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!
Pros
Made some friends
Learned a little of the language
Gained a new global perspective
Cons
Long orientation
Academics are lecture based
Didn't show us around during orientation but we figured it out for ourselves
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!
Pros
Coursework engaging but not too difficult
New friends! Program offers social events to promote new friendships
Well organized. If any problems arose, there was a great support system in place.
Cons
Class times made excursions to other cities during the week tricky
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!
My experience was amazing. This program was so enjoyable! There is lots to do in Barcelona and the program material taught me so much about the culture here. I recommend a homestay as you get a more authentic experience and get to try local homecooked meals. I got to practice my Spanish language skills a lot and feel like I am leaving with a big improvement. Not only that, you'll make friends with other students who are here from all over the nation. So cool. I strongly recommend this program!!!
I had the best experience with CIEE Buenos Aires. The staff is amazing, very caring people that want the best for all students. The professors, are amazing as well. They had teaching styles that I wish i had in the United States. I became very close with them. Also my host mom was the most amazing lady I’ve ever met. I would recommend this program to everyone I know. I also experienced the Argentinian culture in a way I didn’t know was possible. Through drinking Yerba mate, taking dance classes, learning to make empanadas, and much more.
It is a unique experience! I would say it is an adventure in Pairs. The schedule is intensive, but the experience is fantastic! You can enjoy the artistic environment in Pairs with your hard study simultaneously! The exhibition and countless concerts could inspire you out of your beyond! You could meet a lot of amazing artists in the street and start your casual talk. The surprise could happen here or there. Also, the architecture and historical palaces would deserve you to tour many times. You could blend in Paris quickly even it was only one month of study.
