Program Reviews

I was very excited for this program prior to arriving in London. Visiting the city was a major bucket list item for me and the CIEE curriculum and program events made my experience so exciting and fun. Our professors hosted several co-curricular activities, particularly the British Museum tour, a bus tour around the city where we learned about the history of the city, a tour of the pubs in the downtown area, and many more. Overall, I am very grateful for the experience that CIEE provided me with. I highly recommend this program to others.

The CIEE Botswana program offered a lot of great opportunities while also providing ways to have fun and enjoy the area. Botswana is a beautiful country, and I enjoyed connecting with University of Botswana faculty members and students while also have a lot of opportunities to engage with the community. The CIEE Botswana staff was also great! They were very supportive and really cared about us and our experience. Overall the program really helped expand my worldview and connect with a lot of great people.

I studied abroad in 2020, and although my semester was cut short due to Covid, I was still able to have an amazing experience in Botswana. I interned at Mokolodi Nature Reserve (CIEE staff works with you to find other good placement), ate amazing food (fat cakes, seswaa, and palache became a staple in my diet), learned so much about the culture of Botswana, and saw so much of the beauty that Botswana has to offer (if you can go to the Okavango Delta…GO). What I most enjoyed was meeting all of the wonderful people, whether they were other students or Batswana. It was a life-changing experience, and helped me develop some of my own skills like leadership and confidence.

I decided to go to Ireland for block I and it was a great experience. The CIEE staff were super helpful and very responsive throughout my time there. The excursions that we went on really delve into the history of Ireland, which I loved, and some were just fun and gave all of us on the program time to hangout together. Ireland was beautiful and everyone was so nice, I wish I had more time to spend here. I traveled quite a bit with a few other students in the program and it was great. The public transport here makes it really easy to get around once you get the hang of it. FYI you have to hail the busses here, in the US you normally don’t have to, but here you do.

Being able to study abroad was the most fantastic decision I could have made. The program assisted in making this a smooth transition. The program coordinators helped me with handling doctors' visits, and they were very accommodating while I was dealing with the death of my father. This program introduced me to new friends, cultures, and beautiful experiences! This is an experience that all college students should take advantage of. It is such a great way to curate new memories, travel, and make friends!

Copenhagen was an amazing city and CIEE Copenhagen made it worthwhile. I had a fantastic time. My classes in the US are very rigorous so comparatively these classes were not as hard. I really enjoyed my time here. Copenhagen is a truly enjoyable city, offering something for everyone. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's rich history and cultural heritage, or simply soaking up its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, you're sure to find plenty to do here. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, charming canals, and lively street life.

I recently participated in a study abroad program in Kyoto, Japan and it was an incredible experience! From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in the vibrant culture and rich history of the city. The program offered some interesting classes, I really enjoyed the more intimate structure of them and appreciated how interactive they were.
The support and communication of the staff were great. They were always available to answer questions and provide good recommendations, making the transition to living and studying in a foreign country seamless. The housing arrangements were comfortable and conveniently located, allowing me to explore the city independently or with classmates. Overall, the study abroad program in Kyoto was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to broaden their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Rome is one of the most amazing experiences that I have had. The city is so beautiful and if you are able to visit other cities you will see the true beauty of Italy. I was able to visit nine cities during my six weeks because of how easy it is to get a train or bus ticket to so many other areas of Italy. Rome has many museums, historical sights, parks, stores, restaurants, you name it. The true beauty of the city lies in the small alleyways and the streets away from the touristy areas. Amazing pastas for very cheap prices, great gelato, and some of the best pastries and deserts. The city has amazing sunrises and sunsets, one of my favourites are in the Roman Forum and on the bridges. There are little pathways by the riverside that are so peaceful and have great views. While it is very important to be with people you know and not travel alone in the dark, sometimes it is great to take some time to explore the city on your own. Campo di Fiori near the Fontana di Trevi is a great little market with lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, juices, souvenirs, pastas, condiments, and limoncello! Alongside it there are some really good restaurants and a few little neighbourhoods. Definitely worth getting lost in some of these areas and simply looking around because that is where you will find some of the best things to explore. Everywhere you look is a mesmerising experience so take it all in. Do not miss out on stracciatella gelato, a classic margherita pizza, aperol spritz, and tiramisu of course!

Ciee London has their campus adjacent to Russell square garden in the neighborhood of Bloomsbury. Its the best place for a campus being only a quick walk from covent garden and soho. Its extremely clean and safe compared to other parts of the city. Every time I got off the tube and was walking to class I would think about how lucky I am to study in such a great area.

The classes are educational but don't put too much stress on students while they should be focusing on travel and experiencing life in England. Also flights from London are really easy to get and fairly inexpensive.

Madrid, Spain is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a unique and amazing study abroad experience for students. The housing, culture, and academics in Madrid are all standout elements that make it an unforgettable destination for international students.

Housing in Madrid is diverse and offers a range of options for students. The city is home to student residences, apartments, and homestays, all of which provide an affordable and convenient living experience for students. Student residences in Madrid offer a supportive community for students, with common areas for socializing and study rooms for academic pursuits. These residences also provide a range of services, such as laundry facilities, 24-hour security, and meals, making life easier for students. Apartments in Madrid offer a more independent living experience, with many options that are fully furnished and equipped with all the necessary amenities. Homestays in Madrid offer an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the local culture and learn Spanish by living with a local family.

The culture of Madrid is a major highlight of the city, with a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is evident in its architecture, art, music, and food. Madrid is a city of art lovers, and it is home to several world-renowned museums, such as the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. These museums showcase works by some of the greatest artists in history, including Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso. In addition to its museums, Madrid is also famous for its nightlife, with its many bars, clubs, and live music venues providing a lively and dynamic atmosphere. The city also offers a range of outdoor spaces, such as Retiro Park and Casa de Campo, where students can relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Academics in Madrid are top-notch, with a wide range of programs available for students in many different fields. The city is home to several universities, including the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, all of which offer high-quality education and resources for students. In addition to regular classes, Madrid also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports clubs, cultural organizations, and volunteer opportunities, which provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests and make new friends.

In conclusion, Madrid, Spain offers an amazing study abroad experience for students, with its diverse housing options, rich culture, and top-notch academics. The city is a dynamic and vibrant place, with a wealth of opportunities for students to learn, grow, and have fun. Whether you are interested in art, music, history, or just soaking up the local culture, Madrid is an unforgettable destination that will provide you with an experience of a lifetime.