Amsterdam is an incredible choice for abroad: while there are a lot of cultural values and practices similar to American culture, it allows for critical reflection and comparison on both places. The classes are really well done and suited to the needs of American students while providing the invaluable experience of taking classes alongside Dutch students at the University of Amsterdam. The program is incredibly well run, and the staff is always there to help. Amsterdam is a gateway to many countries in Europe, although there is so much to see in the Netherlands itself. They also have incredible programming outside of the classes itself, like day trips, DEI discussions, and cultural activities, alongside the ISN program at the University of Amsterdam that fills in the gaps. It is 100% a city-based program, which many people forget, so there is a commute and there isn't a true campus like many schools in the U.S., which is a change, but further allowed me the freedom and exploratory opportunities that I wanted.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Travel as much as you can within the Netherlands. Amsterdam is becoming a more global city by the day, and to get a real taste of Dutch culture, it is important to explore. The train system is super easy to use, and from Amsterdam, the furthest it takes you to any major city is about 3 hours. I made it a point to visit every province in the Netherlands (there are 12) and each taught me a different lesson and shared different insights into what it means to be Dutch.
Loved It. Intellectually stimulating program, great people
Apr 18, 2019
It's now been about 15 years since I studied abroad. However, as Mauricio was the head of the program and he was a pretty young guy, I wouldn't be surprised if he still heads it. My study abroad in Chile with CIEE was a great time in my life - not only in terms of personal experience, but our orientation and CIEE programming really connected us with the Chilean history and culture, especially with regards to history of human rights, as well as touched upon so very strong intellectual conversations and growth. Our Chilean university (PUC) is respected among the best in Latin America. Santiago is a relatively modern place within Latin America - and has a wide variety of things going on. The nature in Chile is spectacular - I compare it to California a lot. Overall highly recommended program!
What would you improve about this program?
My first housing assignment was quite a bad situation. Although it was resolved, it was a bumpy ride.
The ALA program in Barcelona was absolutely amazing. The staff at CIEE cared so much about helping us have a meaningful and fun experience. I was able to learn so much through Spanish classes, interesting trips, and just a genuine cultural immersion. The food in Barcelona was absolutely amazing - I could eat papayas bravas for the rest of my life. Travel was extremely easy, as the Barcelona airport is very accessible and has flights to pretty much everywhere in Europe. People in Barcelona are some of the nicest I have ever met. They are so kind and actually let you practice your Spanish (whereas in a lot of other countries they will just speak to you in English). I loved my experience in Barcelona with CIEE and would recommend it to anyone who wants to grow as a student and as a person.
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would go out and practice my Spanish even more than I did. I miss speaking Spanish!
This program really stands out due to the level of support (academically and socially) that the program coordinators provide. I was very nervous when I arrived, but with all of the reassurance, academic support, and Spanish practice I got from being in the CIEE ALA Program, I quickly adapted. The classes I took through CIEE were focused on improving our Spanish speaking skills and connecting us to the rich cultural history of the city. On the other hand, the classes I took at UB pushed me to engage in Spanish in a much more academic and formal manner, which I had never done before. I grew exponentially as an academic writer in Spanish, which is an important skill moving forward with my Spanish education, but also generally in my speaking ability, which was an amazing improvement for me. All of the teachers, program coordinators, and CIEE staff were so supportive in making this the best possible experience for all the participants, and I look back on my semester abroad so fondly and so thankful.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of all the opportunities to learn and speak Spanish. This city is filled with people who are happy to help you and professors who are eager for you to learn. I found that my favorite memories are conversations I had with cab drivers or Spanish students at the Universitat de Barcelona. Speaking to them freely and openly in Spanish allowed me to connect with the culture so much more and in a authentic way.
Living in Barcelona for a semester was a truly amazing and unique experience. The CIEE ALA program really lets you immerse yourself in the culture and be independent but at the same time provides so much support and helps you make the most of your experience. Participating in the program definitely helped me gain confidence and a love of experiencing new cultures. I knew that taking classes in the local university and meeting Spanish students would be a challenge, but CIEE provided all the resources I needed to be able to be successful and have a great time. I met Spanish friends at the language exchange meetings organized by the program, which became a great way to experience what life in Barcelona is like. Whenever I had an essay for a class at the University of Barcelona, the Spanish students that work at CIEE helped me edit my grammar and writing style so that I knew I was submitting my best work possible. And the program director, Alberto del Río Malo went above and beyond to make sure that we were learning, having fun, and exploring. I'm so grateful that through the program I not only got to immerse myself in a new culture and greatly improve my Spanish but also grow close with the other students who were studying abroad. Some of my fondest memories were from CIEE's day trips on Saturdays, where me and my friends were able to travel around the state of Catalonia for free and see so many new places. My favorite was the medieval town of Girona! Our weekend class trip was also amazing, where we got to actually visit the grave of one of Antonio Machado, one of the poets we had studied in class. That's just the type of thing that you can expect from the ALA program; You'll get a in-depth look at Spanish art, cinema, literature, and culture, and then go out and experience those things in Barcelona and the surrounding towns. Overall, if you want an amazing adventure in a beautiful city, meet lots of new people, and make life-long friends, then this is the program for you.
I'm not sugar coating anything when I say that I had the best time of my life here and would recommend it to a stranger, walking down the street, not even asking me, not caring in one single bit, that they should go to Japan. I've met lifelong friends that I cherish with every part of my life, and memories that will make me weep once I go back and no longer get to be in Tokyo. I will say a few things that might make you think twice about going: 1. No car, the trains are busy, but that can also make it fun. 2. There is only one Mexican place I'd actually recommend and that's "Chiles". Please go, the cook is Cuban, and will adore you if you speak in Spanish. 3. If you look a little different, you get stared at. It sucks, but have fun with it. You're a gaijin, might as well have a lot of fun with it. 4. Thrift stores just get old-fashion looking clothes and double the price. 5. They pickle everything you can imagine but they don't have actual dill or sour PICKLES.
I had a great time with the program, the trip to Hiroshima was one of the most rewarding, though bittersweet, of course. I stayed with a host family throughout the duration of my time in Japan, and I absolutely love them as if they are my own family. It was big with three children, and it wasn't abnormal for the kids to break out in song at any point in time (those were the best though - you'll never get serenaded more than in the Ito house). I don't think anyone wouldn't be able to have a very memorable time.
What would you improve about this program?
It's kind of frustrating about the schedule and how you can't see the courses. But, that's a Sophia problem not a CIEE one. Also, pickles.
This program offers a lot of fun events that really made things fun and the orientation in the beginning really helped to make friends with the others in the program. There's amazing support from the on-site staff that I would say it's a lifesaver. I got to go to various places and experiences various things like sushi making, washi making, and attending a philharmonic orchestra performance for free because of this program. I also really appreciate the transportation reimbursements they do for their events and they also offer cultural reimbursement for things you do on your own. I've met some really amazing people through this program and the director of the program also gave me some advice when I asked about career paths,etc. It's definitely worth picking this program if you want to be in Tokyo.
What would you improve about this program?
I think some things like the housing application/match-up could be done better but to be honest, it's a great program that's well put together.
I chose this program because I wanted to improve my French. In that regard, this program was superb. High-quality classes led by understanding professors combined with the everyday practice with my host family made for a truly immersive French experience. The CIEE staff were extremely encouraging as well, and unfailingly patient with my errors. But the program offered so much else besides. Rather than listing them all, I'll name just my favorite. The home stay was simply amazing. I was welcomed into a family and made a part of their community, and as a result, my stay in French moved from the educational to the relational. I expected to learn a language; I did not expect to make what I think will be life-long friends. So if you are looking for a quality education and a welcoming community, this program is for you.
What would you improve about this program?
I do think a little help with logistics in getting to Paris at the end of the program could be helpful, especially as students are concerned with tests, papers, and good-by's
I did have a great time abroad and met a lot of fun amazing people. Although this program could of been run a lot better. Compared to other CIEE global institutes that my friends told me about this one seemed to be run very poorly. I had a very hard time getting assistance from CIEE staff members and on occasion when I would ask them questions for help they wouldn’t even respond to my messages. In addition I felt that they avoided helping students in the program when they could’ve and did the least they could do to improve the experience for students. They were overall very hard to work with and it made my study abroad experience a lot harder to enjoy. Although London was a great city to study abroad in, I would not recommend doing it through CIEE. If you do wish to study with CIEE it might be better to study at one of their other global institutions that have better supporting staff.
In 1703, Peter the Great founded Saint Petersburg on territory he had just conquered from Sweden. He wanted to orient Russia to Europe, so he built Saint Petersburg as a European-style city. With its Baroque architecture, bridges, and canals, it is easy to see why Saint Petersburg has been nicknamed the "Venice of the North." There are also examples of "Leningrad" architecture from the Soviet period, and of course, new developments. Walking through Saint Petersburg is like walking through a history book, and CIEE's tours give you a deep insight into the city's rich history. CIEE's staff is always there to help with whatever problems you may have, and they have good recommendations for things to do. The classes are interesting, and how often can you study with a Baroque-style Orthodox cathedral in the middle of your campus? If it is your first time traveling to Russia, Saint Petersburg is the place to be, and CIEE is right program for you.
