Program Reviews

I had an amazing experience with CIEE the past few weeks, I highly recommend it. The program was very organized, I knew exactly what I was getting myself into before I left. Communication was great both before departure and once we were in Dublin. The excursions that were planned were both fun and educational and helped further the learning we were doing in class, like all the museums and the day trip to Belfast where we learned more about the Troubles. It was also great that we had our weekends free to do whatever travelling or sightseeing we wanted to do.

My three-week trip to Sydney through CIEE was an unforgettable, life-changing experience that I cannot recommend enough. The housing at Mascot Iglu was fantastic—each student had a private room in a safe, modern building with excellent amenities, including a gym. Its central location made exploring Sydney easy, thanks to the city's efficient transportation system. The program even provided an Opal card preloaded with funds to help you get started navigating the city like a local.

The co-curricular trips were a highlight of the program, as everything was planned for us, eliminating the stress of organizing our own activities. From hiking the breathtaking Blue Mountains to getting up close with Australia’s unique wildlife at zoos and parks, every outing was a blast. Snorkeling at Manly Beach was another unforgettable experience, offering incredible views of marine life and the beautiful coastline.

Academically, the program exceeded my expectations. The photography class I took was both engaging and informative. The professor was highly professional and passionate, ensuring we gained valuable skills while fostering creativity. The course structure and resources were top-notch, reflecting the program’s commitment to excellence.

Overall, this was the best three weeks of my life. The combination of great accommodations, thoughtfully planned activities, and enriching academics made this experience truly life-changing. Whether you’re looking for adventure, learning opportunities, or both, CIEE’s Sydney program offers the best of the best. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable study abroad experience!

I was lucky enough to spend my January term in Copenhagen this year. The program I took through CIEE was very well organized and my housing (apartment) was great. Six guys from my university went and we all had a great experience. The tours we went on and the class we took The Study of Scandinavian Happiness were top notch. The CIEE Center in Copenhagen is in a great location and the staff at the center is super welcoming and helpful. I plan on going on another CIEE trip next January. From CPH I took a 3 day trip to Poland on a weekend and visited Auschwitz which was a lifechanging experience as well. This whole January term helped me to become more self sufficient, learn about different cultures, see the world in a new way, and also receive 3 credits

CIEE Buenos Aires was the adventure of a lifetime! Experiencing a new culture firsthand is something so special. It was so cool to get to know a new city. I loved trying new foods, visiting famous places in Buenos Aires, and even staying on castle grounds! Staying with a host family was really cool too. I got to my practice learning a new language and engage with locals. Everyone on the CIEE staff is so supportive and wants to make your experience amazing. I would recommend anyone looking to push themselves and study abroad to try out CIEE.

Studying abroad with CIEE Rome was one of the best experiences of my life. I had so much fun exploring the city and going on excursions to some truly incredible places. The professors and staff were so kind and helpful they made everything feel so much easier and more enjoyable.

What really stood out to me was how much I got to immerse myself in Italian culture, whether it was through the classes, trips, or just everyday life in Rome. It wasn’t just about studying; it was about experiencing something completely new. I’ll never forget it, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone thinking about studying abroad!

Thank you first for this amazing time in Rome!!

I absolutely loved my experience abroad! I was surprisingly shocked by how much I loved the content of the class. You learn so much about the art that helps you understand the city of Florence itself. I also got the chance to be independent that I didn’t have at home. I like having to push my self out of my comfort zone. Another thing that I appreciate about the format of the class is that you had option weekend trips with the class or you could go out on your own. Plus the people from CIEE are amazing!

My J-Term Social Psychology course in the Czech Republic was my first time studying abroad, and I'm glad it was. I was initially nervous about the extended stay in a country I knew little about, but after settling in, I fell in love with the local charm. It's very easy to get around, even if you're a bit underprepared -- you can use English and credit cards at most places, you can navigate Prague using tram, bus, or subway, and if you're missing any necessities, you can definitely get it at a local store. The academics and classes were great, though not the most challenging. They were wonderfully bolstered by the day trips to neighboring cities, which provided a more comprehensive look at the country. CIEE also offered numerous amazing after-school activities, of which I attended and thoroughly enjoyed all. This was a great experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in studying abroad!

General Tips
- Make sure to bring 220v adaptors.
- Pack some warm coats (and maybe some boots).
- Bring some cash to exchange into Korunas (or Euros), as you will likely accrue an international fee withdrawing from ATMs and using debit/credit cards. If you don't mind the extra fees, you can get around using only card.
- If you do exchange money here, make sure to find a bank or exchange office that doesn't tack on fees.
- Feel free to visit local pubs and clubs with friends for a nice night out. Czechia is generally a safe country for tourists.
- BUT always be wary of pickpockets. While I didn't run into any, many do.

I absolutely love Prague and the city is very easy to navigate. The CIEE staff are very welcoming and happy to help or answer any questions you might have. The city is overall very safe and there was rarely any time where I felt unsafe. The excursions CIEE provided allowed us to immerse ourselves into the culture and also have fun while also learning. The class, social psychology, is very interesting and informative, I loved the field trip we took to the invisible exhibition, it allowed me to immerse myself in what it would be like if I had lost my sight. It was very informative and a fun experience. The class overall is easy for those who have had no prior psychology classes and a nice refresher for anyone who is already a psychology major.

From someone who had never traveled alone, it was my one goal in college to travel abroad at least once. When choosing a destination, I was only focused on being somewhat close to a beach, and being surrounded by nature. I am so grateful that I picked Monteverde, Costa Rica for my destination. During my stay, I was completely immersed in the beautiful biodiversity of the country, and always felt safe. This location is special because the housing is on campus, food is provided as well as cleaning and laundry. There is truly nothing to complain about. I stayed for a total of 18 weeks and never had any problems with the program! I was able to visit the beach multiple times, one paid excursion and one special trip I took with friends! I was constantly learning about relevant topics such as climate change and agriculture. My favorite class was Global Change and the Environment, taught by Mariano Soley. This class gave me so much important knowledge about current topics and learning skills that will truly last me a lifetime. I also got to participate in a weekend - long homestay and a service learning project. The homestay was completely immersive and a good experience - although it was very different from life on campus as that is a little more secluded from the culture of the country. It wasn't my favorite experience because I don't think I was very prepared to be in a completely immersive situation. The service learning project was such a good opportunity to help the local community while gaining helpful and relevant skills. I worked with a local bio reserve and helped them by painting signs for their property, helping in the tree nursery, and even conducted measurements of the trees on the property for their progress reports. I loved my time there and it helped me put new skills on my resume as well! There were also multiple paid excursions that I was so grateful to go on!

Overall, this program allowed me to be more confident, traveled and experienced! I would recommend this to anyone who loves nature, and wants to experience a smaller - knit community.

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.