CIEE

Program Reviews

Carlyton
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Paris 2023

This was a unique experience that allowed students to learn in and outside the classroom. With great staff and a beautiful city this program was perfect. I stayed here for 18 weeks and was able to travel around much of Europe with ease and comfort because of the many CIEE locations who help students from other campuses as well. The classes were fun and informative and deepened my understanding of French and European history and culture. The many trips and activity planned by the staff are a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would take the time to experience more of the city sooner
Pros
  • Nice staff
  • Many cultural experiences
Halle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learning Korean Language

I wanted to come to Korea solely to learn Korean. I am Korean-American and was never formally taught Korean as a child. The Korean Language Institution at Yonsei held amazing classes and improved my Korean immensely. If it wasn't for CIEE's wide network and accessibility at so many schools nationwide, I would never have found out about this opportunity. They also provided me with seamless off-campus housing and always made sure we knew they were there to help at anytime.
Seoul is such a unique city, with an infinite number of restaurants to try on every block AND so many beautiful hikes within an hour away to get away from the bustling city.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was when a server at a restaurant gave my friend a fork because she was struggling with her chopsticks. My friend didn't ask for a fork, but the server saw her struggling and genuinely wanted to help her out. My friend was a little offended that the server thought she needed that much help, but upon reflection appreciated his generosity. It was so funny for the rest of us at the table!!
Pros
  • Cafe and eating-out culture
  • Low living cost
  • City and mountain life, so many hikes!
Cons
  • Late ARC registration delayed travelling to other countries
Aria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying abroad in Berlin

I loved studying abroad in Berlin. While I would not say it's a place I would visit for a vacation, it is a place I would love to live in. The city has an incredibly welcoming and open-minded atmosphere. It is an area where I felt incredibly safe and comfortable incorporating myself into the culture. The program did a great job of offering excursions and day/overnight trips to other areas. This opportunity and experience has been unforgettable and something I would recommend to someone looking to study abroad without a second thought.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be a "yes man"! I made sure to take advantage of the opportunities that arose and was able to meet so many cool people, eat new foods and experience new cultures. It was a joy to be able to look at things with an open mind and excitement.
Pros
  • Travel
  • Meeting new people
  • Experiencing a different culture without much culture shock (compared to the US)
Cons
  • The strict school attendance policy
Zachary
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the best times of my life

I'm confident that I'll always remember my time abroad as one of the best parts of my life; I used to think people who talked about these kinds of things changing their lives were a little cringe, but now I feel like I understand. The program and the city were amazing, the food was great and I made a lot of great friends, both participants and locals. I'm really glad I did this, even though I'm not sure how much it'll add to my resume; I definitely think it was worth it to come. I would recommend it for sure

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried beef tongue!
Pros
  • Great food
  • Great people
  • Good academics
Cons
  • Japanese people are pretty shy so making friends is a little harder than normal
  • It was pretty hot and humid in August and September
  • Having to say goodbye to all the people I've met
Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time at CIEE Berlin

My experience with CIEE Berlin is something that I'll remember for the rest of my life. This city is amazing and Id easily call it my second home. Because of how diverse Berlin is I not only got to experience German culture but several others too. These cultural experiences have lead to personal growth that I'm already seeing the effects of. It's also a city that you will never get bored in. Just by walking down the street there is always a new restaurant, store, or activity to explore. This program is everything I hoped study abroad to be and more and would highly recommend anyone thinking of studying abroad to absolutely go for it and 100% look at Berlin!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Being abroad gave me the amazing opportunity of not just getting to explore my host country of Germany but also several other European countries. As grateful for this experience as I am, i'm leaving Berlin wishing I had spent more time in the city. It's such a vast place I feel like I've only brushed the surface.
Pros
  • affordable city
  • kind staff
  • strong campus community
Cons
  • 10 pm noise ordinance
Bianca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great way to culturally immerse

My experience in Monteverde with CIEE was amazing. I had no idea what to expect going into the program and it definitely succeeded my expectations. I got to learn a new language, be apart of such a unique culture and community, and make long lasting friends. After staying here for almost three months, I was so comfortable here that I didn’t want to go back to the states, to reality. This really was such a surreal experience for me and I will definitely never forget. I am definitely coming out of this experience as a new person.

What was your funniest moment?
This trip has so many funny moments that I shared with all the other students. Every day we had something to laugh about or experience something that would never happen anywhere else beside in Monteverde
Pros
  • Nature
  • Adventure
  • Culture
Cons
  • Bugs
  • Snakes
  • Rain
Yamile
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

London gal!

It was super fun traveling aboard and finding your people. Long-time friends that will make the difference while being aboard. You get to meet a mix of incredible people all of whom have different storylines from you and want to share them. The positive environment helps you find a grounding despite being far away from home. Exploring the city is a lot of fun the markets are so fun and literally you lose yourself in a day just walking around. It is as easy as taking the underground and going anywhere your heart desires.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Feeling homesick around holidays or missing family members' birthdays was definitely nerve-racking because of course you want to be there but can't. Just being away from all things that are familiar to you is a scary process, but truly sitting with those thoughts is helping and remembering why you went abroad. Also once you have found those friends you trust it is easier to share your feelings and know you are not alone.
Pros
  • Meeting new friends
  • Making memorable memories
  • Exploring a new area
Cons
  • Homesick
  • Missing moms food
  • Missing friends back home
Brooke
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Seville: A Life-Changing Experience

I absolutely loved my time abroad in Sevilla, Spain with the CIEE program. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was greeted enthusiastically and felt instantly welcome in what would be my home city for the next four months. As my journey comes to an end, I can only speak highly of my experience. Through living with a host family and participating in CIEE events and trips, I feel as though I truly made the most of my semester abroad. I am leaving Seville a more confident, more knowledgeable, and overall better version of myself! I will never forget the laughter shared with my host siblings at the dinner table, the lessons learned from living in a different country, the joy that volunteering with Spanish children brought, and the memories that I made while traveling. I feel so lucky to have had this experience and cannot recommend it enough!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was my first time at the nail salon. In the United States, my nail salon always plays a movie that I can watch as I get my nails done, but the environment at the nail salon in Sevilla was much different. I knew that there wouldn’t be a movie to distract myself and that I would be seated for an hour and a half with the nail tech, expected to have a conversation in Spanish (a language which I had know knowledge of prior to coming abroad). After being extremely nervous and practicing what I might say, I ended up having a great time! My nail tech was super friendly and she spoke slowly so that I could understand her. She helped me to practice my Spanish and never judged me for trying my best.
Pros
  • CIEE-planned trips
  • Homestay
  • Welcome program
Maja
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad in Berlin

Studying abroad in Berlin has been an incredible journey that has profoundly impacted my life. The experience has opened my eyes to various cultures, not just within Berlin but also in the surrounding areas. This immersion has been a source of immense joy and has enriched my understanding of the world in ways I can't fully express.

One of the most significant aspects of this journey has been the development of my independence and self-awareness. Being in a new environment has encouraged me to discover more about who I am as a person and how I can incorporate this growth into my future endeavors. The challenges and opportunities here have truly shaped me.

I am deeply grateful for the support and guidance provided by the staff in Berlin. Their assistance has not only made my academic pursuits smoother but has also fostered a sense of community that has been invaluable as a student abroad. Their presence has made every day here more meaningful.

Without a doubt, choosing to come to Berlin has been one of the best decisions of my life. This experience will forever alter the way I perceive the world, leaving an indelible mark on my perspective and future aspirations.

Thank You CIEE BERLIN!

Alexa
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Architecture Program Review

My program was a great experience and I learned so many new things, I felt that it was academically challenging and intellectually stimulating and overall a great experience. CIEE demonstrated a genuine commitment to addressing students' needs, creating an environment that stood out in my academic journey. The meticulous planning, coupled with the responsive support system, elevated my study abroad experience to unparalleled heights. I am so grateful that I chose CIEE for my study-abroad experience!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have loved to travel more but planning ahead!
Pros
  • Travel accessibility
  • Affordability
  • Nightlife
Cons
  • Safety
  • Teacher
  • Commute