CIEE Increases Access to College Study Abroad with New and Expanded Fellowship Programs

Fellowships designed to support first-generation and Pell-eligible students now open for the 2027 academic year.

PORTLAND, Maine, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) is the leader in providing opportunities for first-generation and Pell-eligible students to study abroad, awarding over $13 million each year in grants and scholarships to study and intern abroad.

"We are committed to increasing access to all college students from all backgrounds, especially for first generation and underserved populations, to ensure that all students can experience and benefit from the powerful impact of studying abroad," said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO, CIEE.

Douglass O'Connell Global Internship Program

Established in 2015, the Douglass–O'Connell Global Internship Program in Ireland prepares high-achieving, Pell-eligible students for future career success through the power of international education and a global internship. Sponsored by Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, and CIEE, the program celebrates the inspiration that Frederick Douglass experienced during his visit to Ireland over 175 years ago when he met the elder statesman and his personal hero, Daniel O'Connell. O'Connell and Douglass spent their lives advocating for equality and opportunity in Ireland, the United States, and around the world.

Thirteen students are selected each year for an 8-week global internship in Dublin, including full program funding, airfare, and a living stipend. Following in the footsteps of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O'Connell, students will experience Ireland through lectures and excursions, learning important lessons on leadership and social reform while gaining important skills that will enhance their future careers.

Applications for the Douglass O'Connell Global Internship Program are open and close on January 8, 2027.

Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship

Established in 2025, the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship in Copenhagen, Denmark focuses on advancing Danish American relations by supporting cultural exchange focused on environmental sustainability. Twelve students will have the opportunity to study and intern with a company in Copenhagen focused on environmentally sustainable business practices for 8 weeks. Students also will explore Danish sustainability culture and participate in networking and professional development activities. Open to Pell-eligible students, the fellowship equips participants with practical skills to enhance their career readiness and tackle future environmental challenges.

The Scan Design Foundation honors the legacy of Danish immigrants, Inger & Jens Bruun, to advance Danish-American relations by supporting cultural exchanges focused on environmental sustainability.

Applications for the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship are open and close on November 20, 2026.

"Few experiences rival the impact of a global internship for preparing students for life after graduation," explained Patrick Moran, Senior Vice President for College Study Abroad, CIEE. "Students selected for these programs will gain important problem solving, intercultural communication, and self-leadership skills most valued by employers in today's globally interconnected workplace."

Knowledge Without Borders: Democracy and Memory Fellowship

Established in 2026 by a generous gift from Karen Collias, The Knowledge Without Borders: Democracy and Memory Fellowship is designed for first-generation, Pell-eligible students who are passionate about history, political science, civic leadership, social justice, and global affairs. Through this fellowship, four exceptional students receive $10,000 each toward a CIEE Quarter In or CIEE Open Campus study abroad program in Berlin, Germany.

Fellows explore Berlin's storied history, including how the city has been shared by reflection, memorialization, and democratic responsibility. The fellowship includes courses on German history and Berlin's cultural and political landscape while students explore one of the world's most important living classrooms.

Applications are open for the Spring 2027 Knowledge Without Borders: Democracy and Memory Fellowship and close on November 1, 2026.

About CIEE

Since 1947, CIEE has built bridges between different people, countries, and cultures through study abroad and international exchange programs that advance peace in our world. We change lives; our alumni change the world. Learn more at ciee.org.

Media Contact: Leslie Taylor, [email protected], (207) 553-4274

SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)