CIEE

Spending my summer in Milan as part of a global internship program was one of the most impactful and exciting experiences of my college journey so far. I interned at Stecca 3, a community-focused organization that works with different groups across Milan to promote cultural, educational, and environmental initiatives. Through my role, I got to contribute in multiple ways—interviewing people from diverse backgrounds, helping plan activities for kids, and assisting with translating content into English for their website and social media platforms. It was meaningful work that challenged me to think creatively, adapt quickly, and communicate across cultures.

This internship gave me a better understanding of what it’s like to work in a nonprofit setting and confirmed my interest in a career where I can help people and make a positive impact. I developed important skills like time management, teamwork, and public speaking—all in a different country and language, which made it even more rewarding. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I also learned how to work independently and manage projects with minimal guidance, which gave me a new level of confidence in my abilities.

Outside of the internship, living in Milan was an adventure in itself. Milan is a vibrant, fast-paced city with incredible architecture, fashion, and history around every corner. I loved exploring the Duomo, walking through Brera, grabbing coffee in quiet courtyards, and having aperitivo in Navigli at sunset. I even picked up some Italian just from being immersed in the culture. On weekends, I had the chance to travel to other parts of Italy, including Lake Como, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre. Each place had its own unique charm and gave me a deeper appreciation for Italian culture and history.

This summer was not just about professional growth—it was about personal growth too. Living abroad helped me become more independent, open-minded, and adaptable. It taught me how to balance work and life in a new environment, how to navigate public transportation in a foreign city, and how to stay present and make the most of every moment. I met amazing people from around the world, made lifelong memories, and came home feeling more inspired and motivated than ever.

I’m so grateful I took this leap and spent my summer in Milan. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that helped shape not only my resume, but also my perspective on the world and what I want for my future. I would recommend a global internship to anyone looking to gain valuable experience while immersing themselves in a new culture—you won’t regret it.

I absolutely loved my time in Dublin! The city has a great scene for entertainment, drinking, food, music, and beautiful views. There was something to do every night. Whether it was listening to live traditional or jazz music or going out to a pub quiz, there's always something going on. There's also loads of different markets around the city. It is also really accessible to get around throughout the city as well as to other counties around the coast of Ireland. There is so much to see and so much history. The Luas tram, the Irish rail, and the bus system is all very affordable, especially for students who can get discounts.

Going abroad is one thing, but going to a country that I don't know the language, nor do most people here speak it, is another thing. Going to a country that is so different than the few that I've been in was a change. It was a lot of fun though, I got to learn how other cultures go about their every day lives. I learned to be more independent and how to get around without knowing the language. I got to experience life a whole new way. One of the best experiences I have had. I never thought I would even go to Japan, my whole plan falls under my 4 year plan and getting all my requirements done, so being able to get it done in Japan was so nice.

CIEE’s Study Abroad program in Paris was truly one of the most inspiring and transformative experiences I’ve ever had. Every day was filled with creative energy, meaningful learning, and cultural discovery. The program is thoughtfully designed, and the instructors are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also deeply invested in each student’s growth.

One of the most exciting parts of the experience was our connection to world-renowned institutions like IRCAM. Being immersed in such a vibrant artistic and academic environment was incredibly motivating. I only wish we had even more opportunities to attend performances at places like the Paris Philharmonie or visit major exhibitions—there’s just so much happening in Paris, and every moment offers something new to learn and be inspired by.

The coursework is intense in the best way—it challenges you to think deeply, work creatively, and stretch your abilities. If the program were extended to six weeks, I think students could benefit even more from the richness of the material. I also found the one-on-one lessons invaluable and would love to see them offered in longer sessions to dive deeper into individual projects.

While there’s a final reflection paper, I believe a creative program note for the final project might be an even more meaningful way for students to express their artistic journey.

Overall, this program is a dream for anyone passionate about the arts, music, or cultural exploration. You’ll leave with new ideas, lifelong memories, and a deeper sense of who you are as a creator. I highly recommend it to anyone ready to grow, be challenged, and experience Paris through a truly unique academic lens.

Studying abroad with CIEE in Monteverde was truly life-changing. The hands-on learning in the beautiful cloud forest was unforgettable and made every class feel exciting and real. The food was fresh, delicious, and a perfect way to experience local culture. The staff was incredibly kind, welcoming, and always ready to help or make us feel at home. I gained valuable real-world experience in sustainability and environmental studies while making lifelong friends from all over the world. If you want an immersive, adventurous, and meaningful study abroad experience, this program is absolutely for you!