CIEE Reviews

I am so glad that I pushed myself to study abroad. I love to travel, but I was anxious about going to a foreign country alone; however, there was no reason I should have worried.

While the flight is long, I had worked with a travel agent to ensure that I would be at Ministro Pistarini International Airport with plenty of time to join the rest of the new group. The staff were very nice throughout orientation although I did not get to know anyone particularly well during my time abroad.

I took the Human Rights class which is taught in Spanish because it got me college credit, but the other class likely would have been more interesting because they went on many excursions out into the city that were a lot of fun (but I joined them for a few of these)! I thought that taking a class taught in Spanish would be extremely difficult, but the professors spoke slowly and enunciated, so I was able to understand everything. There was a 10-15 page research paper requirement that seemed a bit extensive when we all would have preferred to enjoy our last couple nights in Buenos Aires rather than sitting at home writing. Although the length of the research paper was daunting, we got to pick the topic, so it was interesting to learn more about something for which I am passionate. I studied the Zapatistas and indigenous rights in Mexico. The material covered in the class was also interesting: it dove into an abundance of history, particularly about Argentina, that was quite enthralling.

Perhaps the best part was that the other students and I shared a love to travel and the desire to get to know the city as well as we could, so there were always activities and other things to do. After class would end at 1:00, we would all go to a new restaurant, have a delicious meal, and then go explore the city. Some of the best excursions we went on around the city were to the Japanese Gardens, Chinatown, and markets for some shopping. We also went on a couple weekend trips -- each were very fun. We planned a day-trip to Montevideo, Uruguay and a weekend trip to Iguazu. There was also an excursion with all of the CIEE students to Mendoza which I also enjoyed a great deal.

Another great part of my experience was my host family. Flor and her daughter Renata (8 years old) were super friendly and welcoming. We had dinner together every night where Flor would always ask me about my day or life back home. She was also very patient while I practiced my Spanish which was much appreciated.

I loved my location in Recoleta as it was extremely close to some of my favorite restaurants and bars where all of my friends and I could meet. Transportation by Subte or taxi was also crucial to learning more about the city, but it was very inexpensive and easy to use.

I wish I could have stayed longer than a month! And I hope to visit Buenos Aires sometime again.

To imagine that I almost missed out on the study abroad experience...

It was an incredible experience to study abroad in Berlin, the heart of a mix of cultures, acceptance, and history. It was such an incredible place to explore, study, and make new friends that will last a lifetime. Not only did my language skills develop immensely, but my sense of self-identity blossomed in Berlin. I could find anything and everything that was at the heart of my passions, and was surrounded by people who only encouraged me to embrace it. Whether it was something super nerdy like Star Trek or very sporty like fussbal, fellow colleagues, staff, and the local German people supported anything that my heart could desire.

The location of the CIEE Berlin - Open Campus dorms and university and centered in the heart of Kreuzberg, not far from anywhere you would want to go in Berlin -- close to the zoo, the science museum, TWO comic book stores, antique shops, a very large variety of restaurants, and, of course, historical sites that anyone visiting Berlin must see.

Africa was a place I always wanted to go, and my time in Ghana was the best time I've ever had! I would do it all over again. I was the first student from my University to participate in the CIEE Ghana program. I did a homestay, and my host family was amazing! They were very helpful with day to day routines,and when it came to me learning Twi! That was a definite advantage of homestay, especially since I was taking Twi as a course. My brothers would help me with homework and study for exams, and Mom wouldn't walk away unless I responded back in Twi appropriately. I took a couple of other courses, and I didn't have the same experience I had in my Twi course. My Twi course was amazing. Professor Kofi was awesome!! My other professors or how class was was very disorganized to me, and it was hard expressing myself in class when it seemed as if they were closed minded about anything except their own culture, or alternative ways and ideas things could be. Nonetheless, I went to class. It was still interesting to hear their views on the things we were learning about. My classes met once a week with the exception of Twi, we met twice a week. I had time for an internship where I spent my time at Anani teaching math. There, I met some of the most beautiful and smartest children, and their curiosity was so engaging.
I met some amazing people on the program with me who I still talk to, and they are just as supportive if not more since we've been back. It is very true about Ghana being friendly. I've met some of the most friendliest people while studying there. They have stopped to give directions, food, money, and just some friendly conversation. It was awesome! I plan on going back to Ghana because the amount of love I received from everyone I've encountered there has been nothing short of phenomenal! The CIEE staff did a superb job pairing me with my host family and being so accessible. I would come into the office having had a bad class and they would talk me through it and help me to see the silver lining in it all. They were nice and knowledgeable about all the ins and outs.
The weekend excursions were also fun whether it was with CIEE or on my own. Mountains, waterfalls, festivals, trips to Kumasi and so much more created an everlasting beauty of love.
My favorite food to eat was fufu with peanut soup! (If only I can make it here) Red Red is another favorite that I have made since I've been back in the states! It's really simple! My host Mom's son has a online store with Ghanaian goods that I plan on buying from. I even WhatsApp my hostfamily about ingredients! Ghana was good to me and the few iffy moments I had doesn't compare to the love and joy I felt while there. Ghana is love!!

When people ask me about the 5 months I spent in Peru, I always tell them that it was nothing short of incredible. I can't say enough positive things about this program. One of the reasons I chose CIEE was because the program includes a 2-week intensive Spanish course before the semester starts, which allowed us students to get adjusted before taking classes in Spanish at the university. During the semester, because we took 2 required history and Spanish language classes with the CIEE program and 2-3 open-enrollment courses with other students at PUCP, there was a perfect mix of getting close with the students in your program while also branching out and making local Peruvian friends. PUCP is one of the best universities in Peru and has a beautiful campus, and it was really fun playing pick-up soccer and volleyball occasionally after class. For those who like to travel and explore, Peru is a wonderful place because it is so ecologically diverse; many students will experience desert dunes, the rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges throughout the semester. I really liked the 5 program excursions (1-3 days each) that we went on with our awesome coordinators, because we often went to remote villages that we wouldn't have travelled to on our own. It's like traveling without any worries about planning with 10 close friends. Students also often take trips on their own. I need to summarize the rest quick or I will be writing all night. Peruvian food is delicious. Spanish immersion is very rewarding. There can be challenges getting used to life in Lima but CIEE has a great support network. Going out to discotecas is super fun. Go to Peru! I will be back soon.

Take everything you think you know about Central/Eastern Europe and throw it out the window. This program goes above and beyond to not only teach you about fascinating Hungarian History, but also modern Hungarian culture. Through comprehansive classes taught by experts of their field, and past and present Hungarian politicians and leadership, you really start to understand the workings of the Hungarian spirit, and how the country has only recently started coming into it's own. Among other things, feild trips lead by the program's overseers, Hungarian Language classes (which are both more challenging and way more fun than you would think) and a "Buddy Program" which pairs you with a Hungarian university student, help to integrate you into Hungarian culture. Corvinus University is one of the most well respected universities in Budapest and its location is very central to the heart of Budapest. The dorms are located close to both the University, as well as the famed Central Market. Although the dorms are highly central, they are also located very close to several public transportation systems (the public transportation in Budapest is among the best in the world in my opinion) so you can get anywhere you need to go quickly and easily at almost any hour.

Best far the best part of this program were the professors. I always felt I could go to them with anything even if it was something like weekend suggestions. Even professors I didnt have made it a point to learn my name! All of the time I spent doing the outside the classroom activities were my favorite. My favorite was when my advanced German class went to the Turkish market for the day! We were able to work on our skills in a real world setting and I felt accomplished after this experience! Even in non langauge classes were encouraged to go out and engage witht he community which was such a good experience! Overall I loved my time avroad and I can't wait to go back

I had an awesome time in Amman and would highly recommend CIEE's Diplomacy and Policy Studies program to anyone with a strong motivation to learn Arabic, have meaningful personal and professional experiences abroad, and begin to understand a region so deeply misunderstood by many Americans.

My favorite aspect of the Diplomacy and Policy studies program was the ability to complete high-level coursework in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies while also working a part-time internship in Amman. Being able to supplement my coursework with work experience was a great way to make meaningful connections with Jordanians and lay the foundation for a professional network which may allow me to return to Jordan after I graduate from college.

I think CIEE struck a good balance between providing students with the support they need to adapt to life in Amman, which is wildly different from life in the US, while also giving us freedom to explore life on our own. The staff was highly competent and truly caring, addressing any issues I had quickly and professionally. Unlike some other programs, we were also given quite a lot of freedom to travel during the program: I was able to visit Lebanon, Israel/Palestine, and Morocco during my study abroad semester, in addition to travelling extensively within Jordan. Instead of forbidding students from travelling outside of Amman independently, as many other study abroad organizations do, CIEE gave us honest and realistic guidance in making our travel plans.

My study abroad semester has been a highlight of my undergraduate years, and I am so glad to have chosen to come to Jordan, a fascinating country that currently faces many economic, social, and political challenges, over a more common study abroad country. CIEE's Diplomacy and Policy Studies program really allowed me to thrive during my time there, and left me with a strong foundation of language skills, cultural competency, and a professional network which I can use to return to the Middle East in the near future.

I traveled to Korea because I wanted to escape where I was.
When I travel abroad, I reinvent myself. I start with a new wallet. Move onto new bags, new notebooks, new stationery, new clothes, maybe even a new personality.
People always say the journey is very important, and others claim that it may be more important than the destination. I tend to disagree to some extent. If you have a bad destination your journey will never be that valuable.
Seoul was a location I chose with a purpose. It is dear to my heart. The interesting thing is that I teeter back and forth a lot between being out going and staying to myself. However, Seoul was a destination that made me want to go out, and the staff and people at CIEE drew out parts of me that I never thought about.
It's like this. I've always wanted to go to Korea, learn Korean, and travel by myself and answer to no one. This destination meant that I was looking for answers about myself. Arriving in Korea, CIEE provided everything to make that search possible. They provided the necessary structure to make me feel comfortable, while allowing me to move about and do what it is I wanted to do.
The journey that resulted was one where it was only possible because of CIEE. It was nice to go with a program because the program gave you a reason to talk with the people that came with you. It helped you branch out if you needed the extra comfort. CIEE however also allowed you to do what it was you need to do. If you wanted to go off by yourself to make friends outside of the program, you would not have been held back. It was truly a free feeling experience.

I would recommend the program highly. The staff at CIEE Korea truly does nothing besides provide a great experience.

I lost my mother 2 months before I left for my semester abroad. I was literally on the opposite side of the world and couldn't be any further away from them. I had to learn how to deal with my own problems on a more psychological level. I confided in myself and the staff at CIEE and they became my family very quickly. It was nice to see that complete strangers could act as a family with me and still give out love.

Future students should know, biology is hard. You are treated as an independent and you should also act as one. In Australia they don't hold your hand like the US. If you want something done or need help, ask for it and expect to do it yourself. You'll learn how to problem solve and work around problems. You'll also see that when you learn how to fix your problems you can help others.

This impacted my life because I learned that I can do a lot more than I imagined. I learned that I have mastered a way of making friends from all over the world and something very small can bring us closer together.

I would absolutely recommend this program. Sevilla is the perfect sized city, not too small and not too big. The entire city is full of so much history without the hassle of traffic or crowds. CIEE is also the best program in the city. My fiancee studied abroad in another program in Sevilla and we both agreed that my program was better. CIEE offers so many cultural excursions and tours that help you take the most out of your experience. CIEE places the majority of its students in homestay which is the best way to really immerse yourself in the language.