CCSA Mission and Values
CCSA offers short-term study away and abroad courses led by faculty from our member institutions. Each course is independently taught but operates within a shared program structure that encourages collaboration among faculty and students. Courses are designed with three parts: preparation before departure, experiential learning onsite (typically 2 to 3 weeks), and post-travel reflection or coursework.
Whether studying theater in London, exploring marine life in Australia, or Irish folklore, CCSA students connect what they learn in the classroom to the people and places they encounter. This approach transforms academic content into lived experience, preparing students to become thoughtful global citizens and future leaders.
Our Mission
The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA) promotes global citizenship by building a vibrant community of scholars who share knowledge and experiences beyond the traditional classroom. We empower students and faculty to take ownership of their learning through immersive study abroad and study away programs that encourage independence, responsibility, and meaningful engagement with the world.
Through thoughtfully designed programs and ongoing faculty development, CCSA supports high-impact teaching and learning across borders. Our commitment to intergenerational education creates opportunities for faculty and students to grow together academically, professionally, and personally, while exploring diverse cultures and global perspectives.
Celebrate Our Variety & Diversity
At CCSA, we believe that learning through difference is one of the most powerful aspects of global education. By stepping into unfamiliar places and working alongside people with different experiences, we come to appreciate the rich diversity that makes us human. This understanding is central to our mission.
We are committed to treating everyone involved in our programs with respect and dignity. We aim to provide equitable access to international learning for all students, including those who are traditionally underserved. While we may not always get it right, we support one another in doing better every day, in every interaction, and in every program. Diversity is not just something we value; it is something we live through shared experiences that expand minds and open hearts.
Our Mission In Action
CCSA builds a community of scholars who share knowledge beyond the traditional classroom. Our programs encourage students to develop independence, responsibility, and cross-cultural competence. We support our faculty through professional development opportunities that enhance their global teaching practices, and we promote intergenerational learning through immersive experiences worldwide.
Member institutions range from large public universities to small private colleges, serving a combined enrollment of more than 200,000 students. Our programs are developed in partnership with these institutions, and we provide the logistical support and academic framework necessary to deliver meaningful international experiences.
Looking Forward
Through meaningful international experiences, CCSA continues to shape how students learn, how faculty teach, and how institutions collaborate. Our commitment to innovation, equity, and student success ensures that the global learning journey begins here and reaches far beyond.
Looking ahead, CCSA is exploring opportunities to offer semester-long study abroad programs and international internships. Our goal is to collaborate with global institutions and partners to create enriching, longer-term experiences that deepen cultural understanding and support professional growth. By expanding our program models in thoughtful and inclusive ways, we aim to provide students with a broader range of pathways for global engagement and real-world learning.