I really enjoyed the history I was able to experience here especially during the jubilee and new election of the pope. Being able to experience so many different cultures and traveling allowed me to see more than I ever expected and rome was a great hub for this. The public transportation has so many options and is generally very good. There are so many places to visit within Italy itself so being able to do some day trips through CIEE was a really great way to see places I never would have on my own.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Going places where I had never been before like restaurants and stores where I wasn’t sure if I was able to communicate with the clerk or certain ways to buy groceries. But mistakes are going to happen so just getting out and experiencing as much as I could.
Very supportive staff in the center, a wide range of course choices, especially like the excursions and tons of activities offered for free. Registration with courses directly from the Universidad is more difficult due to the inconsistency of communication, and other courses work well. CIEE courses are of pretty good quality. Met and made friends with other students from the U.S., Erasmus students, and local Spanish students. Great opportunities that time availability to enjoy the city and travel around the country or Europe.
My experience here in Alicante was unique because I got to experience what the big cities in Spain like Madrid and Barcelona have to offer because Alicante has a city as well but I also got to experience living in a costal town. I loved the size of Alicante because it was easy to navigate but still felt like I could find new places to explore every day. There are also mountains in Alicante allowing for super cool hikes with great views. It was also very easy to travel from via plane or train. I was able to participate in so many fun activities provided by CIEE such as a flamenco class, paella cooking class, beach days, and many more.
What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was attending a CIEE organized event where we went rock climbing. This event was particularly funny because it was very difficult for myself and my friend so we had a grand time laughing and attempting to rock climb.
Studying abroad in Alicante with CIEE was an incredible experience! The program was very supportive in all aspects, and they put together a ton of fun activities to get our group together, experiencing what the city has to offer. We got to experience a range of different activities, from bike rides to cooking classes, and also went on some trips to nearby cities. Alicante is a great home base because it has a good location, the beach is beautiful, and the city has a lot to offer without being too large or overwhelming. It is also a great place to practice speaking Spanish. I really recommend this program!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Try everything that you possibly can! You don't want to return home regretting that you missed out on something.
Studying abroad in Florence with CIEE was such a great experience. I lived right by the Duomo, which felt surreal when I got to walk past it everyday. One of my favorite classes was my Renaissance art class. We got to visit all the major museums and learn about the works while standing in front of them, which made everything real beyond a textbook. It was a class I always looked forward to! The program was a balance of organized and helpful without being overly structured. There were planned trips and activities, but also plenty of time to explore the city on your own. Florence started to feel like home faster than I expected. I met some great people, found my go-to cafes, and got to know my way around the city. I definitely recommend this program if you're looking for an experience that’s immersive without feeling overwhelming.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Travel with friends you know you'll be able to connect with again back home! The girls I travelled with are from my hometown, but we really got to know each other on another level traveling around Europe and studying together here in Florence!
Pros
The convenient size of the city and walkability of it.
The food!!
The staff is easy to talk to and is there for you about anything.
Cons
The city can get overstimulating and busy.
The uneven sidewalks require good shoes and attentive walking.
My experience at CIEE in Prague has been amazing! The academics were very good; I learned a lot about Czech and Central European culture and politics, which was very helpful in my day-to-day life there. Extracurricular activities were also very frequent and fun! Professors were extremely nice and knowledgeable, and classes were offered at local universities if you needed to take a specific class that wasn't offered at the program. Overall, Prague is such an incredible city, and CIEE helped to enhance my experience abroad.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of the program's activity offerings! They happen every week and are free!
I had a fantastic experience in the CIEE Prague Business + Arts study abroad program. I particularly enjoyed the staff's emphasis on immersing students in the Czech culture. This was displayed through various orientation activities and trips. Furthermore, the available course selection was full of interesting courses, and my teachers were fantastic. I particularly enjoyed my Cold War Confrontation and Czech Sports History courses. Both were engaging learning experiences and included field trips--directly seeing the concepts taught in class. Overall, I am thrilled that I chose the CIEE Prague program and highly recommend it to prospective study abroad students.
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would've emphasized staying in Prague a couple more weekends. I was incredibly fortunate to travel all across the continent, but in retrospect, Prague is such a great city; I wish I had been around more to see it.
My experience abroad has been unforgettable! Traveling with CIEE was a significant factor in my experience; the program allowed me to get to know people and take advantage of activities within Prague and on trips abroad. I really appreciated the consistency in communication from the staff, and I felt like I could reach out at any point. I was placed in an apartment for my housing, I enjoyed the experience and got so lucky with amazing roommates. There are so many ways to connect with others through school and activities!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would say to any future travelers, say yes to everything! This program gives many opportunities for fun activities and meeting new people. Time flies, sometimes it's worth missing a class or having a late night to make unforgettable memories.
Pros
Many opportunities for group activities and trips
Manageable course loads to balance your weekends and free time
Public transportation is very simple to use and helps get to know the city
Cons
Acclimating to a new city and language can be hard
Time management skills are required to efficiently plan travels and school work
Sometimes activities fill up quickly and might not be able to participate
CIEE are without a doubt the best people to go abroad with. Their course offerings, activities, and staff are always there to support you in whatever you’re looking to do overseas.
On their Barcelona Business + Culture abroad program I have:
* Gone on dozens of class excursions
* Made just as many friends
* Had the time to visit places like Paris and even Morocco
If you’re still on the fence at all just do it. As I write this I’m finishing my final week and wish I could stay forever. Thank you CIEE!
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Taking a tour inside an ancient salt mine in Cardona while being told ghost stories by our guide.
I was debating between Barcelona or another city and there's no doubt that Barcelona was the right choice for me. This program allowed me to learn in this beautiful and creative city. The classes helped me learn so much about many different subjects such as arts, cuisine, and the Spanish language. The assignments were reasonable and creative with fun and understanding professors. With my schedule, I still had time to explore the city and other countries on weekends which I'm very thankful for. I met amazing people and made friends in my classes and housing (residence hall). The housing was even better than expected and I'm thankful I chose the residencia/residence option. It allows me to be around locals and still reach anywhere I want to go by public transportation. That is something I'll miss about Barcelona, the metro is so good and the prices are reasonable. Overall, I would do this all over again, this was the right city and program!
What was your funniest moment?
My friends and I went to go get tacos at our favorite 1 euro tacos place followed by getting something sweet from McDonalds. Something funny that happened was that as we were ordering a bunch of people in costumes and paint on their faces started coming in. We were so confused but it was a hilarious moment.
Pros
Fun trips from my classes and the program itself
Residence hall is a single room and overall the building is pretty, it has everything I need.
I enjoyed my classes and their times. Made the right choices with my schedule
Cons
I live 30 minutes from the center but thankfully the metro system here is great
In the residence hall the kitchen is shared and it can get croweded while cooking
Alot of assignments from different classes were due on the same week or day which was sometimes overwhelming
