When I was deciding on programs I would've loved to see a specific review like this. If you are considering studying abroad DO IT. I am currently a senior in college and just got back from my J-Term program abroad in Paris. I loved every second of it, my only complaint is that I wish the program was a week longer because of how fast paced the academics were. I did the fashion class and learned so much, my professor was great and my peers were great. Living situations were a bit hard because it was so far from the main city and we were spread across three buildings but it wasn't too hard to deal with. I met some amazing people who i am still friends with and am even going to visit! I felt very supported by the staff as well. I also felt that with my class, I really got my money's worth. We took some amazing field trips and did very hands-on assignments. This is your sign that if you are a senior (or any grade) looking to do this program DO IT! Especially if you are a senior I would specifically encourage you to fo the J-Term program, most of the students in this program were seniors and juniors which was so comforting.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go into this program alone! You'll meet so many people and going into it with a friend is fun but a bit harder to make close relationships with other people.
I studied abroad for the J Term in Berlin. For me, one month was the perfect amount of time to experience Berlin. My favorite part of being in Berlin is the fact that it is so centralized and it makes it easy to travel to other places. For example, we traveled to Prague for a weekend and it was super easy because of Berlin's awesome train system.
CIEE staff also made the month very easy and very fun. Our professor assigned us an appropriate amount of work to be able to experience Europe while also gaining information about the class.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was something I had never heard of: a Doner Kebab. Let me tell you something; it will be the greatest thing you ever eat. There are multiple Doner stands all around the neighborhood so there are so many to try.
Pros
Food
Train system
Staff
Cons
Students never cleaned the kitchen so it was basically unusable
Dreary, dark, and gloomy were the first things that came to mind when I imagined Copenhagen, Denmark in January. Although the temperatures did not get very warm, Danish Hygge and lots of baked goods made my J-term abroad a wonderful experience. The food was consistently delicious, I did not have one bad meal in Copenhagen. There are a wide variety of bar scenes, so everyone can find a spot to unwind that suits their 'vibe.' Additionally, it is an extremely safe place to visit, and one can travel independently without fear, even in the early hours of the morning. There is shopping galore, from big name-brand stores like Magasin Du Nord to grungy thrift stores like Episode -- and most offer either a student discount, or a foreign discount with a passport. There is a photo op at every corner, but especially in the iconic Nyhavn, which is also home to a plethora of fine dining. Arts and culture are also abundant in Copenhagen. Most museums offer a student discount with a student ID, and are a great place to ride out foul weather while also learning more about the culture of the country. There are also opportunities to attend theatre and opera showcases. I attended two operas during my month in Copenhagen, and was charmed by the architecture and the stage craftsmanship. It is a great spot to visit if you are an introverted individual, as the Danish culture is not very 'chatty' – nobody is going to initiate small talk with you. However, I found that if I asked a question, they were willing to answer it and give me recommendations. Overall, I enjoyed my time, but I do wish that I had more of an opportunity to meet local people who were not involved with the CIEE program.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice would be to take time every evening to plan your next day. In the afternoon after class, you should have a destination spot where you want to end up, and then make your way there, but stop along the way!
Pros
Never a bad meal, I was blown away with the quality of food here.
Monday-Thursday class schedule allows for a lot of free time
Copenhagen is very easy to navigate
Cons
Lack of communication from the CIEE staff -- the schedule was often not communicated until the day before, making planning difficult
Museums are not all that interesting in Copenhagen, often not worth the price (even with a student discount)
Even though almost everyone in Denmark can speak English, they speak Danish on a day-to-day basis, so it is hard to break into a conversation or make small talk with Danish natives
CIEE Monteverde - The Best Study Abroad Experience Ever!
Jan 23, 2024
I had an amazing experience studying abroad at CIEE Monteverde. The staff was extremely friendly, and I had a great time getting to know everyone on campus. They were also very accommodating and helpful if students needed anything, as well as provided information about fun activities to do around campus through newsletters and announcements. The campus was also extremely beautiful and there were an endless amount of things to do, such as hiking, checking out the coffee plantation, and more. I would highly recommend this campus to students who are looking to study abroad.
What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest moments was when a moth flew in to the Rec Room and on to one of my friend's face. It proceeded to sit on her forehead for 15 minutes as we played Monopoly. Everyone was laughing the whole time and it was definitely one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
Studying abroad through CIEE was an outstanding learning and cultural experience. Being able to explore and navigate a new academic setting in an international country through the help of my program was beyond valuable. The support team made readily available to me and my other peers studying abroad was extremely useful in times of uncertainty and confusion. My study abroad experience, both in the classroom and out, was one of the best experiences in my entire life and the help of CIEE truly made this possible.
What was your funniest moment?
I would say my funnest moment during my time was when I visited Morocco through MadridCityLife Tour Group! I made lots of new friends and explored a vastly beautiful country.
From when I got there to when I left, Singapore had me in awe. Beautiful and full of culture but modern in technology and architecture, Singapore is a unique place to go abroad. It's a fantastic option for someone's first study abroad experience, whether you want to visit alone or with a friend group! CIEE people care about the students, and everyone who studies abroad is in the same boat as you, so you form nice bonds with the rest! You put in the work but have plenty of time to discover all of Singapore.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Budget! Singapore is a very nice city where you can find food at a good price, but after a couple of weeks, your bank account starts to feel the hit. Most of your expenses will be unplanned; so plan for that!
I had the most memorable month in Amsterdam with CIEE! From the start, the staff was supportive, responsive, and organized. They made themselves available to help us feel comfortable. The trips taken were the class were so much fun and a great way to meet the other students. I learned a ton in my class and made so many memories outside of class! Lots of shopping, things to do, and places to eat. We went to tons of museums and tried lots of different types of food as well. Would recommend to anyone!
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried Indonesian food for the first time with our school! It was delicious and greatly expanded my horizons.
My study abroad adventure in Barcelona was transformative. Engaging in intellectually stimulating courses at CIEE and immersing myself in the city's vibrant culture made for an enriching experience. Overcoming the language barrier, I formed meaningful connections with a diverse group of students. Living in a homestay provided unique insights into local life, and exploring Spain and neighboring countries like Italy only added to the experience. Barcelona not only broadened my understanding of cultures but also equipped me with valuable personal and interpersonal skills. Grateful for unforgettable memories and lasting friendships, my time in Barcelona was truly a highlight of my academic and personal growth.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I am very nervous to fly on planes and I have never flown this far, so just overcoming my fear of being on the airplane for 10 hours was difficult. I combatted this anxiousness with watching good movies and trying to sleep through most of the flight.
Pros
Indepence
I like Spain
Most people speak English
Cons
I don't speak Spanish
Living in a huge city was an adjustment for me, I am from a small town
I greatly enjoyed the program overall. I did the 3 week J-term program, and studied Business of Fashion in Paris. The instructor discussed luxury fashion through a Parisian perspective, which I loved - I didn't come here to learn the American perspective! We visited many galleries and the learning experience was hands on.
As for the program itself, I was satisfied. My only complaint was the distance of the housing, as my commute to downtown was around 30 minutes and discouraged going out to explore to a degree. However, I am aware that this program is shorter so maybe they did this for that reason, and the semester students have closer housing. Housing was clean and safe overall.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Prioritize rest! It is ok to miss out once in a while to get a good night's sleep or get your life together. Instagram and TikTok do not ever reflect this. Obviously push yourself though, because there will be moments where you don't feel like doing something new but it was always worth it.
Pros
Greater understanding of the fashion industry and Parisian culture
New friends and connections
Central location of Paris, great for external travel
Seville's winter term study abroad program is a transformative experience. The city's rich history and vibrant culture create an ideal backdrop for learning. I'm an art student and I wanted to expand my knowledge on other cultures, so this was especially perfect. The class was engaging and the passionate professors made academic growth enjoyable. The mild winter weather enhances the exploration of stunning landmarks like the plaza and the Giralda Tower. The locals were super patient with my shaky Spanish and were always very sweet. The delicious tapas enrich the social and culinary aspects of the trip. Overall, Seville's winter program blends education and cultural immersion seamlessly, leaving lasting memories and broadening horizons. I feel like I've grown as a person and I got an experience that will last me a lifetime.
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We saw La Sagrada Familia and it was absolutely breathtaking. I loved learning about the creation and Gaudi's thought process.