The Impact of CIEE 2024 High School Summer Abroad on Language Proficiency

As world language educators, you understand the transformative power of language learning—how it opens doors, expands horizons, and fosters global citizenship.   

This past summer, CIEE’s Language & Culture programs didn’t just teach students a language; they helped them live it. The results after four weeks of language immersion were nothing short of inspiring.  

Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Global Seal of Biliteracy, we can formally recognize the outstanding progress our high school students made in language proficiency.  

We’re thrilled to celebrate the successes of our 2024 high school summer programs cohort, and we know you’ll see the echoes of these achievements in your own classrooms.  

Nearly 800 High School Students Earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy 

This summer, CIEE collaborated with the Global Seal of Biliteracy to award the Global Seal to students who demonstrated exceptional language skills. We’re thrilled to announce that 799 students—41% of participants in our Language & Culture programs—earned the Global Seal based on their results from the Avant STAMP 4S proficiency test.  

This test, which assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking, was administered both before students embarked on their high school study abroad experience and again in the final week of the program. 

Of these students: 

• 791 earned the Functional Fluency Award, requiring a score of 5 (Intermediate-Mid) or higher across all four categories. 
• 8 students achieved the Working Fluency Award, which requires a score of 7 (Advanced-Low) or higher, plus completion of 11th-grade English. 

These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of our students and the effectiveness of immersive learning environments in fostering language growth. 

What is the Global Seal of Biliteracy and Why It’s Important? 

The Global Seal of Biliteracy celebrates multilingualism by providing a portable, universally recognized credential that showcases a student’s language skills.  

Unlike State Seals of Biliteracy, which are typically limited to students within a particular state, the Global Seal transcends borders and is available to all qualifying language learners, including those who have already graduated.  

This flexibility makes it an invaluable asset for students as they pursue further education or enter the workforce. 

New Streamlined Access to Students’ Language Credentials 

Students can now more easily showcase their language proficiency thanks to the Global Seal’s new platform. Each qualifying student receives a unique serial number, enabling them to create an online profile, display a digital certificate, and share their credentials with schools, universities, employers, and even on social media. 

Physical certificates are also available for purchase, providing students with a tangible recognition of their achievements. This credential not only validates their language skills but also opens doors to future academic and professional opportunities. 

Academic Outcomes from CIEE’s High School Summer Abroad 2024 

Beyond earning the Global Seal, our Language & Culture programs continue to deliver impressive academic results: 

• 71% of participants (1,396 students) opted for and earned college credit through Tulane University, CIEE’s School of Record. 
• 79% of students showed growth in their STAMP test composite scores from pre- to post-program. Time and continuous study are critical factors in acquiring language, and making measurable gains is challenging within a short period. As students become more proficient, progress slows. In the world of language learning, 79% growth in just four weeks is remarkable and reflects the rigor of the program and the dedication of both students and educators. 
• 95% reported that the program enhanced their understanding of the host culture, and 94% felt it broadened their global perspective. 

These outcomes underscore the value of our programs in advancing language proficiency and cultural competence, equipping students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom. 

The Role of the Avant STAMP 4S Test in Measuring Language Proficiency in Students 

Language assessment is a cornerstone of CIEE’s Language & Culture programs. The Avant STAMP 4S (STAndards-Based Measure of Proficiency) test, administered both prior to and at the conclusion of the program, plays a critical role in measuring student progress.  

This testing not only helps us place students in the appropriate language level but also allows us to track their growth and continually improve our program offerings. 

Join Us in Celebrating High School Summer Abroad Students’ Language Proficiency 

As educators, your support is crucial in guiding students towards opportunities that expand their horizons. We invite you to share the success stories of CIEE’s Language & Culture programs with your students and colleagues and encourage them to explore the benefits of language immersion.  

Together, we can continue to inspire the next generation of global citizens. 

Learn more about CIEE’s summer travel programs for high school students and open a world of possibilities for your students!