Program Reviews

Studying abroad in Barcelona has been an incredible experience, blending academic growth with cultural immersion. I’ve enjoyed exploring the city’s rich history, iconic architecture, and vibrant local traditions while adapting to a new way of life. Interacting with classmates from diverse backgrounds and engaging with locals has broadened my perspective and enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills. The program’s challenging coursework has pushed me to think critically and apply my knowledge in practical settings. Overall, this experience has not only enriched my education but also inspired personal growth, fostering adaptability, independence, and a deeper appreciation for global cultures.

Highly recommend! This program made my study abroad semester amazing! The program pushed me outside my comfort zone. They do a great job of providing you the space to travel and make the semester your own while still ensuring you have all the resources you need to succeed. Specifically, during the first week, the program hosts onboarding events. These really help you slowly integrate into life in Madrid. It also helps you meet people before school starts, which is really helpful in making you feel supported.

I did the CIEE Advanced Liberal Arts program and I really enjoyed it. The classes were really great and we did a lot of Spanish writing which I felt fulfilled the "advanced" part of the program. I enjoyed the CIEE courses and the partnership with UB, the courses at UB were a little more challenging but again, it fulfills the "advanced" part of the program. In terms of housing, I stayed in a standard residence which was great, got my own room/bathroom with lots of space and big closet. Sharing a kitchen wasn't too bad and the distance wasn't bad with a close metro down the street. My program advisor was great and felt she provided all the necessary support!

I had a great time studying abroad in Singapore with CIEE. The housing accommodation was incredible and located near campus. Singapore itself was a great place to study abroad as such a safe, clean, modern city in the heart of Asia. The university we enrolled in did a great job during orientation where I met all of the other exchange students from around the world and made lasting connections. The coursework was rigorous and entirely lecture-based. It felt like everything came straight from a textbook and lacked creativity but the professors were incredibly distinguished. Was a great experience- highly recommend it.

Not to sound cheesy, but studying in Amsterdam truly was a life-changing experience. As an international city, it gave me the chance to befriend people from all walks of life. The city itself is breathtaking, and its rich history and deep roots make it unlike any other place I've visited.

One of my favorite aspects was the biking culture. It made my experience unique compared to friends who studied abroad in other countries. Biking around Amsterdam is incredibly liberating and transforms this medium-sized city into an accessible, digestible space.

Another highlight was the professional and personal connections I built. The network I gained through my host university, the CIEE program, and its staff played a huge role in shaping my experience. The program did a great job fostering bonds among students. While at times it felt a bit like high school, I honestly found it refreshing and endearing. I wouldn’t have chosen to study anywhere else—it was truly the perfect fit.

That said, here are a few tips I wish I had known before starting the program:

Plan your travel later in the semester. Spend the early weeks exploring Amsterdam while the weather is nice. Later, when it becomes rainy and cold, it’s a better time to travel. This also gives you more time to settle in, make friends, and focus on academics first.

Stay on top of your academics. The university does not hold your hand. In many of my business school classes, a large portion of students failed the final exams, which accounted for the majority of their grades. While resit exams are offered, many international students have to fly home before they can take advantage of that option.

Budget for public transit. It’s expensive, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Definitely go on this program if you get a chance. The school is extremely well located with great professors and administration. Aside from that Barcelona is awesome city. It has an amazing food scene with really good restaurants at an affordable cost. They also have some of the most well regarded restaurants in the world that might cost you a bit more. The nightlife scene has something for everyone from bars, American style clubs, or techno raves. Barcelona is also accessible for travel to almost anywhere on the continent by train or plane.

CIEE provided all the support needed to navigate the streets of Paris (quite literally with their intensive metro lessons). I did not think I would need this family-like environment when moving across the world. As an Italian-American, I have spent a lot of my life in Italy. The culture shock was not apparent to me in Paris as it very much reminded me of Italy minus my family and friends. The students and staff at CIEE were what made my experience the best four months of my life. They are now all people that I hope to keep in my life forever no matter where we are!

My experience in Lisbon was so amazing. I learned so much about myself and about what I want for my life through exploring Portugal. The views, character in the city and the history was so incredible to learn about. Portugal as a country really spoke to me and Lisbon as a city made me feel so at home. Lisbon was unlike any place I have seen. I am forever so thankful for how the country of Portugal made me feel, and I cannot wait to go back. The staff on my program were so incredible as well, planning day trips to must see places, and making sure that we were taken care of and doing well. I felt completely supported and safe during my time in Lisbon, and I miss it so much everyday.

The CIEE study abroad program has been an incredible experience! Whether our power went out, or my curtain broke, or I was very sick... CIEE was responsive and helpful. The classes are engaging and thoughtfully designed, with knowledgeable professors who bring a unique cultural perspective to the material. I appreciated how my professors were approachable and invested in helping us succeed academically while also encouraging us to explore and immerse ourselves in the local culture.

The housing arrangements were another highlight—comfortable, safe, and conveniently located to make the most of the study abroad experience. It felt like a home away from home, which made adjusting to a new environment much smoother.

Overall, CIEE offers a well-rounded program that balances academics, cultural immersion, and personal growth. I’d highly recommend it to anyone considering studying abroad!

Over the last three months, I have had the opportunity to live and study abroad in Seoul South Korea. I knew that I was meant to come to Korea especially after I had taken a trip here 2 years ago. But this program has allowed me to grow as a global citizen, improve my intercultural competence, make new friends, and live without regrets. It is never easy to study abroad but this was the best choice of my whole life and I will continue to live in the moment and love the memories I have made here.