Program Reviews

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!

This program taught me so much, CIEE has amazing teachers and well formulated curriculums. Plus, the accommodations, outings, and location make it even more great. The place you say is in a very safe and relaxed place.

Learning the public transportation system is daunting at first, but if you get off the unfamiliarity and follow the instructions on your phone, you will have no problem getting your way around the city. Also, if you are used to it, I recommend finding a cheap bike or skateboard on gumtree.uk (their version of craigslist), to cut costs on transportation.

Pack your own lunches, buy food from the grocery store because it is much cheaper than eating out. Plus, groceries are one of the only things cheaper in the UK than in the US.

Have an amazing time, I am sure you will.

Walking through the streets of Seoul, looking at each memory made, and each friendship that is truly special to me, it seems that everything is coming to an end soon as the program is finishing. There are so many things I want to get done, and to experience and it doesn’t make it feel like a farewell to Korea, but just appreciation of the growth I’ve experienced during my time abroad.

Each corner of this city holds a moment, whether it was a late-night walk with friends along the Han River, a quiet moment sipping a matcha latte in a cozy café, or laughing uncontrollably over our struggles with the language. These memories are stitched into my heart, not as endings, but as parts of me now. I see the version of myself who first stepped off the plane, nervous, curious, and unsure and compare her to who I am now: someone more confident, more open, and deeply grateful.

Being immersed in a culture so different from my own taught me to be present, to listen, and to step out of my comfort zone. I didn’t just learn about Korea, I learned about myself. This isn’t the end of something, but rather a continuation of a new mindset, a broadened perspective that I’ll carry with me wherever I go.

As the program winds down, I’m not rushing to check things off a bucket list anymore. I’m taking time to savor each day, each conversation, and each sunset over the city skyline. This experience has been more than just travel or study, it’s been about connection, growth, and becoming.

And for that, I’ll never say goodbye to Korea, just thank you.

Yonsei is a great school for language learning, though some of my STEM friends said they wished they took only electives while here. I have always felt very safe in Seoul/South Korea in general, which is especially valuable when coming home from the club at night. There is so much to explore- I would recommend scheduling your classes so that you have a weekday or two off if you can. I loved the freedom of being able to take day trips so I could get the most out of my time here. Also, CIEE organizes some really great events, so definitely sign up for those as quick as possible! Overall, despite having a kind of small room a few districts away form campus, I wouldn't really say I have any major complaints.

My semester in Edinburgh is something I will never forget. CIEE and its staff gave me so many new experiences, and I met some of my best friends through doing the same program as them. Getting to stay in university housing and being immersed in the culture is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, and I could not recommend being in Scotland more. The program taught a Scottish history class and took us on excursions to make sure we truly got a proper understanding of the country we got to experience.

Overall, I had a fantastic time with CIEE abroad in Spain! Their resources are amazing and the on-site staff are just as wonderful. The only thing I didn't like that I had wish I had known sooner was the difficulty of the classes at UC3M. Other than the International School courses, the classes were very difficult. I struggled to pass classes seen as easy at my home university. However other than that, I had no other big complaints about the program and my experience. Definitely recommend to anyone considering!

I had a good overall experience in the CIEE open campus program in the Madrid location. I knew I wanted to study abroad in Madrid, Spain for a long time, and being in the CIEE program makes me glad I decided to pick it. The location of the Aduana and Annex buildings are great, making it easy to explore the city after classes. I also really liked all the staff here as they were welcoming and made the experience positive, answering all questions and doubts I ever had. I really liked my classes, especially how the program is laid out: I like how it's separated in 3 blocks with 2 breaks and 2 classes at a time.