Would recommend this program to anyone interested in the history and culture of Cape Town as you have the opportunity to study at UCT. You get the chance to socialize with UCT students as well as other young people Cape Town! Be mindful, however, if you are American/European how your privilege may influence your experience. I would also urge anyone going on this program to break out of the American/European bubble and get to know people from Cape Town/ S.A./ Southern Africa. I would also recommend taking a roadtrip to Namibia!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
finds spots in Cape Town you love and become a regular — you will meet so many amazing people that way.
I absolutely loved this program. The staff at CIEE were incredibly helpful before, during, and after the program. There were many options in choosing classes and many activities to participate in with your fellow study abroad peers. Studying at Yonsei University was also amazing in that the location was incredibly convenient and the campus was beautiful. There were so many things to do in the surrounding city of Sinchon and the staff communicated well with participants about internship, volunteer, and extracurricular activities we could participate in. All together it has been an incredible experience and I would whole heartedly recommend both this program and others hosted by CIEE.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moments came when I would speak to locals in the native language. I had studied it for 10 years prior to my participation in the program, however, using it in a natural environment is pretty intimidating. I was able to overcome this obstacle by frequently putting myself in postions of having to use the native language. By doing this I became more comfortable and more confident and I am glad I got to experience this and work outside my comfort zone.
Pros
Seoul is a big city and you never get bored
The staff on this program is amazing, responsive, and supportive
Classes are interesting and Professors are very kind
Cons
University isn’t amazing at incorporating visiting students
Shanghai is such an amazing city! I loved how international yet historical it is. Traveling in China is so easy and fun! Going to miss the ease of transportation here. The food is also so good! If you get sick of eating Chinese food, there are great American rooftop bars, Mexican restaurants, and French restaurants. Smartshanghai is a great resource for anyone staying in Shanghai, so many recommendations from spas to events to restaurants. If you're a shopper, this is also the place for you! There are tons of shopping malls and the fake market is great (make sure to bargain)!
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Most nerve-recking moment was missing a train connection back to Shanghai and it was 12:30am. I was with one other girl from my program and we didn't realize the train connection was at another station in the same city, so we missed our second train. Because buying tickets and traveling is so convenient, we were able to buy new tickets for a train that would leave 1 hour later, thank goodness! We were so confused for a good 30 mins and not sure how we were going to get back. We had class the next day, but we collected ourselves and realized we could search for other trains and thankfully they had one that night! Otherwise, we would have had to find a hotel and leave the next day.
I loved this program and everything they allowed us to do. Starting from the beginning it was a great welcome to a new country and meeting so many fun people. The classes were so detailed and learning-filled, and the extra circulars were great. We got to see tons of different places and got to go pottery painting, go on a wine tour, see holocaust museums, travel some, and more. It is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am so thankful to CIEE for making it special and something I could never forget.
What was your funniest moment?
When we had to pottery paint and I was horrible at it and got paint all on ,e
Pros
getting to try new things
meeting people in the fun classes
living in a different country with helpful people and getting class credit
CIEE Amsterdam was amazing. I had such an incredible time. Everything I needed, CIEE took care of. I have a gluten allergy and was really anxious about how this would be handled on the trip. CIEE was beyond amazing. Additionally, the class was amazing. My professor, Evelina is one of the most interesting people I've ever met. Learning from her was such a privilege. The day trips that CIEE planned and led were very fun and informative. I wish I knew about CIEE earlier, because I would have gone on more programs. Thank you for an amazing summer CIEE!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go in with an open mind! You never know who. you're going to meet.
My experience with CIEE was truly unforgettable. The program facilitated my travels and provided unwavering support across various aspects of my journey—academics, social connections, and practical advice. The on-site staff was accommodating, ensuring I settled in smoothly and addressing all my needs and concerns with prompt solutions.
Through CIEE, I formed lasting friendships with people worldwide, tried delicious cuisine, and explored some of the most fascinating destinations. As a Korean American, I gained profound insights into Korea's history and culture, learning to immerse myself respectfully and become a well-rounded global citizen.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-wracking moments were when I had to converse with the locals using my limited Korean. It was daunting to build up the confidence, especially when I received mixed reactions from people who couldn't understand me. Initially, I tried to avoid speaking or engaging in public interactions to avoid using Korean at all costs. However, as time went on, I gradually built up my confidence by persistently practicing. It eventually became easier and easier. Although it remains intimidating at times, I see myself changing and growing more confident in myself each day. I have been traveling alone and often receive compliments on my Korean.
Taiwan is amazing. The food, indigenous and pop-culture and the people are so welcoming. Learning Mandarin is very immersive and can be scary at times, but many people will be patient with you and try to help you understand. Google translate and Google maps is your best friend. It’s very affordable lifestyle with food and public transportation being so accessible. The scenery is so beautiful and so many cool wildlife endemic to Taiwan. Uber eats is also very cheap and convenient if you ever get tired of walking which you will do a lot in Taiwan.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
In a non-English speaking country it can be scary trying to communicate. You want to order food but can’t say what you want. Especially if you look Asian locals assume you are somehow fluent in Mandarin. Be patient with yourself, ask them to help you understand, ask local Taiwan friends to teach you phrases and study those so you can try them out next time. It can be very intimidating speaking broken Chinese, but the more you practice and put yourself out there I promise you get better and that confidence booster is worth it. Be fearless!
Pros
Accessible and affordable transportation
Great affordable food choices
Never get bored as Taiwan is so diverse. From rural nature to city life
Cons
Air is not so clean and sky can be hazy
Lots of mosquitos. Abuse repellent and after bite
Non Taiwanese food is kinda expensive and hard to find. Even if find most likely has a Taiwanese twist
CIEE Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain has been an incredible experience in nearly all aspects. The program offers a wide array of courses to take, allowing students interested in a variety of topics to enjoy the time they spend in the classroom and learn a lot about the topics that interest them in the context of the culture around them. All of the staff at the program is willing and eager to support you through any challenges that may arise, and will do all they can to ensure that you enjoy your experience—all professors and administrative staff alike. Barcelona itself is an incredible place to study abroad, with its astonishing history, beautiful and diverse architecture, and multitude of fun activities and food at your disposal. Even better, it is both easy and relatively cheap to travel from, allowing you to experience all that Europe and beyond has to offer. Great program, great city.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
As for most people, I was quite nervous going into my semester abroad, given that I was entering an entirely new place in a new continent with new people, etc. However, I was greeted with many welcoming staff members and many other people looking to make friends, so the transition went very smoothly. The staff make an effort to get you accustomed to the culture quickly and smoothly.
Pros
Beautiful city and architecture
Affordable travel, activities, and food
Variety of classes to take with experienced professors
Cons
With a touristy city, you run the risk of pickpockets and other possible safety issues
I am currently finishing up my semester abroad in Amsterdam. I seriously cannot recommend a better location. This is based not only on the CIEE program, but the experience overall. I have met some of the best friends and I have started to experience real independence as a 21 year old. Abroad is able to push you in many ways, especially with the ability to travel freely and live in such a beautiful young city. Amsterdam is another home to me and I cannot wait to come back and visit again in the future.
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I traveled to Interlaken, Switzerland and I had the opportunity to paraglide throughout the mountains. I absolutely loved traveling to such an incredible country, but paragliding will go down as one of my favorite memories of abroad.
Studying abroad in Amsterdam is ideal for those who enjoy independence and an active lifestyle. The city is organized extremely efficiently and the biking lifestyle was perfect for me. My living accommodations were very comfortable and conveniently located which made it very easy to get anywhere in the city in less than 30 minutes. Amsterdam is a beautiful place and filled with motivated and creative people who march to the beat of their own drum. The academics kept me busy and motivated while also leaving time to explore the city and the country. I highly recommended this experience and I can say with near certainty that I will be returning to Amsterdam as soon as possible.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Hopping on the bike for the first time in Amsterdam can be very stressful. I was nervous that I'd be too confused to follow directions and that other bikers would get frustrated with me. I overcame this fear by first taking easier routes to get around and then slowly as my skills developed I tried more complicated routes in busier areas. I am so happy I was able to do this because it allowed me to see the city and the country in a totally different way. Not only is it the most efficient way to get around but it is also incredibly fun and keeps you active everyday. Now I feel very comfortable on my bike and I have even gone on long rides to other cities in the Netherlands which is such a lovely way to explore. If you come to Amsterdam, do not let the bikes scare you, the Dutchies do it for a reason!
