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!
The classes offered through the Ancient and Modern Japan program were incredibly fitting with the theme of the program and also incredibly fascinating. I really enjoyed learning the content of all the classes, although I particularly loved the history courses. Additionally, all of the chosen teachers were fantastic at helping ups learn their subject and facilitating debates and general classroom participation. I feel like I have made not only lasting connections with my fellow classmates, but also academic connections for letters of recommendation and the like with all of my teachers as well.
I had so much fun in Paris this past semester. I feel so lucky that I was able to go abroad and learn about a new culture. I learned so much about myself and gained new confidence in myself while going outside of my comfort zone. I met so many amazing people in my CIEE study abroad program that I can see myself remaining friends with for a very long time. I recommend going abroad to all college students, it is an amazing opportunity that I think anyone would benefit from. Plus Paris is beautiful!
I was nervous about going abroad, but it was the best choice I have made! Studying in Madrid was amazing. From the culture to the social life to the beauty, everything was awesome. CIEE did a great job of integrating the city and the culture into the classes, and I am so thankful I took the leap! From culture and cuisine to masters in Madrid museums, the classes I took used to city and experiential learning to help me make it feel like home. I could not recommend Madrid and studying abroad more :)
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I went to Rome during Holy Week and saw the pope’s Good Friday speech! And the parade! It was awesome
I had an amazing time during my study abroad program, I did classes through CIEE and through my home university in addition to doing a service learning project in block 2. The CIEE instructors for the academic classes were excellent and very well-qualified. I personally had an amazing placement for my service learning project, but I know some of my peers were not as happy because there were limited placement options and not everyone was matched well. Within the service learning project we were expected to complete 90 hours in 6 weeks which was difficult to obtain, but working with my supervisor made it possible.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
If you go to the street food market on Thursday nights there is an amazing array of street food from different countries to try, you're sure to find something you haven't tried yet.
Pros
Berlin's food culture
Being able to travel throughout Europe
Making connections within the community through volunteering
Cons
Trying to speak German without many learning opportunities outside of the CIEE class
In the freshman year program there aren't many classes you get to choose
