Program Reviews

I enjoyed my experience. The program directors were very helpful, and the internship was an amazing experience. Traveling on the weekends was very accessible. I would say it is very hot in Italy, so it is good to be aware when packing. Public transportation is very easy, but you have to get the hang of it first. You can save a lot of money on public transportation by purchasing a monthly ATM card, highly recommend. I enjoyed being a part of the program to meet others from many different places. We also had group trips or events we could attend to get to know each other. When working in my internship, my supervisor was very understanding and helpful. We had several classes throughout the week with the CIEE directors. I didn't find all of them helpful, and they were sometimes long. Orientation was insightful, but it was directly after my 12-hour commute to Europe, so I was very tired and felt they couldve spaced out the process.

My summer global internship was one of the best choices I’ve made. I met so many people and gained so many incredible experiences while also gaining incredibly valuable internship experience and professional development skills. I would recommend this experience to anyone looking to expand their global perspective, meet so many new people, and step out of their comfort zone. I will be talking about this experience for a very long time and continually reaping the benefits of the connections I’ve made, skills I’ve learned, and places I’ve seen!

Great experience, would highly recommend.

Joining the CIEE Yucatán program has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported, welcomed, and inspired to grow both personally and professionally. The program staff were always ready to help, whether it was navigating cultural differences, finding resources for my internship, or simply checking in to see how I was adjusting. They genuinely care about each student, and that made a huge difference in feeling at home so far away from home. Living in Mérida was eye-opening, I loved exploring the vibrant culture regardless my introvertedness, and learning from local communities I’ll miss. The combination of meaningful work, cultural immersion, and travel made every week feel full of purpose. I came away with new skills, lifelong memories, and friendships I truly value. If you are thinking about applying, I wholeheartedly recommend this program. It will challenge you in the best ways and leave you more confident and connected to the world.

I loved studying abroad with CIEE in Milan. Milan was a fantastic homebase to travel around and explore the urban lifestyle. CIEE staff was extremely supportive throughout the experience. Group excursions were a really fun way to explore the Italian culture and make new connections with other students. There was a lot of opportunities to experience all different aspects of Italian culture, and learning to work in another culture was extremely enriching. I would definitely recommend this program!

Spending my summer in Milan as part of a global internship program was one of the most impactful and exciting experiences of my college journey so far. I interned at Stecca 3, a community-focused organization that works with different groups across Milan to promote cultural, educational, and environmental initiatives. Through my role, I got to contribute in multiple ways—interviewing people from diverse backgrounds, helping plan activities for kids, and assisting with translating content into English for their website and social media platforms. It was meaningful work that challenged me to think creatively, adapt quickly, and communicate across cultures.

This internship gave me a better understanding of what it’s like to work in a nonprofit setting and confirmed my interest in a career where I can help people and make a positive impact. I developed important skills like time management, teamwork, and public speaking—all in a different country and language, which made it even more rewarding. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I also learned how to work independently and manage projects with minimal guidance, which gave me a new level of confidence in my abilities.

Outside of the internship, living in Milan was an adventure in itself. Milan is a vibrant, fast-paced city with incredible architecture, fashion, and history around every corner. I loved exploring the Duomo, walking through Brera, grabbing coffee in quiet courtyards, and having aperitivo in Navigli at sunset. I even picked up some Italian just from being immersed in the culture. On weekends, I had the chance to travel to other parts of Italy, including Lake Como, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre. Each place had its own unique charm and gave me a deeper appreciation for Italian culture and history.

This summer was not just about professional growth—it was about personal growth too. Living abroad helped me become more independent, open-minded, and adaptable. It taught me how to balance work and life in a new environment, how to navigate public transportation in a foreign city, and how to stay present and make the most of every moment. I met amazing people from around the world, made lifelong memories, and came home feeling more inspired and motivated than ever.

I’m so grateful I took this leap and spent my summer in Milan. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that helped shape not only my resume, but also my perspective on the world and what I want for my future. I would recommend a global internship to anyone looking to gain valuable experience while immersing themselves in a new culture—you won’t regret it.

I absolutely loved my time in Dublin! The city has a great scene for entertainment, drinking, food, music, and beautiful views. There was something to do every night. Whether it was listening to live traditional or jazz music or going out to a pub quiz, there's always something going on. There's also loads of different markets around the city. It is also really accessible to get around throughout the city as well as to other counties around the coast of Ireland. There is so much to see and so much history. The Luas tram, the Irish rail, and the bus system is all very affordable, especially for students who can get discounts.

Going abroad is one thing, but going to a country that I don't know the language, nor do most people here speak it, is another thing. Going to a country that is so different than the few that I've been in was a change. It was a lot of fun though, I got to learn how other cultures go about their every day lives. I learned to be more independent and how to get around without knowing the language. I got to experience life a whole new way. One of the best experiences I have had. I never thought I would even go to Japan, my whole plan falls under my 4 year plan and getting all my requirements done, so being able to get it done in Japan was so nice.

CIEE’s Study Abroad program in Paris was truly one of the most inspiring and transformative experiences I’ve ever had. Every day was filled with creative energy, meaningful learning, and cultural discovery. The program is thoughtfully designed, and the instructors are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also deeply invested in each student’s growth.

One of the most exciting parts of the experience was our connection to world-renowned institutions like IRCAM. Being immersed in such a vibrant artistic and academic environment was incredibly motivating. I only wish we had even more opportunities to attend performances at places like the Paris Philharmonie or visit major exhibitions—there’s just so much happening in Paris, and every moment offers something new to learn and be inspired by.

The coursework is intense in the best way—it challenges you to think deeply, work creatively, and stretch your abilities. If the program were extended to six weeks, I think students could benefit even more from the richness of the material. I also found the one-on-one lessons invaluable and would love to see them offered in longer sessions to dive deeper into individual projects.

While there’s a final reflection paper, I believe a creative program note for the final project might be an even more meaningful way for students to express their artistic journey.

Overall, this program is a dream for anyone passionate about the arts, music, or cultural exploration. You’ll leave with new ideas, lifelong memories, and a deeper sense of who you are as a creator. I highly recommend it to anyone ready to grow, be challenged, and experience Paris through a truly unique academic lens.

Studying abroad with CIEE in Monteverde was truly life-changing. The hands-on learning in the beautiful cloud forest was unforgettable and made every class feel exciting and real. The food was fresh, delicious, and a perfect way to experience local culture. The staff was incredibly kind, welcoming, and always ready to help or make us feel at home. I gained valuable real-world experience in sustainability and environmental studies while making lifelong friends from all over the world. If you want an immersive, adventurous, and meaningful study abroad experience, this program is absolutely for you!