Program Reviews

As my trip to Barcelona for the CIEE Spanish Language and Culture program approached, I was incredibly nervous. My only experience away from home had been at summer camps an hour away, and I had grown up seeing the same kids every summer. This trip would be totally out of my comfort zone – but I had no idea how much I needed to go.

The CIEE staff were super helpful and welcoming, and from Day 1 emphasized that we could contact them in the case of any emergency. I never needed to contact my Program Leader, but it was super reassuring to know that she was there for me 24/7. My host mom also made sure that I could reach her at all times – she was a single mom with a teenage daughter, and both of them went out of their way to ensure that my roommate and I had an incredible experience in Barcelona. Our family dinners every night were one of my favorite parts of the trip, where we would enjoy delicious food and strengthen our Spanish skills by talking about our day.

Although my roommate and I were placed in different Spanish classes (based on a test and an interview), we still spent tons of time together, and are best friends to this day. I really liked the other students in my class, and learned tons of Spanish daily, both from my Program Leader during our morning activity and from my teacher during afternoon classes. While my grammar and vocabulary improved during the afternoon, my appreciation for Spanish culture increased each morning. Whether we were taking a flamenco class, touring gorgeous Gaudi houses, or walking through historic neighborhoods, I always was able to try something new and have fun with my friends. Getting to meet new people was also a highlight of my trip. CIEE students came from across the country, but we all found shared interests to connect over, whether it was a love of thrifting or a desire to see as many museums as possible.

Now that I'm home, not only has my Spanish improved enough that I was moved from Level 3 to AP Spanish, but I also feel more confident and excited to try new activities and experiences. I'm still in touch with many of my friends from CIEE as well as my host family, and am planning on meeting up with my roommate during our Spring Break, and potentially seeing more friends when I travel during the summer as well.

Last Summer, I participated in the K-Pop Immersion Program through CIEE and I lived in South Korea. I would like to say that South Korea was the best moment in my life because I had lots of fun and I developed a sense of independence. The group and I visited Historical places, we went to a norabang which is also karaoke, met soulmates and we played Korean games. Initially, my mom was nervous about living alone without any family but eventually she was proud I went. Through this program, I got to know myself better and I realized that I would thrive in any pace and environment I found myself in. Additionally throughout the program I made new friends which led me to have different perspectives in life. I would like to inform everyone that we need to explore and not be reserved. With the CIEE program, it's an opportunity to learn diverse cultures in different countries to know the definition of who you are.

As a low-income student, I was fortunate enough to receive a generous scholarship to afford the trip. Initially, it was meant for the Japan Pop Culture program, but that was canceled due to the borders remaining unopened. I instead chose to participate in the Czech Republic program and it was still extremely fun and intriguing -- I learned a lot about Czech culture by just being in another country. Just being able to go to another continent cheaply with an organization figuring out the logistics for you is amazing, but we also had Czech and art classes. The teachers were very friendly and learning was fun, although I would've preferred to wander the streets as I grew tired of making art every day. I befriended Czech students there and still keep in touch with them today. I truly am lucky for the opportunity to study abroad as similar high school students of my background wouldn't be able to afford it.

I personally would've liked more free time, but that's because I'm not a very artsy person that just wanted to go to the Czech Republic to try kofola.

We stayed at an aparthotel that was pretty fancy and the jelly-filled doughnuts were amazing. Breakfast was usually very delicious.

I attended CIEE's High School Abroad program in Sevilla, Spain for the academic year of my junior in 2017-2018. I went with my brother Benjamin. We both stayed in different home stays and towns, but this experience together was so rewarding. I met some of my best friends at my Spanish high school, and still consider them best friends to this day. I was able to travel to 5 countries, and met so many new people along the way. I became very close with my host family, and they treated me like their own. I became very proficient in Spanish, and CIEE supported me along the way with any need I had. CIEE really pushed me to become immersed in the culture and my community, and always had resources for when I needed a little extra comfort.

This experience was very new for me, it was the first time I had been away from home for so long (3 weeks) and the first time I'd stayed in another country for that long. This experience was advertised as a study abroad program, but it felt nothing like school. It was full of learning through doing, and adventure. I gained new friends I kept in touch with months after and so many crazy memories, not only that, but I left with new knowledge about how to be more eco-friendly and encourage others to as well. Definitely all worth it.

​From the staff to the selection of students, to the activities, to the endless knowledge and general hospitality, CIEE has crafted an almost flawless study abroad experience for high school students in Monteverde, Costa Rica. CIEE has formulated an educationally effective, but fun program for students to not only learn things they never knew were possible about the world but themselves. I came into this program wanting to better understand how I could make a difference in the world rather than just posting or reading about the environment on social media. I wanted to get uncomfortable and learn things way past the knowledge I held. The climate change mitigation program did all of this for me and more. I now see my role in the world and how to take action efficiently. The staff in this program taught me how to be innovative, active, and overall a better problem-solver. Every single staff member was amazing. Costa Rican values have truly made an impact on me. The group of students I lived with taught me so much in one day alone. The exchange of information and personal experiences opened my eyes to so many different perspectives. I'd classify myself as an introvert, but it was easy to talk and be free with this group. A level of comfort fell into place almost right when I met everyone. Just hanging around campus, in nature, we bonded over the littlest things. I have made lifelong bonds, gotten support from those older than me, and understand myself way more thanks to this program. I was put all the way outside my comfort zone and will forever be grateful for the opportunity. I can genuinely say that CIEE has contributed heavily to my future college endeavors and life. I already have and will continue to recommend or influence my peers to study abroad with CIEE. Experiences like this are the ones I wish I could have forever.

I was so elated to learn about another culture, especially one whose main priority was preserving the beautiful greenery. This program was beyond interactive and I was able to enact real change, in my host country and in my personal habits. Monteverde's natural beauty is unmatched and the educational experience complements that, with daily hikes to learn about different epiphytes to planting trees that act as carbon sinks. The family I have created here in our close-knit group of 16 is something I have never experienced before. Whether I am playing basketball during a free moment or playing a group game in the rec room, I found this group of people from all across the U.S. to be inclusive and loving.

Learned a lot and made memories. I feel impacted after my time with the kids. It was fun exploring the city, the DR is a place I fell in love with. Besides working with the children, my favorite part of this trip was the beach trips. We got to spend quality time with everyone else on the trip and enjoy the nice beaches of the DR. Going to museums and learning about the history of the DR was also very interesting. The food that I ate and the host family that I stayed with was one of the best parts of this trip. Would recommend.

This was a very memorable experience and I am very grateful I got to study in a different country! As for a review of the program, there will be lots of walking so be prepared!! Definitely ask as many questions and join preparation meetings before the program because it really helps. Due to weather the schedule they gave us can change so just be open-minded and just enjoy whatever is planned. During the program, we do community conversations, and most if not all days feel long so it does get tiring, but I would say just enjoy all the time you have. You get a lot of free time so make the most and appreciate your host family :)! Have fun and make friends.

Studying abroad for a month in Barcelona has been a dream. To be fully immersed in the Spanish language and culture taught me more than textbooks ever could. My confidence and fluency in Spanish have grown, and I feel I have learned a lot about myself as well. Spanish culture and history are amazing, and it was super interesting to visit all the most famous places in and around the city. I've made memories and friends here I will never forget. Thank you so much CIEE for this amazing opportunity!