Program Reviews

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!

Studying abroad with CIEE for architecture was like hitting the jackpot for students who love design, culture, and a bit of chaos in the best way possible. From day one, I found myself learning in totally new ways. We’re talking hands-on fabrication labs, CNC machines, and more Grasshopper tutorials than I knew I needed.

But it wasn’t just about architecture. Being dropped into a culture with so many layers, from Gaudí’s wild forms to hidden neighborhood gems, pushed me to explore deeper than the tourist surface. I got to experience independence in a whole new way, figuring out city life while also forming friendships with students from all over the world.

Of course, I hit the big tourist spots. You kinda have to. But the real fun was finding the tucked-away cafés, sketching in plazas no one back home has heard of, and realizing that every street corner could teach you something about design.

It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime student experiences that felt like a turning point. I left not only with new skills but a wider lens on how architecture lives and breathes in different parts of the world. If you're even thinking about it, do it. Your future architect self will thank you.

I had an outstanding experience with CIEE Barcelona. I have traveled to many new countries, participated in various cultural activities, and broadened my horizons in many ways. I have met lifelong friends and made special bonds that I will always hold close from CIEE. I have grown and evolved as a result of this program, and I will be forever grateful for the memories I have created during this one-of-a-kind experience. If I could restart the program from day one today, I would do so in a heartbeat.

I completed the Economics + Culture track in Barcelona with CIEE and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I came into study abroad not knowing a single other person, which was very nerve wracking. However, I immediately made friends through classes and CIEE activities. One of the highlights of CIEE is how they make an effort to get you involved with the city. There are 3-5 activities weekly including things like cooking classes, dance classes, art works shops, and day trips, that are completely free. These programs have been one of my favorite ways to get to know Spain and other people studying abroad. The academics at CIEE are also very manageable and it is totally possible to take weekend trips and not have to worry about academics. The CIEE staff are also very responsive and willing to assist with anything that comes up.

I had an amazing time here in the Open Campus Block Kyoto location. There were so many activities that were fun and inspiring, such as kimono textiles printing, shrine and temple visits and Wagashi making workshops. Our courses included co-curricular activities that enriched our understanding of the courses and invited us students to become more local in Kyoto. The flexibility of the program allowed so much time to do solo trips around Japan. I really had the best study abroad trip of my life!!!

Experiencing Sydney in the summertime was awesome. I think that Sydney itself has a lot to offer in terms of things to do and public transport is great and accessible. Definitely expect to spend a lot of time on trains and buses here. I think Sydney generally is awesome for wanting to get outside and being active as a city. More people are awaking running, surfing, biking, and swimming at 6am than are out at the club at 2am.

CIEE is also great because of the flexibility it allows you with its schedule. We took classes M/T/Th, so could travel Friday-Sunday which was awesome and got to a lot of cool locations like Tasmania, New Zealand, Bali, and Cairns.

I completed Spring Blocks I and II at CIEE Sydney this year. Incredible program to take if you're looking to study abroad in Australia. Sydney to has plenty to do like exploring different surf spots around the city, trying out the nightlife, and eating the incredible food. CIEE also has classes only 3 days a week leaving plenty of time to plan weekend trips. I was able to go to Cairns, New Zealand, Bali, and Tasmania during the 3 months I was there. Staff were super friendly and helpful too! They organized weekly events such as trips to Taronga Zoo, AFL matches, and an overnight trip to Port Stephens. Overall, had an amazing time and would highly recommend!

CIEE Staff Support
The staff of the CIEE Rennes program are beyond wonderful. They are accessible, warm, caring, supportive, and detail-oriented. They were available and helpful before I came to France and during my entire stay. They went out of their way to make sure I and my other group mates not only settled in but also thrived in Rennes. They provided excellent support for the transition to life and academics abroad. They even go as far as to ask us for our interests and create lists of extracurriculars (i.e., gyms, places to hang out, etc.) that allow us to get involved in life outside of school too!

School and extracurriculars
I found the coursework at CIREFE comprehensive and challenging but not overwhelming. The professors there were incredibly kind and dynamic. My language skills improved dramatically due to the instruction I received.

CIREFE has many extracurriculars open to their students such as Breton dance, music, and theatre. This allows students to build community with other international students!

CIEE also allowed me the opportunity to participate in their TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) program. This program combines a teaching assistant position for one hour a week with a concurrent class run by a CIEE teacher. It was an invaluable experience to be able to learn in the classroom and in real-life practice at the same time!

Host family
The time I spent with my host family was the highlight of my experience abroad. They were very well matched to my personality and preferences, and they welcomed me into their house as if I was a member of their own family. Staying with them is what improved my language acquisition the most. I also learned a lot from them about French culture; participating in things such as galettes de roi, holidays, birthdays, and just afternoon teas where we got to talk and exchange details of our lives! A year after leaving the program, I maintain contact with my host family!
(Note: my level of french is B2/intermediate)

Additionally, the Breton culture of Rennes runs strong! The medieval colorful half-wood paneled buildings and the rich history of the city shine through and make Rennes a really special place in France to experience.

Outings/ Excursions
The CIEE staff took our group on a number of outings in Rennes and in nearby areas in France. These outings were incredible opportunities to get to see the country and to try new activities! My semester excursions included: Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo (where we went sea kayaking!), Paris, La Roche aux fées (historic neolithic doleman), and the Fougères castle.

If you want to travel independently, Rennes is very well connected to the train and bus systems of France. With my student status, I was able to benefit from 5 euro bus rides to cities surrounding Rennes. On this bus, I was able to visit places like Brocéliande, the legendary enchanted forest from Arthurian legend!

LGBT safety
If you’re a part of the LGBT community like me and wondering if Rennes is safe and if the CIEE team is accepting, wonder no longer! This was a real concern of mine before going abroad. When I came to Rennes, I was very happy to see that it is a diverse and eclectic city with a decent LGBT population. The CIEE staff were incredibly supportive and accepting, and had no problem using preferred pronouns!

Super grateful for all the friends I met along the way. If you are outgoing enough, I was able to meet a fluent Japanese speeker. Which made my trip exponentially better. Lots of introverts in Japan.

The CIEE team there puts in a lot of effort to make sure you have the best experience. Super helpful staff.

I stayed in the Oakwood hotel, since the dorms were full. Best housing choice you can have, Kinda a bubble since it was a 10 minute walk from the other dorms, but made friends with all the people there! Go, go, go, only young once! wont regret it.

I am a senior at Arizona State and I went to Sydney for 6 weeks. I was super on the fence about going and wasn't sure if it was a good idea. Eventually, my family and friends told me I'd regret it if I didn't enough times that I was convinced! The flight here was long but not bad at all. Upon arrival, the first week was windy and rainy. Make sure you check the weather reports! However, we had orientation and quickly made friends in the program. We learned to do things in Sydney that didn't involve the warm beach and now, I'm so grateful for those times. My first tip is this: say yes to everything and everyone in the first week. I met so many great people. We went to the first CIEE excursion together (a tour of the botanical gardens) and there I met even more people! It was pouring rain that day but afterwards we visited a nearby museum. After the first week of adjusting and meeting people and overall craziness, you quickly settle into a routine. Classes help you stay structured. Now the best part: THE WEATHER. The second it got sunny in Sydney, it was paradise on earth. Our daily schedule looked like this: wake up, workout (we liked taking pilates classes at Bondi), class, homework, beach and more beach and then dinner with friends. Weekends were so fun in Sydney. We explored all the thrift markets, farmers markets and shopping centers. As a girl who loves shopping, Sydney was amazing. Double Bay, Bondi Junction, Glebe Markets...the shopping list is endless. Australians are as friendly as they are made out to be. Also, the most important part to me, Sydney felt incredibly safe. While studying abroad, it's important to practice independence. There are certain times when you may want to do something differently than everyone else and that's where it's ok to have a solo adventure! I learned how to take public transport on my own and at first I was scared. However, as time went on, it was super easy to pick up on. Never once did I feel unsafe on my own in Sydney. Also, the food was amazing. So many great options and such a diverse variety offered in the city. I'm not going to lie and say every part of studying abroad is amazing and easy. There are bumps in the road, like anything in life, but trust me when I tell you that they are well worth it. You will grow so much while abroad and learn so much about yourself. Sydney is a great place to do so. My roommate- it was her first time out of the United States and she absolutely loved it and felt so comfortable. It may take a few days to find your footing and adjust. It will take you some time to find your people, find your routine and figure out how to get around. I would recommend coming with a bucket list and activities that you know you want to do. Overall, I would recommend this to absolutely anyone interested.