Program Reviews

My experience in Barcelona, Spain has been an amazing opportunity to immerse myself fully in a new culture, people, and language. My day-to-day consists of attending my course at CIEE, participating in class, completing assignments, and exploring the city of Barcelona. Barcelona's scenery is quite unique one day we explore the beaches, various museums, local Spanish restaurants, and nearby cities. I think everyone should have the ability to study abroad, as from my experience I can say it has helped me become more independent and culturally aware. As well as gaining a world perspective, building friendships, and new knowledge in this study abroad program as a first-generation college student.

This study abroad experience was one of my best college decisions. CIEE was the first program I found that catered to all my desires. Within my summer Business and Communications Program, I took classes in my field of study and counted towards credit back at my home university. Additionally, the program allowed me to take weekend trips to other surrounding countries, truly making the most of my study abroad experience. Not to mention, the opportunity of both need and merit-based aid in a program that was already affordable was appealing. The program also was not exclusively connected with any one college or university, meaning that students were coming from a variety of different places, backgrounds, and schools. I knew this would make building friendships much easier because we were all in the same boat of being in a new country virtually alone.

My experience was incredibly rewarding and culturally rich. If I hadn’t decided to do the program, I think I would have missed out on not only a great time but a wonderful career opportunity as well, as I have made so many interesting contacts along the way in my internship and academic settings. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to have a study abroad experience that is orientated toward future career interests, and also, who is curious about learning to work in a foreign job market.

My experience with the CIEE program is still ongoing, but so far it's pretty great! I'm a little more than halfway through the trip and I have already seen so many new things and been around to lots of places. On my very first full day in Tokyo, I made friends in the program and the four of us decided to go to a capybara cafe, which was easy to navigate to using the subway system and the overall walkability of Tokyo. The locals are super nice and helpful, especially around the school buildings and hotel. I can't wait to keep exploring and I would highly recommend this experience!

This program was the best decision I have ever made! I met some of the best people, in one of the most beautiful places in Europe. The CIEE staff was supportive and gave you all the resources you may need, without being overbearing. They let you know the risks while also giving you freedom to explore the city. Academics were amazing as well. My professor was truly so knowledgable and made the experience so interesting, I came home feeling like I had really learned something. The actual school was super cute and cozy, it felt like a second home. As for the city itself, there are so many great things about Barcelona. Even in a short month I felt like my Spanish increased greatly, the people were generally kind, and I was never bored. Housing was relatively comfortable and in a fantastic location. I would do this program all over again... I'm highly considering it!

I took the course offered at IRCAM through CIEE and it was nothing short of incredible. What stood out to me was how accessible a world-renowned institution was for international students, and how simple it was to apply for such a transformative artistic experience. As creators, artists, and musicians, we are always searching for the next thing to excite our ambitions and inspire us to push the bounds of creation. If you are a musician looking to expand your horizons (especially in the electronic music realm) this program will impact you infinitely. The course instructor is patient, eager to help, and empathic. I was afraid to take this course as it seemed out of my bounds of possibility/too advanced, but he made me feel comfortable in the learning process and hopeful. The weekend trips were absolutely transformative, I don't think I will ever stop talking about the grandiosity of the Cyclops and the beauty of Château de Fontainebleau.

I am so glad I took the next step and studied abroad in Prague. I have met so many wonderful friends, and it has been so amazing to learn about Czech culture. Also, the Psychoanalysis and Art class was very interesting and a fun class. I would recommend studying abroad to everyone that wants to experience another culture, make lifelong friends, and have new experiences. CIEE was very accommodating, explained everything very well, and were very kind during our stay in Prague. I recommend using their company for your study abroad experience.

Very fun experience! The classes were both educational and helpful for understanding Portugal a little more. CIEE excursions were always fun because you got to hang out with the other people on the program more. Public transportation is very simple, so you can get to surrounding cities eaily, such as Sintra and Cascais. You can also take the ferry across the river and visit more sites down there. Lisbon is a great city because it blends both history and modernity. There is great food around every corner and always an adventure to be found

After other study abroad plans fell through, I turned to CIEE, and I’m glad I did! Though it felt unknown beforehand since I didn’t know anyone in the program and didn’t receive a lot of information about logistics before departure, upon arrival, the program really helped me adjust to life here! I stayed with a host family, and took an art history class in Spanish. My main goal was to improve my Spanish for my Spanish minor at school, and improve it did! At the beginning, I struggled to converse with my family, but now we talk every day, and I feel comfortable enough with my Spanish that I can even make jokes :). Though my program was only four weeks, CIEE and exploring with my new friends in the program helped me learn about and experience life in Sevilla, I am so thankful to have had this experience!

As a person who is both incredibly passionate about public health and loves to travel, this program was the perfect mixture of learning and exploration. Delving into the intricacies of the UK's public healthcare system while doing on-site exploration was a one-in-a-lifetime experience. Moreover, the opportunity to gain a global perspective in the field of public health was invaluable. To do so in such a vibrant and lively city like London, has been wonderful. Really, nothing beats learning about public health and then hopping on the underground to go to Borough Markey!