Program Reviews

My study abroad experience with CIEE in Paris was really unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, the CIEE staff were incredibly supportive, making the adjustment to a new city and culture so much smoother. They went above and beyond to ensure that every student felt comfortable and well-equipped to navigate Paris. Whether it was guidance on how to get around or insights into local customs, their support made a huge difference.

The classes were very engaging annd interactive. We got to explore different parts of Paris as part of the coursework. It wasn't just theoretical learning – we were out in the city, discovering new places and seeing what we were studying firsthand. This made everything we learned more impactful and memorable.

Another aspect I loved was the split-block format, which gives you the chance to study in three different locations within one semester. This adds such a dynamic element to the experience, allowing you to explore and immerse yourself in multiple cultures. On top of that, the other students in the program are incredibly welcoming and outgoing, which makes building friendships easy and fun.

When my parents paid all this money to send me to France for a summer, they were promised a French family that would integrate their student into French culture. They were also told about the academics and the excursions. Academics and the excursions were just fine. The homestay was not as advertised and not corrected.

Instead of getting a French family that was schooled in France and spoke French very well, we got an immigrant African family who’s French was very Accented, never bothered to do anything with the students living with them, not even sitting down at the dinner table and talking to them. However, the west African cuisine that was constantly served was tasty. What made matters worse, Is that the management in the United States said nothing was wrong with this arrangement. It was a dorm type arrangement not a family one. The redeeming feature here was that the apartment was centrally located.

As a further sign of neglect by the head of the program in Paris, one free concert was scheduled for the group in spite of they’re being close to 1000 options. The headquarters had no comment on this oversight. We suggested the program in Paris get new leadership.

Participating in the CIEE summer study abroad program in Shanghai was a transformative experience that significantly boosted my language skills and allowed me to form deep connections with the local community. Immersing myself in daily life and engaging with locals was invaluable, as it pushed me to practice Mandarin in real-world situations and provided a cultural context that classroom learning alone couldn't offer. From exchanging stories with shopkeepers to sharing meals with my host family, these interactions not only enhanced my language proficiency but also led to the establishment of a newfound community in a foreign country—a community that I now cherish.

In Shanghai, the city itself never ceased to amaze me. There was always something new to discover—whether it was hidden restaurants, vibrant street markets, expansive book stores, or quiet tea houses tucked away in the bustling metropolis. The recommendations from my teachers and host family were invaluable, leading me to experiences I might have otherwise missed. Whether I was navigating the city’s active downtown or exploring smaller neighborhoods, Shanghai offered endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, making my time there truly unforgettable.

I also took trips to Beijing and Nanjing, where I had the opportunity to witness China's rich history firsthand. Seeing the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the ancient capital of Nanjing was awe-inspiring, offering a tangible connection to the historical and cultural narratives I'd studied.

Overall, this trip has inspired strong confidence, not only in my Mandarin abilities but also in my ability to make connections and adapt to a new culture. This program has given me experiences and community that I will continue to cherish long after I return to the United States.

CIEE is a wonderful organization as a study abroad resource. While attending the Milan study abroad program, the staff was resourceful in messaging and information. They hold an introductory meeting and cover all your questions the first day abroad. They were there for me whenever I had additional questions or sought recommendations. Their internship program was the one I completed, and they did a good job of reviewing my interests and aspirations and pairing me with an appropriate employer. The outings they hosted were fun and were mostly engaging. As it was the first semester they’ve held in Milan, they did a pretty great job, and still have much room to improve.

Studying abroad for six weeks was one of the best experiences of my life! Being away from family and friends along with the comfort of a familiar area can be very scary but you also learn a lot about yourself. I loved the classes I took and the professors were engaging and kind. I loved exploring the new city and making new friendships that i know will last outside of this program. I would have like more support from the staff and better communication. While that aspect was not ideal, I feel like I made the best of the six weeks and made memories that will last a lifetime.

My internship at the Bellbird Biological Corridor in Costa Rica has been an incredible journey of personal and professional growth. Immersed in the heart of Monteverde, a region renowned for its stunning cloud forests and rich biodiversity.This hands-on experience in sustainable practices, coupled with the opportunity to observe and participate in the local conservation efforts, has been amazing. This internship has not only enhanced my understanding of ecological preservation but also strengthened my skills in collaboration and cross-cultural communication.

This experience has been the best 6 weeks of my life. I’ve learned more about myself and the world. I enjoyed the classes I took since they are not what I normally take. I also enjoyed all the girls being in the apartment, it allowed for us to be closer to each other. I enjoyed how a lot of the learning was done in the classroom instead of outside work. I also enjoyed all the in class field trips where we saw in class material in real life while also exploring the city with someone who knows it well

I studied abroad and worked at The Podcast Studios in Dublin from June 16th to August 11th. I had a wonderful, well-rounded experience. CIEE is very flexible with student travelling abroad to different countries, I had an amazing and beautiful weekend trip with some girls I met from the program to Edinburgh, Scotland. I also went on CIEE's various trips to different cities in Ireland, like Kilkenny. They took us on a brewery tour, gave us some time to explore on our own, and organized all of the travel plans/expenses. My favorite trips/activities were those hosted by CIEE because they were paid for, almost everyone in my program went to them, and they were always a good time. In the last week of our trip, they organized a karaoke night, a picnic/beach day, and a farewell dinner to end off the week.

I am so blessed to have been able to come to Barcelona to study Spanish and learn more about the unique culture of Barcelona and Catalonia. I took classes taught in Spanish, one about Art History and the other about the History of Barcelona, although I had many friends taking business, marketing, and other cultural classes in English as well. It goes to show that you can find classes about lots of different things at CIEE Barcelona! Through this program I was able to do lots of activities in and around Barcelona, as well as day trips around Catalonia. I was also able to travel to Rome, Madrid, and Glasgow during my 8 weeks here. Overall, I was able to engage with the local culture, increase my Spanish skills, and learn a lot about myself and the world. If you are on the fence- go for it!

While the programs needs to improve their pre-departure communication. once arrived I had a blast. the staff is extremely supportive and kind. shout out to teddy for taking me to the orthopedist at 6pm last minute when I was getting bad pain in my arm. theres is some great opportunities to experience working and living in a foreign environment. make sure to be very clear in your internship placement meeting what your looking for if you want something that fits your goals and dont be afraid to ask questions.