My time studying in Lisbon through CIEE has been an incredible experience and has taught me so much. Lisbon itself is an amazing city and gave me everything I wanted in an abroad experience, warm, by the water, city etc. The people were all eager to welcome me and my peers and educate us about the culture in Lisbon. CIEE was a great resource throughout this experience. The classes were insightful and the professors were all so friendly and educated. CIEE staff were all super helpful and caring and made Lisbon feel like a new home! My only issues arrived prior to departure where communication with CIEE was difficult and VISA process was tough but as long as you get through that the program itself was amazing. 10/10 recommend!
From traveling to other cities around Andalusia, Sevilla stood out the most to me because it has the best balance of fun places to go to with friends, a rich history and museums and affordable restaurants. My favorite part of being in Seville was exploring the parks after class and having mini picnics there. If you go in the spring like I did the weather feels more like fall and gradually becomes really hot, near the 90s and 100F, which I loved! Depending on where you stay, the university, Universidad de Sevilla is close and very easy to navigate since there are maps around and the people are very very friendly.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would say don’t be scared to try and speak Spanish to locals they are extremely friendly and ,most of them would encourage you to speak the language with them, especially if you would like to develop your understanding of the language. I would also say budget well! And have a back up just in case things get tight financially while abroad, I recommend using rocket money app for budgeting and tracking your spending.
Pros
Weather is beautiful
The festivals are very interesting and fun to go to
I studied in Sevilla my junior spring semester, spring 2024. I loved my experience. The CIEE program was very good at getting their students emersed in the culture and history of the city of Sevilla and the country of Spain. The aspect of CIEE that I most admired and thought was helpful, was their activities for the students. They had an activity almost every week that allowed me to learn more about Spain and it provided me with a way to meet more people in from Sevilla and from the CIEE program itself. I especially loved the day trips and tours that the CIEE provided. I have friends who are in other abroad programs, and the other programs do not provide them with any cultural and educational and fun activities. Therefore I am very appreciative and honored to have been a part of the CIEE program.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers on this program is to take advantage of everything you are given: the activities, host family, classmates, professors, sights, and time here. Enjoy every moment and create new experiences for yourself.
CIEE offers lots of immersive experiences throughout the semester while also running the program in a very organized way. There are program-funded weekend/day trips along with multiple activities students can sign up for every week to learn more about the culture. There are a wide variety of classes as well that are all taught by very qualified and interesting professors. The housing was clean, modern, and spacious. Prague is also a great city to study abroad with it being so cheap, centrally located, full of history, and fun.
CIEE Prague was a great experience! Having previously spent a semester studying abroad in Barcelona, I can definitely say that Prague may attract less people off the bat than sunny Spain but I would not write off central Europe! Especially if you're going in the fall when it's much warmer. CIEE did a great job helping us adjust to our new life abroad with orientation, neighborhood tours, and plenty of activities to meet new people. The included overnight excursions came as such a surprise. I couldn't believe that they took care of everything in such a way where we could still be independent while being taken care of.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I'd never eaten central European food before coming here, not even schnitzel which is among the most common dishes. In my Czech Food and Culture class, we were taken to a restaurant where I got Svíčková which is a meat tenderloin served with whipped cream. I haven't been super motivated to seek it out again but it was tasty.
CIEE Barcelona offered a wonderful study abroad program in Barcelona. The courses offered were related to academic work at my university, but students were never too busy with school work to go out and explore Barcelona's restaurant, cultural, and nightlife scenes. CIEE offered coordinated day trips and weekly activities for no additional cost that were also very enjoyable and a great way to meet more students on the program. I would recommend this program to students who are looking for an adventurous semester in Barcelona.
The best part of the experience was the ability to travel easily to countries all around Europe. Barcelona was usually a 2 hour flight from most countries and about 4 hours from countries that are further North or East. The program itself was great as well. The campus was located in the center of the city center and getting around wherever you want was very easy. Classes and teachers made it easy to travel, explore, adventure, and complete courses successfully. Professors encourage you to travel and see Europe and even ask you how your weekend traveling was. The pre-departure tasks were a lot to deal with the semester prior to leaving but once you're here, it's all worth it. The CIEE excursions were also great and well organized. However, there are very limited spots so it may be hard to actually go on them. Housing was also great for me. My apartment was located on the classic street of Consell de Cent. The apartment was big and in a great location. I had 10 random roommates and overall it was a great experience to get to know new people.
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The culture here is very different from the United States. People tend to be slower when walking on the sidewalks and you can expect a meal at a restaurant to last around 2 hours. Servers take their time as the culture tends to be to sit and enjoy your meal over an extended period of time. Tip here is also not expected but appreciated and one big difference is that water is not free at restaurants.
Pros
You can take your time to enjoy and take in moments
Food is great
Most restaurants have outdoor seating and are a great setup for enjoying your time with friends and family
Cons
If your time is limited, you may not be able to eat at a restaurant and get out of there in a timely manner
For anyone deciding to Study Abroad, Barcelona is the perfect location and CIEE offers amazing support. CIEE is very organized in their communication with students, which has made my experience better and stress-free. The classes themselves are not too challenging which allows students to spend time exploring the city of Barcelona and to travel to other cities in Europe. The CIEE buildings are conveniently located - only a 3-minute walk from the Metro! I recommend Barcelona - CIEE to anybody interested in studying overseas.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Studying abroad in Barcelona was nothing short of a transformative adventure—a whirlwind of new experiences, vibrant culture, and personal growth. As I reflect on my time in this enchanting city, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the unforgettable memories and invaluable lessons it has bestowed upon me.
From the moment I stepped off the plane and into the bustling streets of Barcelona, I was captivated by its unique charm and energy. The city seemed to pulse with life, its streets lined with architectural wonders and vibrant murals adorning every corner. It was a feast for the senses, and I eagerly embraced every opportunity to immerse myself in its rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors.
One of the most remarkable aspects of my study abroad experience was the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether it was striking up conversations with locals in charming cafés or bonding with fellow students over tapas and sangria, I was constantly inspired by the diversity and warmth of the people I encountered. Each interaction was a lesson in cultural exchange, broadening my perspectives and deepening my understanding of the world around me.
Academically, Barcelona offered a wealth of opportunities for intellectual exploration and growth. My classes were taught by passionate professors who encouraged critical thinking and creativity, challenging me to approach learning from new angles and perspectives. Whether it was delving into the history of Catalan art or studying the intricacies of Spanish literature, I found myself truly engaged and inspired by the academic environment.
Of course, studying abroad wasn't all about hitting the books. One of the highlights of my time in Barcelona was the opportunity to explore its rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife. From the awe-inspiring architecture of Antoni Gaudí to the bustling markets of La Boqueria, every day was an adventure waiting to unfold. And when night fell, the city came alive with the pulsating rhythm of flamenco music and the laughter of revelers spilling out onto the streets. It was nothing short of a once in a lifetime experience.
But perhaps the most profound aspect of my study abroad experience was the personal growth it inspired within me. Living in a foreign country forced me out of my comfort zone, challenging me to navigate unfamiliar situations and adapt to new ways of life. It was a journey of self-discovery, teaching me resilience, independence, and the importance of embracing uncertainty with an open heart.
As I prepare to bid farewell to Barcelona and embark on the next chapter of my journey, I carry with me a treasure trove of memories and experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime. Studying abroad in this vibrant city has been a gift beyond measure, shaping not only my academic and professional aspirations but also my understanding of the world and my place within it. Barcelona will always hold a special place in my heart, a beacon of adventure, discovery, and endless possibility.
What was your funniest moment?
When my friends and I went to a bar and my buddy accidentally ordered a 0 percent beer and didn’t realize it.
CIEE's study abroad program provided a great ratio of academics, local culture immersion, and freedom. Staff members provided support and events, while also leaving lots of room for individual travel and personal time. Class times and schedules were perfectly crafted to allow for adequate rest and travel buffers, and I was even able to join a local sports team to maintain my training until I return back to my university. During my time abroad I also got to visit the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, and even do a part of the Camino de Santiago! Such a fun, well-rounded experience.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
They make snails, which was strange, but I really enjoyed "croquetas". They also had "calcots" which were long onions dipped in a sauce which were in season when I studied there.
