About CIEE
Learning beyond borders
CIEE has spent more than 75 years helping students to explore the world through high-quality exchange programmes that encourage curiosity, confidence, and cultural awareness. We believe these qualities are just as important today – if not more so. We give participants the tools to think globally, act thoughtfully, and connect meaningfully across different cultures.
History
In the post-war years, there was a growing belief that understanding between nations could be built through education. In 1947, CIEE (then the Council on Student Travel) was formed to support this mission, bringing together a network of 32 organisations who were committed to international learning.
Initially focused on arranging student travel between the US and Europe, the Council expanded rapidly. By the 1950s, it was enabling study abroad programmes, hosting international students, and facilitating professional exchanges through global conferences and partnerships.
By the 1960s, the organisation had become a clear voice in shaping the future of intercultural education. Reflecting this shift, it became the Council on International Educational Exchange in 1967. Since then, CIEE has continued to evolve, championing access to international learning across generations.
Since 2013, CIEE has welcomed thousands of students each year to the UK, hosting programs in London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. We offer a wide range of Study Abroad opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students, including direct enrolment options with leading universities such as Queen Mary University of London, University College London, Edinburgh Napier University, and the University of Strathclyde. In addition, we run numerous faculty-led programs at CIEE, covering everything from the arts to engineering
Since 2023, we have significantly expanded our summer internship offerings and also further developed custom programs for many of our U.S. partner institutions. Our portfolio also includes short-term January and summer programs, as well as Summer High School exchanges Over the years, we have proudly hosted thousands of American students across the UK.
Who we are
We are a non-profit organisation, for 75 years we’ve had a single mission: To help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world through meaningful exchange programs.
We provide camp, work and travel, internships, and placement opportunities in the U.S to UK students, graduates, and professionals.
We’re driven by a belief in doing things well and doing them with purpose. From the programmes we design to the partnerships we nurture, we hold ourselves to high standards of integrity and care.
We believe in treating people with respect and dignity. That means creating space for difference, listening to all voices, and working to ensure that everyone feels welcome.
We’re also problem solvers. When we see barriers standing in the way of young people accessing opportunities, we take action. Because we know the value of cultural exchange is too great to be out of reach.
We know cost is one of the biggest barriers to international exchange—and we’re working to change that. We operate in a way that allows us to provide affordable access and make overseas opportunities more realistic for more students.
It’s all part of CIEE’s wider mission: to make life-changing experiences more inclusive, so that more young people can grow through cultural exploration, not be priced out of it.
Over the past seven decades, CIEE has continually redefined its focus to meet the changing needs and expectations of students, faculty, staff, and institutions, solidifying its leadership as the world’s premier international educational exchange organization.
Marie Royce (Former Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs) and James P. Pellow, Ed.D. (President & CEO, CIEE)
Meet Our Dedicated UK Team
The right support for your American aspirations
Claire Kinloch Anderson
UK Director of Sales, CIEE
Claire Kinloch Anderson brings a dynamic blend of leadership, international experience, and educational insight to her role as UK Director of Sales at CIEE. Since joining the organisation in 2023, Claire has played a pivotal role in expanding CIEE’s impact across the UK: first as a Centre Director, and then by spearheading the US-to-UK Internship Programme.
Claire holds an MA in Modern Languages from Cambridge University, a foundation that sparked her deep appreciation for cross-cultural connection and communication. Before joining CIEE, she enjoyed a successful career in broadcast journalism and film production.
Claire’s passion for global education is closely tied to her personal journey as a mother of six. A lifelong sports enthusiast (especially in tennis, golf, and triathlon) Claire inspired her children to pursue their dreams through US collegiate athletics. This experience deepened her involvement in secondary education and cultural exchange, further fuelling her commitment to creating meaningful, life-changing opportunities for young people across the globe.
With her unique blend of professional insight, personal experience, and infectious enthusiasm, Claire is a driving force in CIEE’s mission to connect students with transformative international experiences.
Olivia Wilkinson
Senior Sales and Operations Manager, CIEE
Originally from Leeds, United Kingdom. Olivia brings years of valuable experience as a Programme Manager in the camp industry as well as a strong passion for international education and cultural exchange.
A seasoned traveller and adventure-seeker, Olivia recently achieved her personal milestone of visiting 30 countries before turning 30 – and there are many more on her horizon. Her global journey has taken her across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, including an internship and a summer spent as a camp counsellor. Each of these experiences have shaped her belief in the life-changing power of travel.
With CIEE, Olivia is thrilled to help young people explore the world and create their own meaningful global experiences. With her energy, empathy, and first-hand knowledge of cross-cultural programs, she’s a fantastic asset to the team and a passionate advocate for student mobility and exchange.