CIEE vs. AIFS Abroad: How to Choose the Right Study Abroad Provider

Neither CIEE nor AIFS Abroad is the best study abroad provider for everyone. The right choice depends on what you want from the experience, from how much choice you want in destinations to how much of your trip you'd like bundled into one fee.

The main difference is scale and structure. CIEE is a nonprofit that lists more than 500 programs across 49 locations. AIFS Abroad is a charity-owned company with programs in more than 30 destinations, and its fees typically build in housing, insurance, activities, and on-site staff.

This guide compares the two on program options, included services, student support, and scholarships, then helps you decide which one fits your goals, budget, and destination.

CIEE vs. AIFS Abroad: Quick Comparison

What Is CIEE?

CIEE is a nonprofit organization founded in 1947 and based in Portland, Maine. Its college study abroad catalog lists more than 500 programs in locations around the world, with fall and spring semesters, summer, January, and quarter terms. CIEE also offers internships abroad and a flexible Open Campus Block format that lets you build a term across up to three locations.

CIEE is best known for its broad range of locations and flexible terms. Students can add optional online courses from Arizona State University, which are included in the program fee, and a Community Impact Initiative connects students with volunteer and service opportunities abroad. Tulane University serves as CIEE’s school of record, and students whose home schools require a school-of-record transcript can request one for an additional fee.

It suits students who want a wide range of destinations or a customizable term and are comfortable choosing among many program types.

What Is AIFS Abroad?

AIFS Abroad is a division of AIFS, founded in 1964 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. AIFS describes itself as charity-owned, and a separate nonprofit, the AIFS Foundation, was created in 1967. AIFS Abroad offers programs across Asia, Australia, Europe, South Africa, and the Americas, including semester, summer, and January study abroad, internships (including virtual ones), customized faculty-led programs, and multi-destination Study & Travel programs. Some programs run through AIFS Abroad Global Education Centers in cities like Rome and London.

AIFS is best known for comprehensive program fees and on-site support. Fees typically cover tuition, housing, activities and excursions, insurance, and 24/7 emergency support, and programs include on-site staff. Flights are an optional add-on, and meals vary by program.

It suits students who want housing, insurance, and activities packaged into one fee, and who value having program staff on the ground.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

The two providers structure aid differently, so compare award types and eligibility rather than dollar totals.

CIEE

CIEE awards millions of dollars in scholarships and grants each year across three categories: need-based, merit-based, and other awards. You apply by completing the Scholarships & Grants section of your program application, and CIEE determines which awards fit you.

• Need-based awards use the Student Aid Index (SAI) from your FAFSA. They include a travel grant toward airfare, guaranteed for students with an SAI of 10,000 or less, and a grant deducted from program fees for Pell-eligible students.
• Merit scholarships are based on academic achievement, and some are tied to fields like health sciences or ecology. They require an essay.
• Other awards are based on program or alumni status, such as a grant for returning CIEE students.

AIFS

More than half of AIFS Abroad students receive financial support through three funding types.

• Competitive scholarships require a separate application, which may include an essay, and a set number of awards are made each term.
• Limited grants are $1,000 awards given to a select number of participants from partner universities each term.
• Paired grants go to eligible students at partner institutions as part of the application process, with no separate application. Examples include grants for Pell-eligible students and Gilman recipients.

AIFS grants stack, up to $2,500 for a semester or quarter program or $1,500 for a summer, January term, or internship program. Some grants are only available to students from partner universities, so check which apply to your school.

Federal aid works the same way for both

It runs through your home school, which must approve the program for credit transfer and, under federal rules, sign a consortium or contractual agreement with the provider. Neither provider changes that requirement, so talk to your financial aid office early. GoAbroad's guide to financial aid for study abroad covers the basics.

For more funding, browse GoAbroad's study abroad scholarships directory, and use MyGoAbroad to submit a single application for exclusive discounts on travel programs. You can also review each provider's own pages for CIEE scholarships and AIFS scholarships and grants before you apply.

So, Which Study Abroad Provider Should You Choose?

Neither provider is best for everyone. The right pick depends on your goals, your budget, and where you want to go.

Choose CIEE If

• You want to choose from a larger catalog of programs and locations.
• You’d like to build your own term across up to three locations.
• You want optional Arizona State University online courses included in your program fee.
• You’d like to apply for need-based, merit-based, and other awards in one application section.
• You’re interested in community service opportunities through CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative.

Choose AIFS Abroad If

• You want housing, insurance, activities, and excursions bundled into one fee, with meals included on some programs.
• You’d like on-site staff and 24/7 emergency support included in your program.
• You’re a Gilman or Fund for Education Abroad recipient, or you attend a Minority Serving Institution or HBCU, and want to qualify for AIFS grants.
• You want the option of a provider-arranged flight package on some programs.
• You’re interested in multi-destination Study & Travel programs.

Whichever you lean toward, the best fit also depends on the destination and the specific program, so compare the exact program you're considering, not just the provider's name.

Top-Rated & Most-Reviewed CIEE Programs Based on Reviews Featured on GoAbroad

These programs come from student reviews featured on GoAbroad, not from our opinion. We picked two top-rated programs (the highest average ratings among in-person study abroad programs) and three most-reviewed programs (the largest review counts).

1. CIEE Community Public Health in Gaborone, Botswana

A semester program in Botswana's capital for students interested in biology, medicine, and community health. Students take part in community assessments and a community health outreach activity in rural Botswana.

Rating: 4.85 from 13 reviews (Top-rated)

"CIEE Study Abroad did a great job making a home away from home. The love, kindness, and continuous support allowed me to become vulnerable and open myself to find new waves and personalities of myself that I never thought I could become."  Reviewed by Renard S., May 2025

2. CIEE Summer in London, England

A summer program in London for students from all academic backgrounds, lasting six weeks or up to 12, with a choice of one or two six-week blocks. CIEE courses are paired with online courses through Arizona State University, and the listing includes housing and some activity costs.

Rating: 4.85 from 13 reviews (Top-rated)

"I am likely to recommend CIEE to a peer because of it's impact it's had on my experience abroad. I have developed great relationship from people of all different backgrounds and have really reflected on myself and my qualities as a person."  Reviewed by Demetrio K.

3. CIEE Open Campus Block in Berlin, Germany

A customizable program lasting 6, 12, or 18 weeks that combines CIEE courses with online courses through Arizona State University. The listing includes housing, orientations, insurance, and some activity costs.

Rating: 4.52 from 82 reviews (Most reviewed)

"The Berlin program was well-organized and everyone working there was extremely friendly and helpful." Reviewed by Saniya P.

4. CIEE Arts and Sciences (Hayang University) in Seoul, Korea

A semester program in Seoul for students from all academic backgrounds, combining CIEE courses, host-institution courses, and online courses through Arizona State University. The Seoul Mates program matches students with local Korean students for language exchange and cultural activities.

Rating: 4.47 from 58 reviews (Most reviewed)

"The staff for CIEE Seoul have been very helpful and kind." Reviewed by Mattilyn B., June 2023

5. CIEE Summer Language + Culture in Seville, Spain

A summer program in Seville lasting 4 weeks or up to 12, designed for students from all academic backgrounds and built around Spanish language and culture. The listing highlights living in a dorm or with a Spanish family, excursions and day trips, and activities such as cooking, flamenco, and bike tours, and it includes housing, insurance, and orientations.

Rating: 4.71 from 48 reviews (Most reviewed)

"...everyone working here has been so helpful and wanted us to get the best experience out of our study abroad program." Reviewed by Erin H., June 2023

Want to see more? Browse all 500+ CIEE programs on GoAbroad with verified reviews

Top-Rated & Most-Reviewed AIFS Programs Based on Reviews Featured on GoAbroad

These programs come from student reviews featured on GoAbroad, not from our opinion. We picked two top-rated programs (the highest average ratings among in-person study abroad programs) and three most-reviewed programs (the largest review counts).

1. Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain with AIFS Abroad

Semester, summer, and academic-year options at Universidad Católica de Valencia, with courses taught in English and Spanish. Academic options include Spanish language, health sciences, and business, and social justice and teaching internships are available.

Rating: 4.75 from 12 reviews (Top-rated)

"If you are on the fence about studying abroad, look into AIFS programs and you will be in good hands." Reviewed by Caroyn Morris, United States, October 2025

2. Study Abroad in Limerick, Ireland with AIFS Abroad

A semester or academic year at the University of Limerick, with courses taught in English and up to 15 credits per semester. The University of Limerick offers credit-bearing service learning opportunities for AIFS Abroad students, and the program includes organized social and cultural activities and excursions.

Rating: 4.69 from 16 reviews (Top-rated)

"I had an amazing experience studying abroad at the University of Limerick through AIFS." Reviewed by N Harwell, United States, December 2025

3. Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain with AIFS Abroad

Semester, summer, January Term, May Term, and academic-year options at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, or LCI Barcelona, with courses in English and Spanish. Students can earn up to 15 credits, and the listing includes housing, orientations, and on-site staff support.

Rating: 4.44 from 385 reviews (Most reviewed)

"My study abroad experience in Barcelona was nothing short of magical." Reviewed by Wilso Annulysse, United States, December 2023

4. Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic with AIFS Abroad

Semester, summer, January Term, and academic-year options at Charles University or Prague University of Economics and Business, with a wide range of courses taught in English. Students can earn up to 18 credits, and the program fee covers tuition, housing, insurance, and an on-site Program Director.

Rating: 4.47 from 122 reviews (Most reviewed)

"Going abroad through the AIFS Prague program was the best decision I have ever made!" Reviewed by Jason Campbell, United States, May 2025

5. Study Abroad in Florence, Italy with AIFS Abroad

Semester, summer, January Term, May Term, and academic-year options at the AIFS Abroad Global Education Center, with up to 16 credits and transcripts issued by Fairfield University as the school of record. The listing includes housing, a meal plan or allowance, insurance, and on-site support from a Program Manager.

Rating: 4.56 from 75 reviews (Most reviewed)

"If there is one thing I would say to someone considering going abroad, I would tell them to do it." Reviewed by Andrew Clark, United States

Want to see more? Browse all 50+ AIFS Abroad programs on GoAbroad with verified reviews

7 Questions to Ask Any Study Abroad Provider Before You Apply

Whichever provider you choose, these questions help you compare programs on the same terms.

1. What does the fee include, and what doesn’t it cover? Ask for an itemized list covering housing, meals, insurance, excursions, and local transportation, and find out which costs, like airfare, visas, and textbooks, you’ll pay separately.
2. What is the refund and cancellation policy? Check deposit deadlines, what happens if you withdraw, and whether the policy changes close to departure.
3. Will my home university accept the credits? Confirm with your study abroad office before you apply, and ask which institution issues your transcript.
4. How is the program accredited? Ask who the school of record is and how your home university evaluates the program, and check this with your academic advisor.
5. Does the provider work with my financial aid? Ask whether your school will sign a consortium agreement, how billing works, and whether you’ll be billed by the provider, your school, or both.
6. What on-site support and safety measures are in place? Look for local staff, 24/7 emergency support, and an insurance package, and ask what happens if something goes wrong.
7. What do past participants say? Read recent reviews and check ratings for the specific program, not just the provider. GoAbroad has been connecting travelers with meaningful programs abroad since 1997, with thousands of verified reviews from past participants to help you compare your options confidently.

For more options, here are other Study Abroad Providers worth comparing

Choose Your Study Abroad Provider With Confidence

Choosing a provider means weighing cost, support, reviews, and scholarships, not just picking a name. Read reviews for the exact program you're considering, ask each provider the questions above, and confirm what your home university will accept before you commit.

The best fit also depends on the destination and the specific program. A provider that's a great match for one city may not be the right one for another, so compare programs side by side.

Ready to compare? GoAbroad is your pre-departure HQ. Compare thousands of study, volunteer, teach, and intern abroad programs, read verified reviews from past participants, and save your favorites in MyGoAbroad.