WHO WE ARE
Our Mission & Approach
The Center for International Experiential Learning (CIEL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering critical thinking and global engagement through immersive travel and experiential education. We provide transformative learning experiences in conflict-affected regions, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of reconciliation, recovery, and the complexities of ongoing conflicts.
Our two-pronged strategy emphasizes:
Post-Conflict Regions: Exploring reconciliation, institutional reform, and societal healing.
Active Conflict Regions: Engaging with ongoing geopolitical conflicts that shape global discourse and policy.
Field-Specific Applications: Programs tailored to professionals in health, education, and human rights, connecting their expertise to conflict contexts.
Our History
The Center for International Experiential Learning (CIEL) was founded by the core team behind the Olive Tree Initiative (OTI), a groundbreaking university-based experiential learning program that operated from 2008 to 2020. OTI was established to bridge campus divides and address polarization surrounding global conflicts through immersive travel and education. Over its twelve-year history, OTI engaged more than 500 students in transformative study trips to the Middle East, Northern Ireland, and the Turkey-Armenia region, shaping the way universities approached conflict resolution and international education.
While OTI ended in 2020, its legacy continues through CIEL. Recognizing the growing need for cross-disciplinary engagement, CIEL expands upon OTI’s experiential learning model by reaching beyond university students to engage professionals, faith leaders, policymakers, and civil society actors. This transition has allowed CIEL to deepen its impact and bring immersive education on conflict resolution to a wider audience. CIEL’s two-pronged strategy emphasizes:
Post-Conflict Regions: Exploring reconciliation, institutional reform, and societal healing.
Active Conflict Regions: Engaging with ongoing geopolitical conflicts that shape global discourse and policy.
Field-Specific Applications: Programs tailored to professionals in health, education, and human rights, connecting their expertise to conflict contexts.
Who We Work With
CIEL collaborates with universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations to create impactful learning experiences. Our partnerships include:
Universities & Academic Institutions: Collaborating on curriculum integration, credit-bearing courses, and research initiatives. Notable partners include the University of Wyoming, Georgetown University and Chapman University.
Organizations and Private Groups: Working with nonprofits that focus on dialogue, conflict resolution, and social justice in affected communities.
Local Experts & Stakeholders: Engaging with historians, policymakers, journalists, and grassroots activists to provide first-hand insights.
Why We Believe Our Work Matters
By exposing participants to real-world conflict dynamics, CIEL helps bridge the gap between academic theory and lived experience. Our programs cultivate informed global citizens equipped with the skills to engage constructively in conflict resolution, policy-making, and community activism.
Our Team
CIEL is led by a team of seasoned educators, peace practitioners, and global engagement specialists with extensive experience in conflict resolution, international education, and immersive learning. Many of our team members were instrumental in founding and running the Olive Tree Initiative and have continued their commitment to fostering critical engagement with global conflicts. Learn more about our team here
We also work closely with local partners and field experts, including historians, former combatants, policymakers, and civil society leaders, to provide first-hand insights and authentic perspectives on conflict and reconciliation.
Interested in partnering with us?
Reach out if you have any questions or want to learn more. Contact Us ⭢