CIEE

Program Reviews

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Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE ROME- OPEN CAMPUS

I couldn't give a more positive review to this program. Very easy classes and great professors. CIEE Rome offer high-quality academic experiences, including a variety of courses taught by experienced faculty members. The cultural immersion opportunities are quite endless. The effectiveness of language instruction, cultural activities, and interactions with local communities in Rome. The quality of housing options provided by CIEE, as well as the availability of support services such as on-site staff, orientation programs, and assistance with logistics and cultural adjustment. Clear communication and well-organized programs are crucial for a positive study abroad experience and that's exactly what Rome did. The responsiveness to student concerns or emergencies that I presented were taken into consideration so I felt seen and valued throughout it all!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Coming to orientation and not knowing many people, but then many of those faces turned into friendly acquaintances.
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Maryn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

J-Term Monteverde

I had the best experience and made the best friends. My biggest piece of advice is to go in with no expectations, and to keep an open mind. There is going to be new food, a new culture, new people and plenty of other things you may not be used to. If you're open to what the trip has to offer, you are going to have the most unforgettable experience. The CIEE staff is amazing, and I felt so safe during my entire trip to Monteverde, Costa Rica. I only did the J-term session, and wish I had stayed for longer. I took Sustainable Development in the Tropics, and actually learned so much in only 3 weeks. Could not have better things to say!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
There were so many monkeys and coatis, which were really cool to see. I also saw a sloth and some iguanas, which was awesome. During our free weekends, my friends and I went ziplining, in hot springs, horse back riding and to Manuel Antonio for the beach. There are so many opportunities to explore and have fun.
Pros
  • Wildlife
  • New perspectives
  • Amazing friends
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Zach
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Japan Study abroad

Hi! I studied in Tokyo, Japan, and did a homestay! It was a pleasant experience to live in another country and see how others live their lives! Also, learning another language extends how many people you can interact with and how many incredible stories you can hear! I highly recommend it, and going through CIEE is a great choice! Also, the school I attended (Sophia University) was an excellent school to go too! They are adorable and international school-friendly! However, the Japanese class is a lot of work, so be ready to work, but learning another language and talking to others in their language is fulfilling!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate some incredible things in Japan! Like cow tongue and jellyfish! There were things I didn't like, salted squid...but I am glad that I had an open mindset and tried everything!
Pros
  • Learn a language
  • Meet cool people
  • Live abroad
Cons
  • Miss home
  • Sometimes stressful
  • Hard to get what you want sometimes! (language barrier)
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Lydia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Open Campus: A Must

I have really enjoyed the CIEE open campus program; it provides an opportunity for students to explore new cities and have a wide range of travel opportunities. The professors are all incredibly kind and personable, and the CIEE staff is friendly and helpful. The CIEE staff provides great recommendations for food, night activities, day trips, and other resources that students may find helpful for exploring whatever region they are in. I have been able to meet so many new people, and make a variety of friends with unique experiences.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would perhaps choose to study in Australia.
Pros
  • Friendly staff
  • Meeting new people
  • Travel opportunities
Cons
  • Housing maintenance issues
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Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome Program!

I loved my time studying abroad in Rennes. I was fortunate enough to live with a wonderful host family who were willing to answer my *many* questions and who were excited to introduce me to their culture. I enjoyed my classes at Université Rennes 2, and felt supported by CIEE staff as I navigated the registration process. I also grew to adore the ease of transport with Rennes two metro lines and numerous buses (which were almost always on time). I felt safe wandering about the city, even after dark.

I have some major food allergies (peanuts) but I had little difficulty navigating my allergies while abroad. I'd recommend researching what the common allergin labels are for food before you travel. Food allergies are less common in France (due to frequent early exposure), so you may have to carefully explain dietary issues to those around you. However, like I said, I had no issues.

I'd say the most challenging part of this program for me was the number of protests, leading to days where we missed class. Our program leaders did a great job helping ensure we got the number of hours of instruction needed to transfer our credits, and explaining what was going on around us. I always felt safe.

If you participate in this program (and I hope you will) take advantage of all the clubs and trips offered by CIREFE (The Exchange Student Branche of the University) and CIEE. Those were some of the best parts of my study abroad experience.

I also recommend this program to anyone interested in education. I was able to participate in a field experience teaching English in a French high school. There were also opportunities at the middle and elementary level. My host teacher was very helpful and I enjoyed working with my students.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I highly recommend eating lunch at the university. While each day's options are a surprise, the university meals are excellent and very cheap. For 3 euros, they provide you with a main dish, a small side salad, bread (of course) and a dessert. The food was usually good, provided me opportunities to try new things, and allowed me to save money so that I could go out to dinner with friends on weekends or travel.

I also recommend a raincoat and sweaters if you are here in the spring. The humidity makes it feel cold.

Finally, I recommend you visit le Marché de Lices on Saturdays. It's a historical farmers market that has existed for more than 400 years!
Pros
  • Supportive staff, host families and teachers
  • Convenient and affordable public transportation
Cons
  • Disruption due to protests
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Derek
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Singapore

This trip was the most exciting opportunity I’ve had in my life so far! Singapore is a hub of opportunity and travel. I got the chance to visit 5 countries in Southeast Asia for very affordable prices. CIEE staff was very helpful in making my travel dreams come true! There were always things to do and see. I really enjoyed my time with my professors and other students as well. In Singapore I have built life-long friendships from people all around the world! I am very thankful to experience this opportunity in the early stages of my career.

What was your funniest moment?
It’s hard to pick one certain funny moment out of all the ones I have experienced. I have never felt happier in my life and had a better time than here. My new friends made me laugh every day!
Pros
  • Lots of new friends
  • Career/resume growth
  • Easy travel to nearby countries
Cons
  • Exhausting
  • Occasional homesickness
  • Rooms aren’t the most spacious
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blue
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One Block in Rome

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study abroad through CIEE via the 3-block open campus semester, and I couldn't have made a better decision. I have spent my first six weeks in Rome, Italy, and then I head to London for six weeks then Madrid for a final six weeks. CIEE Rome is full of helpful staff who assist in navigating the new cultures and guide your experiences so that you have the best time possible while abroad. They create endless opportunities to connect with other students and immerse yourself in the local environment all while providing meaningful education.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I had never travelled outside of the United States before coming to study abroad. I was walked through everything very patiently and kindly by the welcoming CIEE staff and they ultimately made my most nerve-racking moment of the trip feel like it wasn't a big deal and assured that I was going to be okay.
Pros
  • Staff
  • Community
  • New friends and meaningful relationships
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Charlotte
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Review

Overall, this is a really good program. The staff are super nice and work hard to make sure you are comfortable. I felt very heard whenever we brought situations to the staff. The classes were engaging and great for Australian culture immersion. My only negative is the housing. There were more people than expected, so some people got incredible last-minute housing in a super nice luxury one bedroom studio apartment complex with free A/C and breakfast, while others were in a crappy house with no A/C crammed in with 18 other people. However when we voiced this concern the staff handled it well and gave us free transportation vouchers for it. Overall would recommend this program!

What was your funniest moment?
The best part of the program in my opinion is the South Coast Kiama day trip. We traveled by bus along the coast stopping at beautiful views and hikes. They gave us lunch and stopped at a beautiful beach. A great way to end the experience.
Pros
  • Friendly staff
  • Immersive experience
Cons
  • Crappy housing
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Ava
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE ROME --> Block 1

I absolutely loved the time I spent in Rome through CIEE's study abroad program, and I'm sad to be heading home shortly. The reason I chose CIEE was because their program was so flexible, accommodating, and worked in accordance with my home university to ensure that I would meet all graduation requirements as a senior graduating in April. Study abroad shaped and changed me in so many ways I never thought possible. Exploring the city of Rome has been a dream, and I hope to never forget all these experiences! I enjoyed the location of Rome because it was a great middle point for other travel plans.

What was your funniest moment?
Sharing moments and travel experiences with friends!
Pros
  • Location
  • Food
  • Travel Accessibility
Cons
  • Transportation
  • City Scale
  • Neighborhood Stay
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Frida
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying Abroad in Rome with CIEE

My time in rome was amazing! It is such a beautiful city and CIEE helped a lot in getting us involved in the host culture. People in rome are very friendly and it is also very walkable! In every corner possible there is something that catches your eye. Rome also has amazing food! CIEE was very helpful in helping experience all of this. They had a lot of fun events like museum visits, gnocchi making class, trying italian street food, pope audience and much more! I really would recommend this program to other students!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
For me it was getting the courage to go out alone in a completely different city. I was nervous, but I really wanted to explore and take advantage of this opportunity of being abroad in such a historic place. I did it more and more and it was the best decision ever. Rome is also a place that feels very safe. Of course it is important to always be aware and alert, but it is such a friendly environment!
Pros
  • weekly extracurricular events
  • local teachers
  • helpful staff
Cons
  • no meal plan
  • communication about scholarships/grants can improve
  • far walking from housing (if you do not enjoy walking)