Position: Program Leader – Summer 2027
Department: CIEE Global Navigator High School Study Abroad
Location: Multiple International Locations; Employment Length: 3, 4, 6, or 8 weeks; Program Dates: Variable, June–August 2027
To apply to this position, please start your application at www.ciee.org/programleaders
Interested in shaping the global leaders of tomorrow? Next summer, experience the job of a lifetime!
**Applications submitted via ADP will not be considered unless you first apply at www.ciee.org/programleaders**
Who we are:
CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations through study abroad and international exchange experiences that help people develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and multi-cultural world.
Why work with us:
- You will change the world. CIEE builds bridges between people, countries, and cultures. We help young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. We change lives; our alumni change the world. Be part of the change!
- You will be part of a fast-paced, international, and collaborative team of professionals. CIEE operates the largest nonprofit network of study abroad locations, with facilities and staff in 30 countries. Additionally, we help international participants from over 140 countries come to the USA each year. Committed to excellence and solving whatever problem the world throws at them, CIEE professionals work on international teams and are dedicated to advancing our almost 80-year-old mission to make the world a more peaceful place.
Who you are
CIEE Program Leaders (PLs) mentor, supervise, and support high school students participating in summer study abroad programs around the world.
This is a full-time, residential leadership position with 24/7 availability required throughout the program. Program Leaders are responsible for student safety, well-being, accountability, and community while helping students navigate the academic, cultural, and personal experiences of living abroad.
Typically, one Program Leader is assigned to every 10–12 students. PLs chaperone group flights and, alongside local CIEE staff and instructors, help oversee the student experience from arrival through departure. The role is demanding and highly responsible, while also providing an opportunity to develop leadership skills, work with young people in an international setting, and help students become more confident, independent, and culturally aware.
The strongest Program Leaders are supportive mentors, confident leaders, and responsible decision-makers who build trust while setting clear expectations.
What you’ll do:
- Support and mentor students by providing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral support; building positive relationships; and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Monitor student well-being and safety, responding appropriately to homesickness, culture shock, conflict, medical concerns, behavioral issues, and other challenges in accordance with CIEE protocols.
- Supervise students and program activities, including excursions, travel, daily operations, and scheduled programming while maintaining accountability, attendance, and compliance with program expectations.
- Build an inclusive, culturally responsive community and facilitate reflection and experiential learning beyond the classroom.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with students, families, instructors, local staff, other Program Leaders, and CIEE colleagues.
- Exercise sound judgment and adaptability, maintaining 24/7 availability, taking initiative, and responding calmly and professionally when challenges arise.
This role is a strong fit for someone who:
- Wants meaningful responsibility and leadership growth. You want to make a difference in students' lives while developing your own leadership skills through real-world experience.
- Genuinely enjoys being around teenagers. You find satisfaction in mentoring, teaching, coaching, supporting, and spending significant time with young people, including during the less glamorous or more challenging moments.
- Builds strong relationships with clear boundaries. You are approachable and supportive while also setting expectations, holding students accountable, and addressing challenging behavior when necessary.
- Communicates with empathy and professionalism. You listen well, navigate conflict thoughtfully, and communicate effectively with students, families, instructors, local staff, and colleagues.
- Uses sound judgment and stays adaptable under pressure. You can make thoughtful decisions, take initiative, and remain calm and professional when circumstances change or challenges arise.
- Approaches people and cultures with humility and openness. You are curious about different perspectives and committed to youth development, global learning, and creating an inclusive, respectful community.
You do not need to have every answer before you arrive. You do need to be willing to learn, ask for help, take responsibility, and keep showing up for your students.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience working with high school students in an educational, mentoring, coaching, counseling, or leadership capacity.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to youth development, global learning, and intercultural exchange.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Must be 21+ years of age or older.
- Must be able to travel domestically and internationally.
- Must be able to meet visa and entry requirements for assigned program locations.
- Valid passport through February 2028.
- Authorization to work in the United States.
- Must pass required background check.
- Must obtain CPR/First Aid certification.
- Language & Culture programs: Advanced-Low or higher proficiency in the host country language according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
Compensation
- 1st Year PL: $400/week
- 2nd Year PL: $450/week
- 3rd Year+ PL: $500/week
Benefits
- Round-trip airfare
- Stipend for housing, meals, and local transportation
- iNext travel insurance for eligible U.S.-based PLs
- Visa support and required vaccinations, where applicable
- CPR/First Aid certification costs, if required and not current
- Pre-program training and professional development
Learn More About Being a Program Leader
Being a Program Leader is a significant commitment. Before applying, learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities, time commitment, student supervision, program expectations, and professional growth opportunities at www.ciee.org/programleaders
