CIEE's Latin America Student Fellowship Program: Empowering Future Leaders
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) recently revealed the recipients for its Fall 2025 Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellows program. This year, a total of 32 students from 26 different colleges have been selected to study abroad on scholarships in diverse locations throughout Latin America, including Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
CIEE's initiative is committed to facilitating international educational exchange by providing substantial financial support to students. Each selected fellow is eligible for a full semester scholarship, which covers tuition and also comes along with a living stipend of $2,000. The total investment in the program exceeds $2 million, which includes grants that apply a 30% reduction on all CIEE programs in Latin America.
The primary aim of this initiative is to inspire students to immerse themselves in the rich cultural landscapes of Latin America and develop a deep understanding of its history and languages. In addition to the scholarships, CIEE has introduced several innovative study programs that focus on topics such as business, engineering, computer science, ecology, and sustainability. International internships are also a key feature of these programs, available at all CIEE locations across the region.
The Selected Fellows
The students who have received this prestigious fellowship represent a wide range of universities and will be studying various subjects during their time abroad:
Buenos Aires, Argentina
- - Carmen Rodriguez, Merrimack College, Semester in Buenos Aires
- - Sarah Cavallaro, Central Michigan University, Semester in Buenos Aires
- - Joscelyn Caldwell, Tulane University of Louisiana, Semester in Buenos Aires
- - Sophia Neal, California Polytechnic State University, Semester in Buenos Aires
- - Olivia Goering, Allegheny College, Liberal Arts
- - Angelina Bourgi, The New School, Liberal Arts
- - Abby Russ, University of South Alabama, Liberal Arts
Mérida, Mexico
- - Dylan Boling, Tulane University of Louisiana, Semester in Yucatan
- - Tziavi Melendez, Tufts University, Semester in Yucatan
- - Emma Bryzik, Oakland University, Open Campus Block
- - Julia Hanson, University Of Kansas, Liberal Arts
Monteverde, Costa Rica
- - Leticia Avila, College of Lake County, Semester in Monteverde
- - Olivia Bohl, Northern Michigan University, Semester in Monteverde
- - Milad Khezrefaridi, The University of Texas at Austin, Semester in Monteverde
- - Emma Lim, California Polytechnic State University, Open Campus Block
Santiago, Chile
- - Emily Tiihonen, Kalamazoo College, Semester in Santiago
- - Kara Juhl, University of Iowa, Liberal Arts
- - Isabella Wilson, Indiana University-Bloomington, Liberal Arts
- - Duncan Gallagher, Western Washington University, Liberal Arts
Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
- - Crislenny Mendez, Hunter College, Semester in Santiago
- - Margaret Stapleton, Wofford College, Liberal Arts
Additionally, some students will benefit from the Open Campus Block programs that provide flexibility and access to multiple locations:
- - Jacqueline Martinez, Rutgers University
- - Mariana Londono, Merrimack College
- - Madison Altenbach, Northern Arizona University
- - Alma Wigzell, Western Washington University
Advocating for Global Learning
The new CIEE Latin America Student Fellows will document their experiences through various platforms such as social media, blogs, and video storytelling, urging their classmates to consider similar study abroad opportunities. Upon returning to their respective campuses, they will take on the role of CIEE campus ambassadors, thus continuing to promote global learning and cultural exchanges.
Commitment to Accessible Education
Beyond the fellowships, CIEE offers multiple other financial aids, such as $5,500 grants for Open Campus Block programs, $2,500 grants for Summer Global Internships, and reduced pricing for all programs related to Mérida starting in January 2026. This commitment reflects CIEE’s goal of leading a new wave of students to explore the educational advantages offered by Latin America.
Since its establishment in 1947, CIEE has been a pioneer in fostering global understanding through study abroad programs, bridging the gaps among cultures, and changing lives in the process. This fellowship program continues to enhance the landscape of international education, providing students with invaluable experiences that shape their futures.
For those wishing to stay updated with the activities of the Latin America Student Fellows, follow CIEE on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn under the hashtags #CIEELATAM and #CIEEStudyAbroad.