semester-long experience at one location keeping them on track toward their degree, with option to deep dive into local culture, who find E fewer requirements appealing and who want to attend classes at the provider center in English with the option to enroll at host institutions |
| Business + Culture | Ecology + Sustainability | Engineering, Technology + Sciences | Sustainable Smart Cities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | CIEE + host institution Optional ASU online | CIEE + host institution Optional ASU online | CIEE + host institution Optional ASU online | CIEE + host institution Optional ASU online |
| Duration | Semester-long (on average 15 weeks; aligns with the U.S. academic calendar whenever possible; host institution dependent) | Semester-long (12 weeks in general, with up to 18 weeks in some locations to align with host institution calendars); aligns with the U.S. academic calendar) | Semester-long (on average 15 weeks; aligns with the U.S. academic calendar whenever possible; host institution dependent) | Semester-long (12 weeks in general, with up to 18 weeks in some locations to align with host institution calendars); aligns with the U.S. academic calendar |
| Concept | This program model focuses on business related topics in global economic hubs. Host universities have been chosen for their strength in business courses. Studies will be enhanced by CIEE co-curricular excursions and activities to provide students with a nuanced intercultural perspective of the host country. Courses will be offered through CIEE, partner host universities (for deeper immersion), and ASU’s extensive online course catalogue in English | This program model focuses on environmental systems, biodiversity, and ecological resilience, emphasizing science and field-based learning While grounded in environmental science, the program also explores sustainability through policy, economics, and social perspectives Courses will be offered through CIEE, partner host universities (for deeper immersion), and ASU’s extensive online course catalogue CIEE courses are offered in English | This program model is a discipline-based program focused on STEM, ensuring that students continue progressing in their major while studying abroad Course delivery comes from host universities strong in STEM, as well as/or CIEE, and ASU online wherever possible STEM-related extracurricular activities such as company visits, field trips, and guest speakers are central to this program model and key differentiators CIEE courses are offered in English | This program model provides students with an in-depth examination of sustainable smart cities, focusing on how cities are preparing for the future through innovative urban planning and technology E Students gain insight into how urban planning, technology, and policy contribute to sustainability in their study abroad city Strong related courses will be offered through CIEE, partner host universities (for deeper immersion), and ASU’s extensive online course catalogue CIEE courses are offered in English |
| Academic Offering | The academic offering includes a wide range of courses in the business theme, allowing students to stay on track with their degree requirements. In most locations, one business course is required to take on program. | Coursework includes a variety of topics related to sustainability with a heightened focus on environmental science and ecology, as well as exploring the topics from other disciplines Featured courses for each location are outlined on program pages Students are required to enroll in at least 1 ecology, environmental science, or science related sustainability course or academic project | The academic offering includes a wide range of courses in STEM disciplines, allowing students to stay on track with their degree requirements Different locations may have varying strengths in certain STEM fields Students are required to enroll in at least 1 STEMrelated course | Coursework includes a variety of topics related to sustainability viewing the topic from a technological, political, economic, and social perspective Featured courses for each location are outlined on program pages Students are required to enroll in at least 1 sustainabilityfocused course or academic project |
| Eligibility Requirements | 2.5 – 3.0 GPA (depending on host university requirement) No pre-requisites for majority of program locations, some have recommendations (e.g.; Milan, Rome), few have eligibility requirements for some host university (e.g.; Barcelona, Amsterdam, Madrid). | 2.5 GPA (some host institutions may require a higher GPA) No prerequisites | 2.5 GPA (some host institutions may require a higher GPA) No prerequisites | 2.5 GPA (some host institutions may require a higher GPA) No prerequisites |
| Credits | On average 15 (could vary from 12-18, depending on location) | 12-16 (with 15-16 recommended; in some locations up to 18 possible) | 12-16 (with 15-16 recommended; in some locations up to 18 possible) | 12-16 (with 15-16 recommended; in some locations up to 18 possible) |
| Access to Host Institution | Yes, for majority of locations, host universities have been selected based on their offerings within the business field. | Yes, for majority of locations, host universities have been selected based on their offerings within the sustainability, ecology, and environmental science area | Yes, for majority of locations, with courses in English related to STEM topics | Yes, for majority of locations, host universities have been selected based on their offerings within the sustainability area |
| Internship | Yes, optional and credit-bearing. Placements relating to business will be made available | Yes, optional and credit-bearing. Placements relating to sustainability will be made available | Yes, optional and credit-bearing | Yes, optional and credit-bearing Placements relating to sustainability will be made available |
| Service Learning | No | Yes, service learning through local community-based organizations | Service learning through local community available in select locations | Yes, service learning through local community-based organizations |
| Research Projects | Independent research for credit available in some locations | Yes, through host institutions, credit-bearing internships, service-learning projects, sustainability related co- and extracurricular activities, cultural excursions, and peer programs with local students | Yes, through host institutions, credit-bearing internships, volunteer projects, extracurricular activities, excursions, and peer programs with local students | Yes, through host institutions, credit-bearing internships, service-learning projects, sustainability related co- and extracurricular activities, cultural excursions, and peer programs with local students |
| Cultural Immersion | Yes, through host institutions, credit-bearing internships, co- and extracurricular activities, cultural excursions, and peer programs with local students | Yes, through host institutions, credit-bearing internships, co- and extracurricular activities, cultural excursions, and peer programs with local students | Yes, through host institutions, credit-bearing internships, volunteer projects, extracurricular activities, excursions, and peer programs with local students | Yes, through host institutions, credit-bearing internships, service-learning projects, sustainability related co- and extracurricular activities, cultural excursions, and peer programs with local students |
| Calendar Alignment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Academic Environment | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday and use a typical U.S. teaching style Host institution courses may be scheduled Monday-Friday Host institution academic culture varies by location | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday and use a typical U.S. teaching style Host institution courses may be scheduled Monday-Friday Host institution academic culture varies by location | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday and use a typical U.S. teaching style Host institution courses may be scheduled Monday-Friday Host institution academic culture varies by location | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday and use a typical U.S. teaching style Host institution courses may be scheduled Monday-Friday Host institution academic culture varies by location |
| Online Learning | Yes, optional ASU online courses available in all locations where legally feasible (delivered asynchronously) | Yes, optional ASU online courses available in all locations where legally feasible (delivered asynchronously) | Yes, optional ASU online courses available in all locations where legally feasible (delivered asynchronously) | Yes, optional ASU online courses available in all locations where legally feasible (delivered asynchronously) |
| Mobility | No, single location | No, single location | No, single location | No, single location |
| Ideal for… | Designed for students with a background in business, this program will provide insight into critical international business and economic issues. | Environmental science, STEM, ecology, and sustainability majors Open to any student interested in sustainability and ecology | STEM majors seeking global academic experience without falling behind in their degree progress Offers a comprehensive selection of courses from host institutions, CIEE, and ASU online, along with hands-on opportunities like internships, research, and cultural immersion | Students who are interested in sustainable development and exploring innovative solutions to urban challenges Ideas explored in the program view sustainability from many disciplines |
Note: The program models featured in this comparison chart are a select sample of CIEE’s standardized thematic programs. CIEE offers additional thematic program models that are not currently standardized across locations and programs. These include Language + Culture, Liberal Arts, and Specialized STEM. For more information about these programs, please visit ciee.org/study and explore individual program pages.
| CIEE Summer Global Internship | CIEE Semester Global Internship | CIEE Summer Intern + Study Abroad | CIEE Semester Intern + Study Abroad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Full-time internship | Full-time internship plus 1 optional online academic course (online) | Part-time internship plus 1 academic course (in-person or online) | Part-time internship plus 2 academic courses (in-person or online) |
| Duration | 8 weeks | 12 weeks | 6 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Academic Offering | Embedded 15 contact hour internship seminar | Embedded 15 contact hour internship seminar 1 optional elective academic course (online) | Embedded 15 contact hour internship seminar 1 required elective academic course (in-person or online) | Embedded 15 contact hour internship seminar 2 required elective academic courses (in-person or online) |
| Eligibility & Requirements | 2.5 GPA Rising sophomore standing and above required at time of participation | 2.5 GPA Rising sophomore standing and above required at time of participation | 2.5 GPA Rising sophomore standing and above required at time of participation | 2.5 GPA Rising sophomore standing and above required at time of participation |
| Credits | 6 (for the internship with embedded seminar) | 9-13 (9 for the internship with embedded seminar + optional 3-4 for academic online course) | 6-7 (3 for the internship with embedded seminar + 3-4 for the additional academic course) | 12-14 (for the internship with embedded seminar + 6-8 for the 2 additional academic courses) |
| Internship Placement | Full-time (30-40 hours/ week; 225-300 hours total) | Full-time (~30 hours/week; 300 total) | Part-time (16-20 hours/week; 100-120 hours total) | Part-time (~20 hours/week; 225-250 hours total) |
| Academic Environment | Academic seminar (hybrid; in-person and online) | Academic seminar (hybrid; in-person and online) ASU online courses delivered asynchronously | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday Academic seminar (hybrid; in-person and online) ASU online courses delivered asynchronously | CIEE classes scheduled Monday-Thursday Academic seminar (hybrid; in-person and online) ASU online courses delivered asynchronously |
| Ideal for… | Students who want to immerse themselves in a full-time summer internship | Students looking for a semester-long international internship experience with optional part-time academic coursework | Students looking for a part-time internship placement alongside part-time academics during the summer term | Students who want to earn credits part-time and gain part-time international work experience during a semester program |
Note: Students may also enroll in optional part-time internships in select CIEE semester programs, including Open Campus Block programs, Semester In programs, Engineering, Technology, and Science programs, and Business + Culture programs.
Short -Term Programs
CIEE also offers an extensive portfolio of short term programs over the summer that include four to 12-week blocks and sessions. Or students can enjoy a short-term January session for three weeks over most University winter breaks.