I am currently studying abroad with the CIEE highschool spring semester program in Valparaiso, Chile. I have been living with a wonderful host mom, sister and brother who have welcomed me into their home and lives.
The CIEE in country staff have really made this experience better than I could've imagined. Maria Paz is my go to person for any problem, doubt or question and is always happy to hear our endless stories and how things are going. The CIEE office is always open and all of the staff here have helped us with so many things. From extra Spanish classes, to debit cards not working, to help studying for tests, to finding sports teams outside of school to participate in, to individual check-ins they really care about the students here and work hard to make our experience unforgettable.
I've already learned a lot in the three months I've been here. My Spanish has improved and I feel a lot more confident speaking now. I've been forced into new situations and in turn have learned how to handle new things and the importance of communication. Through meeting people from a different culture, I've also learned a lot about myself and my own culture.
I can confidently say that this has been the best experience in my life, and I highly recommend this program to anyone thinking about studying abroad!

When complimenting me for doing a good job on a project, my grandmother would say you handled it perfectly from soup to nuts. Prior to the 1980s, most formal sit-down dinners were multiple courses beginning with soup and ending with nuts. My grandmother was an excellent host so this compliment held a great deal of weight. CIEE was there for me before, during, and in the close of my daughters Chile experience. My daughter is in the final two months of a year-long program. She is fluent in Spanish. She has made life long friends. Her life is changed through the experience.

After arriving in Chile, my daughter, Julia, received an immersion three week Spanish course. She lived with a family and toured Santiago with fellow CIEE students and her Santiago "host" family. This preliminary program helped Julia to gain the confidence to begin school and live with people who didn't speak English.