Leading Change in Study Abroad in Latin America
In 2025, CIEE is bringing the world to Argentina and 4 other countries through new programs, student scholarships, and our 78th Annual Conference, which will focus on Leading Change in Study Abroad in Latin America.
Key Themes:
- Thought Leadership: Bringing together experts to share fresh insights on the most pressing issues shaping Latin America’s future. Discussions will explore ways to immerse students in these dynamic trends while celebrating the region’s rich contributions to arts, culture, and community engagement.
- Bridge Building: Strengthening collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies across Latin America, with a focus on technology, sustainability, community, and education.
- Innovation & Impact: Designing new strategies to expand study abroad and internship opportunities in the region.
Join CIEE in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, November 12-14, as we come together to shape study abroad experiences that inspire and empower the next generation of global changemakers.
Day 1
Nov 12, 2025
Day 2
Nov 13, 2025
Day 3
Nov 14, 2025
10:00 am-12:00 pm
CIEE Buenos Aires
CIEE Buenos Aires Open House
During this open house, explore the classrooms where students engage in dynamic coursework, meet the dedicated staff who support their experience, and learn more about our programs in Argentina. Drop by to connect, ask questions, and see firsthand what makes CIEE Buenos Aires a hub for international education.
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Strategies for Leading Change: Custom Programs that Drive Student Success
With a focus on students considered “at-risk” of not achieving key academic and professional milestones, the pre-conference workshop will explore how global learning experiences can enhance enrollment, retention, graduation rates, employability, and economic mobility.
5:30 pm-7:00 pm
The World by 2050: Latin America and the Global Changes Ahead
Co-panelists to discuss strategies for immersing students in these critical trends through internships, service learning, volunteering, and study abroad programs, focusing specifically on Latin America’s role in key fields such as clean energy, food security, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage preservation.
7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Meet CIEE Reception
Meet our CIEE Center Directors from around the world as they feature local initiatives, cultural experiences, and academic programs.
9:00 am-10:10 am
Smart Cities and Sustainable Communities
Experts will discuss innovative approaches to urban mobility, energy efficiency, digital governance, and community engagement that are transforming cities into more livable and resilient environments and identify ways to immerse students in these critical trends through internships, service learning, volunteering, and study abroad programs.
9:00 am-10:10 am
Where Ecotourism Grew Roots
This session will address challenges and best practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of ecotourism. The session will also consider how to introduce students to ecotourism as an industry and how to help them engage in ethical travel throughout Latin America and other world regions.
10:20 am-10:40 am
Coffee Break
10:40 am-11:50 am
Reframing the Migration Narrative through People-to-People Exchanges
Through case studies of successful people-to-people exchanges, speakers will highlight strategies that have shifted public discourse toward inclusivity, empathy, and understanding. Participants will gain insights into practical steps for fostering more constructive and human-centered conversations about migration.
10:40 am-11:50 am
Internships as Ignition: Generating the Spark for Professional Passion
Speakers will highlight opportunities in growing fields such as entrepreneurship, healthcare, culinary arts, and hospitality. Participants will gain insights into how internships can serve as a launching pad for innovation and career development in an evolving global job market.
12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Conference Lunch + Internship Pop-Up: Internships in Latin America
2:00 pm-3:10 pm
The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Latin America
This session will highlight how study abroad professionals can design impactful programs that connect international students with Latin America’s thriving tech sector, providing them with valuable career pathways and hands-on experience in a rapidly growing market.
2:00 pm-3:10 pm
Indigenous-Led Conservation and Ethical Experiential Learning
Through case studies and best practices, participants will gain insight into co-designed experiential learning models that empower students to support conservation initiatives responsibly and reciprocally.
3:10 pm-3:40 pm
Coffee Break
3:40 pm-4:50 pm
Empowering Women as a Pathway to Peace
Panelists will discuss cutting-edge research, successful policy interventions, and grassroots initiatives that amplify women's leadership in peacebuilding, economic development, and global security and the session will highlight opportunities for students and emerging leaders to engage in this vital work.
3:40 pm-4:50 pm
A Toolkit for Study Abroad and College Admissions Collaboration
The session will feature case studies, highlight innovations like the new CIEE College Access program, and provide actionable strategies to improve communication, streamline processes, and create a cohesive narrative that highlights the global opportunities available to prospective students.
6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Off-Site Reception
Join us for a special offsite reception where we’ll immerse ourselves in the rich cultural traditions of Buenos Aires. Enjoy an evening of local flavors, music, and artistic expressions that showcase the city’s vibrant heritage.
9:00 am-10:10 am
Closing Plenary
Keynote speaker to be announced.
10:20 am-10:40 am
Coffee Break
10:45 am-12:15 pm
Students Leading Change: Recruiting the Next Generation of Latin Americanists
Joined by study abroad leaders from their home institution who supported their enrollment and participation in the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship, these speakers will discuss the impact of this experiences and explore strategies for encouraging more students to study abroad in Latin America.
12:20 pm-12:40 pm
Closing Toast
12:30 pm-1:30 pm
Conference Lunch
2:00 pm-3:00 pm
CIEE Buenos Aires Open House
During this CIEE Buenos Aires Open House, explore the classrooms where students engage in dynamic coursework, meet our dedicated staff who support their educational journey, and discover more about our diverse programs in Argentina.
2024 Rome
Leading Change in a Changing Climate
2023 Paris
Leading Change in Study Abroad
2022 Seoul
75 Years of Pathways to Peace