CIEE Reviews

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.

I stayed in a homestay for my time in Sydney and I absolutely loved the family I lived with! The city itself has lots of different restaurants, parks, beaches, and site seeing to explore! Sydney is a very central location on the east coast of Australia which makes it accessible to travel up and down the coast and to different islands as well. If you like the outdoors, this is the place for you! The locals in Sydney are very kind and welcoming. No matter where you are staying, there are lots of options for public transportation.

Going to Sydney for 6 weeks was the best decision I ever made. I had such a blast here and was able to enjoy the summer in January and February, and I'm now leaving to study in Rome, Italy for 12 more weeks! While in Sydney, I was able to be very independent and planned trips with my friends every single weekend. I went to surf camp, to the Blue Mountains (with CIEE), to Cairns (the Great Barrier Reef), and to Byron Bay! There were tons of options on things to do and it was so sunny and beautiful the whole time. I am so glad I got the chance to explore such an amazing place. This program is incredible and I had the absolute best time.

I could not recommend this study abroad experience more!! I was nervous to be so far from home, but the culture of Sydney and CIEE was beyond welcoming. I had such a fun time exploring the city during the day, and there was lots to do at night! Although Australia is mainly English-speaking, I felt immersed in an entirely different culture! From seeing the native wildlife, experiencing the Great Barrier Reef, and hiking the mountains of Tasmania, I got to experience so many new things. You can't beat Sydney for a study abroad location - it really has it all from beach to hiking, fun nightlife and a rich cafe scene!

I think this experience was very unique and surprised me. I did not know what to expect from Santiago as a city but was pleasantly surprised. I thought that the program staff were amazing, they met every need of all the students and truly focused on our wellbeing. The program-led activities were so engaging, informative and adventure based. I felt that they provided a comprehensive view of Chile. The accommodations were less than expected. There was a great need for upkeep and maintaining the cleanliness. When I discussed this with the program coordinators, they were very receptive and actively worked to improve the situation. The safety was not the best, but again I felt that the program did their best to keep us safe. This was shown with the 24 hour emergency phone number and extensive orientation.

I loved being in Santiago!! The support system that CIEE provided was amazing, and I felt like if anything happened to me abroad I would know where to go. The home stay experience was epic, and I got to know my family super well while improving my Spanish. I wanted to have both a broad cultural experience and one filled with travel and the outdoors, which Santiago was perfect for. CIEE was really helpful in planning trips and taking us on excursions that felt beneficial in gaining cultural knowledge and having an exciting adventure.

Studying abroad in Sydney with CIEE is an incredible blend of academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure. The city’s breathtaking landscapes, from Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains, provide endless opportunities for exploration, while iconic sites like Sydney Harbour and Cockatoo Island offer both beauty and history. Academically, CIEE’s courses make learning engaging and hands-on—whether diving into the science and history of brewing or examining urban sustainability through real-world case studies. Beyond the classroom, co-curricular activities like a brewery tour introduce students to Sydney’s thriving craft beer scene, while trips to Cockatoo Island uncover the city’s layered past. With stunning scenery, dynamic courses, and immersive experiences, CIEE’s Sydney program is the perfect choice for students seeking both education and adventure.

Scotland was an incredible once in a lifetime experience. We got fully immersed in the culture there through classes and extracurricular events, and we had enough time to explore for ourselves as well! Our professor was very intelligent and engaging the entirety of the teaching and we got to experience Gaelic singing, fiddle playing, discussions on the musical landscape and history, and more!
Staying mainly in Glasgow, a UNESCO city of music, music was everywhere. The Scottish traditional music made you want to dance, the people in Glasgow were kind, and the culture is sure to enthrall anyone!

I had an amazing experience with CIEE the past few weeks, I highly recommend it. The program was very organized, I knew exactly what I was getting myself into before I left. Communication was great both before departure and once we were in Dublin. The excursions that were planned were both fun and educational and helped further the learning we were doing in class, like all the museums and the day trip to Belfast where we learned more about the Troubles. It was also great that we had our weekends free to do whatever travelling or sightseeing we wanted to do.

My three-week trip to Sydney through CIEE was an unforgettable, life-changing experience that I cannot recommend enough. The housing at Mascot Iglu was fantastic—each student had a private room in a safe, modern building with excellent amenities, including a gym. Its central location made exploring Sydney easy, thanks to the city's efficient transportation system. The program even provided an Opal card preloaded with funds to help you get started navigating the city like a local.

The co-curricular trips were a highlight of the program, as everything was planned for us, eliminating the stress of organizing our own activities. From hiking the breathtaking Blue Mountains to getting up close with Australia’s unique wildlife at zoos and parks, every outing was a blast. Snorkeling at Manly Beach was another unforgettable experience, offering incredible views of marine life and the beautiful coastline.

Academically, the program exceeded my expectations. The photography class I took was both engaging and informative. The professor was highly professional and passionate, ensuring we gained valuable skills while fostering creativity. The course structure and resources were top-notch, reflecting the program’s commitment to excellence.

Overall, this was the best three weeks of my life. The combination of great accommodations, thoughtfully planned activities, and enriching academics made this experience truly life-changing. Whether you’re looking for adventure, learning opportunities, or both, CIEE’s Sydney program offers the best of the best. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable study abroad experience!