Global Service and Language Programs

Description: High school students who study abroad become better citizens of a world that increasingly requires global knowledge and international skills. Overseas experiences at this age are a unique opportunity to educate and enlighten.

By participating in our programs, students are able to develop the skills needed in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. They learn new languages, come to understand different cultures and establish lifelong friendships. Most importantly, they have fun.

Highlights:
Costa Rica:
Costa Rica is home to tropical rainforests, stunning beaches, active volcanoes and more than 500 species of birds. Your visit to Costa Rica starts with a 2-week building project with Habitat for Humanity. Then you will spend a glorious week of eco-tourism, visiting an active volcano, several national parks and participating in an awesome whitewater rafting trip! When you leave you will say, "Pura Diva!"

Ecuador:
Despite its small size, Ecuador is one of the most geographically diverse countries in South America. You will start your visit in the colonial capital of Quito, high in the Andean mountains, living with a carefully-selected Ecuadorian family. You will have four hours of Spanish instruction, in groups of 2-3 students, each morning. Lunch with your family and divide your afternoons between cultural visits and our service project in a rural elementary school. Your last week will take you to the Machalilla National Park, a pristine beach and Isla de la Plata, the "Little Galapagos" where you will see many of the Galapagos birds and take a whale-watching cruise.

France - Language Study Program:
Your French adventure in Biarritz will start with a welcome party. You will live with a French family for four weeks who will provide your meals and lodging. Four days each week you will have language classes from 9-12. In the afternoon, you will do activities such as surfing, playing jai-a-lai and soccer, and visiting local museums and cultural sites. On the fifth day of each week, you will have excursions to points of interest outside Biarritz, including a visit to Spain. Your trip will end with a 3-day visit to Paris. Bon Voyage!

Quebec City, Canada:
Quebec City, the location of our 5 week immersion program, is the cradle of French civilization in North America. Students at any level of French, including beginners, are welcome. You will live in single rooms on a modern college campus where you will have fun-filled classes and activities. Evenings are often spent in Quebec City attending the 10-day summer music festival or weeklong fireworks competitions. There are exciting excursions every Saturday and Sunday. Your service project can be at a soup kitchen, a daycare center or a residence for senior citizens. Come and experience Old World charm in a modern, safe and exciting New World setting.

Qualifications: No background in a program's topic is expected and foreign language skills are not required. Students will leave the program with a greater appreciation for the diversity and wonders of the world in which we live.

Global Service and Language Programs are offered in:

Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, and Quebec.

Cost in US$: 3,995 - 4,250

Activities vary by program.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Global Service and Language Programs offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to study new lands and cultures in a rare up-close and comprehensive manner. By spending 3-4 weeks of their summer abroad, students will make an impact on the communities they serve. Our programs allow students to broaden their understanding of our planet and its needs.

Age Range: 14-18

Participants Travel to - Multi-Country in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-10

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Council on International Educational Exchange's Mission Statement: CIEE's mission is to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. We approach our tasks aware of the great responsibility we are given to help mold tomorrow's citizens in a complex and fast-changing world. We are committed to being a truly global organization. We continue to open new offices, establish new programs, and form new partnerships on every continent. We have initiated exchange activities between and among many of the newer countries we now serve and expect this pace to quicken in the coming years. We move into the next century, and into our next fifty years, with lofty, but achievable, goals. We are proud of our past and excited about our future and our ability to contribute to the world in which we live. CIEE moves forward with the same spirit of commitment that has already made us a worldwide leader in international education and exchange.

Year Founded: 1947