CIEE Hosts BridgeUSA Celebration Tour in Ocean City
News provided byCourierPR · 2 min read
OCEAN CITY, Maryland, The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) hosted its twelfth stop of the 2026 BridgeUSA Celebration Tour in Ocean City this week, honoring local host employers and community leaders who have championed the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program.
This program brings international college students to the United States for their summer breaks, providing seasonal employers with a vital workforce that extends the tourism season by an average of 50 days. The economic impact is significant, with participants contributing billions of dollars to the U.S. economy annually.
According to CIEE, the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program is a powerful public diplomacy tool. By engaging future global leaders with American communities, it fosters mutual understanding and strengthens international relationships. The program also creates lifelong advocates for the United States around the world.
CIEE’s 2026 tour began at the premier ski destination of Park City, moved on to the charming Mackinac Island, and now stands in the vibrant coastal city of Ocean City. Previous stops included iconic Cedar Point Amusement Park, famous Kings Island Amusement Park, Kentucky Kingdom, Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky, Montana, Myrtle Beach, and historic San Antonio.
The tour highlights the tangible benefits of the program, including the economic boost it provides to local businesses. Carye Duffin, CIEE’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs, noted, “BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel participants are crucial to the success of many local businesses, allowing them to extend their peak-season sales and employ more Americans during the summer months.”
Duffin added, “These international students not only contribute to the economy but also bring a unique perspective to American communities, enriching our cultural fabric.”
Since 1947, CIEE has supported more than 1.5 million student exchanges for participants from over 140 countries. The organization’s mission is to build bridges between different people, countries, and cultures through high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs.
CIEE continues its commitment to fostering global understanding and economic growth through its programs, with plans to expand its reach and impact in the years to come.