Program Reviews

The real value of the volunteer in Spain experience rests somewhere beneath the surface. Volunteers gain insight into life in Spain that tourists almost surely never see. The result is a rare life experience that I will continue to appreciate. Perfect for those who wish to: see the world and travel, learn about a different culture, build their resume (especially educators), career break (especially lawyers), acquire or develop foreign language skills (especially Spanish), and grow personally. At 35, for three months in between careers, this was a perfect opportunity.

I love living and working here in Getafe! The work-life balance that this job offers with the 4-day work week is great, and it really gives you the chance to travel abroad and experience Madrid. The job itself is fulfilling, and has a nice flow to it. In my day to day life here, I feel grateful, hopeful and content-- its amazing the impact that good food and art, public transportation, and walkable communities can have. I truly do not take it for granted that I can afford rent and groceries with euros leftover to travel/save/etc, and that is something that you can achieve through this program!

CIEE has been a really great resource and support throughout this process, especially as I was moving and settling in! I found their visa guides, "to do lists" and resources for Spanish bureaucratic processes really helpful and reassuring.

When moving to Madrid CIEE was extremely helpful with answering any and all questions. They provide information on every topic that you may deal with when moving. I knew one person when moving here but through CIEE orientation I have met so many new friends all sharing the same experience as me. I like being an assistant because I enjoy being in the classroom. The teachers and staff were extremely welcoming, and continue to treat me as part of the staff. CIEE sends weekly emails about what is happening in Madrid as well as recommended spots to go eat. Mov ing abroad was very intimidating at first but CIEE has held my hand throughout the whole process.

This is my first year abroad in Spain and I chose CIEE out of all the other programs I was looking at. I liked that CIEE would help me with the VISA paperwork beforehand and I wanted to be guaranteed a position in Madrid. You do have to pay a fee compared to the other programs but it was worth in my opinion as you had support before you left as well as support if needed while in Spain. They had a 4 day orientation when you arrived to help go over the program and what you needed to do to get your metro card, bank card, etc. I also liked that there was an orientation because it gave you a chance to meet other people and make friends right away. Madrid was amazing, lots of things to do in the city, the school I work at , the teachers are really nice and its a 4 day work schedule so you either get Monday or Friday off which is amazing if you like to plan weekend trips to other cities and countries. Your stipend is 1000 a month, which depending on where you find your apartment and what your overall goal in Spain is, can be enough for your budget and still have money left over to travel or eat out and shop but I would suggest having some money saved up beforehand just for emergency. :D

I would only recommend CIEE for people who are very self-sufficient. The only helpful thing I felt they did was the packets provided and guaranteeing Madrid. I had a very difficult Visa process and CIEE did not help get me in contact with anyone at the embassy or have any information that could truly benefit me. The orientation provided helpful information about residency cards and paperwork for the schools, however, it had a lot of expensive social events (such as a flamenco show) that felt like a waste of money, given we were only given a hotel for four days and most people did not find apartments in this time. I love the friends I made at the CIEE orientation, but aside from those four days I did not feel like CIEE was extremely helpful or worth the extremely high costs. Getting a school in Madrid was great, but I think if you are independent it would be worth it to take more of a risk and apply through other programs.

CIEE was super helpful in getting me set up when I arrived in Spain. All the information that they prepare before my arrive to Spain has honestly been worth the money. And that doesn’t even include all the help, activities, and events that they organized for my first week in Spain. The week paid for stay at a hotel was also extremely helpful in getting me set up. As someone that has never moved abroad all of this helped me be able to take the giant leap and move to Spain. I would recommend this program to anyone that’s thinking of doing the same and doesn’t know where to start!

CIEE and its U.S. and Spain staff were very helpful and accommodating with my move and transition to Spain. Lauren Massey was particularly patient and helpful with all of my visa questions. The Spanish staff were also very helpful and friendly during orientation week. CIEE provided a plethora of information regarding living, working, and getting around Madrid as well as how to navigate the Spanish bureaucracy and tips and tricks for finding housing. I would recommend this program to anyone who is new to living abroad or would prefer the extra assistance and benefits such as the travel insurance which other programs do not provide for their first year in Spain.

We have really enjoyed our time here in Spain. I was an elementary teacher in California for 28 years and took a year leave to come and experience Madrid. My wife and I came to Spain to spend my last year before I could retire from California. Being a Language Assistant has been a great way to get to live and travel throughout Spain all while making money. CIEE has been very supportive and I would recommend them if you are considering coming abroad to Madrid. Knowing some Spanish has been super helpful. I would recommend learning Spanish and being willing to try and communicate with the locals. Even if your Spanish isn't perfect...trying to speak with the locals is a great way to make friends.

Madrid is such a lovely city, and I am so lucky to have gotten this opportunity to move here with the support of CIEE. This city has so much to offer. A few of my favorite things are the easily walkable streets, parks, constant outdoor dining and drinking, and the colorful lights that adorn the city throughout the winter. I am so happy I chose to do this program. At first, I was nervous about coming to Madrid, but with CIEE's support at every moment throughout the application, visa, and travel processes, I was ready to finally arrive in Madrid. Going to school every day to impact children's lives and teach them English and about American culture is so special. The kids truly are so sweet and always bring smiles to my face. At the end of the day, I get to spend time with friends, practice Spanish, go to dance class, and enjoy the weather that, compared to my home state of Minnesota, is nice all year round. This experience is one like no other!

My adventure to Thailand took place in the beautiful province of Petchabun. It was more of a rural placement and that initially had me a little nervous about potential challenges. However, the challenges were not too daunting! I quite enjoy the nature and peaceful area while still being able to travel to more busy areas to do other things. In a short period of time, I was able to enjoy holidays and festivals, hang out with other teachers and explore the local area. In free time I can learn Thai, cook and exercise. The staff at the school always offer their time to support and share with you their culture. So overall, there are many things to do as long as you take the time to plan it. I really cannot wait to explore more and travel throughout the country.