CIEE Global Navigator

Program Reviews

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Ngoc
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of a Kind

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.

Pros
  • Aparthotel
  • Safe
  • Fun
Cons
  • Too little free time
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Sofia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE High School Abroad Sevilla Spain

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.

Pros
  • Travel
  • Language Immerson
  • Growth
Cons
  • Some homesickness
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Sadie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My summer abroad in Costa Rica

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.

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Tiffany
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Climate Change Mitigation, Costa Rica & Peace

​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.

Pros
  • Living in nature, direct access the forest
  • wild excursions with people from all over the country
  • hands-on work
Cons
  • Far from town/active population
  • Mostly eating on campus so not getting to try out local restaurants
  • bugs
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Gabriella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Paradise Amongst the Clouds

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.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Definitely walking across the swinging bridges, as we were insanely high up in the clouds. The swaying of the bridge mixed with the rainforest beneath my feet had me a little frightened. However, once coming face to face with some Howler Monkeys, I completely forgot about the height I was at and was awestruck by the beauty of my surrounding.
Pros
  • Beautiful Nature and Wildlife
  • Education on Improving our Climate
  • Close community
Cons
  • Persistant rain
  • Bugs!! Bring deet
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Samuel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Santiago, Mentoring Youth

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.

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Abigail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE in Berlin!

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.

Pros
  • Meeting People/Being Independent
  • Learning and Improving in the Language
  • Actually living with German families
Cons
  • Out of Comfort Zone
  • Lots of Smoking in the City
  • Lots of Walking :) :(
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Surta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Month of My Life

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!

Pros
  • Improves your language skills
  • Stunning city
  • Unique experience
Cons
  • Heat
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Ingrid
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

..

I loved spending time with the kids and everything they taught me .Learning about a new culture and meeting new people was so impactful in helping me open up my mindset even more. Working with the kids and being part of a new culture does make some kind of impact on the kids as well as on you! There were many different adventures and activities that made the experience even more fun! There were times where the leaders weren’t as communicative as they should’ve been but it can always be improved.

Pros
  • Spend time with kids
  • Leave with amazing memories
  • Helps open up your mind
Cons
  • Could take a mental toll
  • You need to have energy
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Teagan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Mentoring Youth and Raising Social Awareness in Santiago DR

I loved working with the kids because it was so fun and full filling. I also loved my host family because they were the sweetest and covered our every need. However, the schedule was not accurate and it felt disorganized. We also did not have much free time to explore, and had to go to many museums that felt slightly pointless. One of my favorite things was the weekend excursions to the beach because we got to experience more parts of the country. The food took some getting used to, but I have learned to love plantains and salami and will miss it.

Pros
  • Host family and meeting new people
  • Playing with the Acción Callejera kids!
  • Going to the beach
Cons
  • Felt very disorganized, a lot of waiting around
  • Not a lot of time to explore
  • Spanish is definitely really really helpful to know. I didn’t know much and had a hard time.