Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
Program Description
The CIEE: Open Campus program, formerly called CIEE Global Institutes, offers a unique opportunity for students to build their ideal program from seven locations in order to maximize immersion and intensive study. The CIEE: Open Campus program offers an open campus model which allows students to study in one or more of the following locations: Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Students choose two or three academic blocks, which are 6 weeks in length, in a combination of the six locations offered.
Dates
Academic Year: mid August - mid May
Fall: mid August- early May
Spring: early January - mid May
The dates above are applicable to students who complete 3 blocks. Students who complete 2 blocks will start approximately 6 weeks later or end approximately 6 weeks earlier. Blocks must be taken consecutively. Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available.
Location
Students can choose up to three locations of the following campuses:
Open Campus Block - Berlin Campus
Live and learn in the heart of Kreuzberg, one of Berlin’s liveliest and culturally rich districts. Unpack in the brand new residence hall, take courses in state-of-the-art classrooms, grab a snack at the CIEE Café, rent sports equipment at CIEE's Discover Berlin Office – everything’s right on campus! Plus, a large public market, scores of restaurants, and a variety of shops are just a few minutes’ walk away. Learn more about the Open Campus Block - Berlin, Germany Program.
Open Campus Block - Copenhagen Campus
Once a quiet capital, Copenhagen has undergone a magnificent make-over, and now attracts foodies, oenophiles, and those looking for a culture-filled spell in Northern Europe. In Copenhagen, you’ll be located in the center of the city, with easy access to culture, art, music, and theater as well as shops, restaurants and cafés. Learn more about the Copenhagen Open Campus Program.
Open Campus Block - Dublin Campus
AVAILABLE STARTING FALL 2023: Study abroad in Dublin and experience the charm and multiculturalism in a way unlike any other on in CIEE’s Open Campus Block program. Enroll in one, two, or three six-week blocks and choose your courses from a wide range of subject areas. Stroll through St. Stephen’s Green on your way to class filled with lively, friendly and engaging instructors. Dublin has everything from its classic literary history to modern technology and innovation for you to discover! Learn more about the Dublin Open Campus Program.
Open Campus Block - London Campus
Get to know the British way of life in Bloomsbury, one of central London’s most student-populated neighborhoods. Take courses at Hamilton House, which features modern classrooms, comfortable kitchen and lounge areas, and a café. Hang up your coat at the nearby residence hall, located within walking distance of the British Museum, British Library, one of the city’s largest Royal Parks, and more. Learn more about the Open Campus Block - Londan, England Program.
Open Campus Block - Madrid Campus
The CIEE Open Campus Block in Madrid is centrally located near the Plaza de Sol where you’ll be immersed in Spanish language, culture, and people. Co-curricular and extra-curricular outings are included in the program to help students learn more about Madrid, Spain and Europe’s influence on the world. Madrid’s influence in politics, education, science, entertainment, media, fashion, and arts make it an important international metropolis, and the major hub in southern Europe. Spain’s capital city is also its largest, with a historic center dating back to the Hapsburg Empire, and world-renowned art museums. A huge variety of tapas bars, dance shows, concerts, parks, soccer matches, bustling neighborhoods, and contemporary theater and cinema make it a lively place to live and learn. Learn more about the Open Campus Block - Madrid, Spain Program.
Open Campus Block - Paris Campus
The CIEE: Open Campus Block in Paris is less than a minute away from the Grands Boulevards, a 10-minute walk to the Palais Royal, and a 15-minute walk to the Louvre. Students will be housed within or on the very close outskirts of the city of Paris with easy access to CIEE host institutions, and the CIEE: Open Campus Block in Paris. The center has 4 classrooms, library space, a small computer area for student use, in addition to staff offices. The Open Campus program in Paris is designed to offer students the option to take one direct enrollment course (hybrid model) at a local host institution allowing students to take a course alongside local students. Learn more about the Open Campus Block - Paris, France Program.
Open Campus Block - Rome Campus
The CIEE: Open Campus Block in Rome is located in the Prati neighborhood, right at the heart of Rome. Just a few minutes away from the historical center, and a fifteen-minute walk to the Vatican City, Prati is filled with great authentic Roman trattorie and great restaurants and bars where one can go and listen to some live music. Other historical sites which are within walking distance include the Spanish steps, Piazza Navona or Campo di Fiore. The CIEE center features modern classrooms, as well as a student lounge area. Classrooms are designed to ensure the comfort and quality for a successful academic experience. Learn more about the Open Campus Block in Rome, Italy Program.
CIEE: Open Campus in other locations are not approved for Penn State students.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the program. Housing options will vary depending on the locations that are chosen.
Berlin
Residence Hall
Most students live in an on-campus residence hall with a mix of CIEE students and resident assistants. Students live in double, triple, or quad rooms with ensuite bathrooms and shower facilities. Lounges and kitchens allow students to mingle over meals, cultural activities, study groups, and special events. They are shared spaces, with students enjoying the benefits but also the responsibility of taking care of them. Larger common areas are on the ground floor and inner courtyards offer comfortable spaces to work and relax. Students can prepare their own meals in the full kitchens. CIEE provides basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. Students also may get coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks, and sandwiches at the on-site café, or explore the myriad restaurants in the Kreuzberg neighborhood.
Homestay
A limited number of homestays are available, with preference given to those whose universities require living with a local family. Students can indicate their preferences in the pre-departure housing survey. Students who live with homestay families receive breakfast and dinner daily.
Apartments
Students may also be housed in shared apartments. Final housing assignments are solely at the discretion of CIEE. Students can prepare their own meals in the full kitchens.
Copenhagen
Residence Hall
Students share a furnished room with another CIEE student in a student dormitory. Residences are located throughout the city within a 20-minute commute by bike to the Copenhagen Study Center.
Homestays
Students stay with a Danish family and become part of their daily routine. Students will be staying within a 30-40 commute by either bike or public transport from the Copenhagen Study Center.
Dublin
Most students live in residence hall with a mix of CIEE students, local university students, and resident assistants. Students live in single rooms with en-suite bathrooms and shower facilities. Lounges and kitchens allow students to meet over meals, cultural activities, study groups, and special events. They are shared spaces, with students enjoying the benefits but also the responsibility of taking care of them. Larger common areas are on the ground floor and inner courtyards offer comfortable spaces to work and relax. Students can prepare their own meals in the full kitchens. CIEE provides basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. Students can also explore the myriad restaurants in our multicultural neighborhood or throughout the city.
London
Students will live in either residence halls or shared apartments centrally located in Bloomsbury, Farringdon, or Kings Cross. Students will share twin or triple rooms. No meals are provided in student housing but students will have access to kitchen facilities to cook their own meals.
Madrid
Host homes and shared apartments are located in central Madrid. All students will be living within a 30 minute or less commute via public transportation to the CIEE Global Institute.
Homestay
Students can live with Spanish hosts – a great way to absorb maximum language and culture, and create lasting friendships. Hosts range from families to individuals, and welcome one or two CIEE students. Each student has a private bedroom and shared kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities. Hosts provide breakfast plus another meal per day. Students can purchase the rest of their meals from supermarkets, cafeterias, or restaurants near the Global Institute.
Shared Apartments
Students can live with other CIEE students and a Spanish student with apartments that have single or double rooms. Utilities, cleaning, laundry facilities, and Internet access are included. Meals are not included. Students prepare meals in their apartments or purchase affordable meals in their neighborhood at supermarkets, cafeterias, etc.
Paris
Shared Apartments
Most students live in shared apartments in Paris with other CIEE Open Campus students. Student apartments are located throughout the city but will be within a 45-minute commute of the Global Institute. Meals are not provided for students staying in apartments. Each apartment has its own kitchen where students may prepare their meals. Students living in shared apartments with other CIEE Paris students can experience a homestay with a Parisian host by signing up for a weekend homestay. This opportunity allows students to experience the traditions and daily rituals of French life with local Parisians!
Homestay
A limited number of homestays may be available, with preference given to those whose universities require living with a local family. Students who live with homestay families receive breakfast daily plus five additional meals per week.
Rome
Students share apartments in historic buildings in Prati or Trastevere. Apartments will be located in safe residential areas, close to markets, shops, restaurants, and public transportation. Apartments house 4-7 CIEE students in double or triple bedrooms and some students may also share their apartment with a local student – known as Buddies, from the Roma Tre University. Apartments are within walking distance or a short commute of the CIEE Global Institute. Students share apartments in historic buildings in Prati or Trastevere. Apartments will be located in safe residential areas, close to markets, shops, restaurants, and public transportation. Apartments house 4-7 CIEE students in double or triple bedrooms and some students may also share their apartment with a local student – known as Buddies, from the Roma Tre University. Apartments are within walking distance or a short commute of the CIEE Global Institute.
Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.
Meals
Meals are typically not included in apartment or residence hall options. Some meals are usually included in homestays. Refer to the above descriptions for specific details.