CIEE Reviews

A single story could not possibly be sufficient in explaining my experience with the CIEE Liberal Arts program in Madrid. Instead, I'll offer a few examples that I think are definitive of my experience and will likely help answer a few questions students considering this program may have.

First, the city itself. Finding the right mix between a large city with lots to do and a small city with character and community vibes was important- and I found Madrid to offer a perfect mix. While the city of Madrid may be massive, the program is located right in the center of Madrid where boutique bars/restaurants, historical sites, and eclectic neighborhoods all seemed to fit together within a 3-mile radius. It was navigable and communal yet continuously exciting and full of new places to explore. Whether you want to party at 10 a story club, bar hop, get lost in a modern art museum (Reina Sofia), row a boat or run around a beautiful (and massive) park, Madrid truly has something for everyone.

Traveling was huge- Madrid's location combined with the flexibility of the CIEE program enabled us to take weekend trips throughout Europe and even Africa (Morrocco)! Flights to Amsterdam, Germany, Italy, and more were all affordable and easy.

Last but not least- the people. Between the CIEE staff and my host family, everyone was positive, interesting, and awesome! Living with a Spanish speaking family, immersing yourself in their culture and traditions, learning about their hobbies and world view...it was phenomenal. I finished my semester abroad over 2 years ago, and to this day I still genuinely miss all of the wonderful people I met while I was there.

While you may be thinking that an experience of a lifetime can come from any study abroad program- I believe that the CIEE Liberal Arts program is a step above the rest. They clearly put a tremendous amount of thought and effort into making the students' experiences as memorable and enjoyable as possible. They allowed us to be independent yet still spend time together with the right mix of group events/trips, class offerings, and general flexibility. This program is a great decision for any student considering studying abroad- I assure you- you'll never regret it!

My time in Guanajuato was very challenging, but I hold it in high regard and consider my decision to study there one of the best I've made. Mexico pushed me beyond my comfort zone and continuously encouraged me to try new things. It is very easy to make friends with the locals, the CIEE staff is supportive and knowledgeable, and the city is fun and lively. I'm very grateful for my experience and can't wait to go back!

I studied abroad for the spring semester in 2015. I was a junior and a Spanish/Economics double major. I had already been to Madrid once, but only for a few days.

I really didn’t know what to expect going into the semester but I certainly landed in the right place.
The whole CIEE setup is great. Paco and the team are cool and incredibly welcoming. Paco also knows just about everything about everything in Madrid and is always willing to help! The good people at CIEE make you feel at home, plan group events to help you meet the other kids in the program, pair you with a host family, introduce you to the university, and help you pick your classes. I never had any issues and thought they did a great job.

I took five courses in Spanish to count toward my Spanish major. Some classes were harder than others but the workload is very manageable. My host family was great and I can't wait to see them again. Daily interaction and speaking Spanish with host mom, host dad, and host bro was definitely one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.

Madrid itself is an beautiful place. People, culture, nightlife, food are all awesome. I traveled a fair bit throughout semester but definitely less than others because I was totally happy spending weekend in Madrid.

The experience is ultimately what you make of it. If you go in with an open mind, embrace trying new things, and are comfortable leaving your comfort zone, you will have a great time!

The CIEE Liberal Arts in Madrid program was easily one of the best decisions I made while in college. The site staff were the most welcoming group of people I could have expected. From the get-go they really made sure you felt at home in a new country. The program's homestay matching system set me up with a host mom who I still speak to this day (after almost two years!). The classes at Carlos III were very eye opening—especially the language classes, which surprised me. Being able to take classes with members of your cohort, other abroad programs, and Spanish students really allowed for diverse learning. I came out of this program with fluency, friends, and a love for Spain that has not faded.

I think about the five months I spent in Uppsala, Sweden nearly every day and I'm so grateful to have been part of such a wonderful program. You are able to direct enroll in a historic university and become a member of a student nation which is amazing. Do your research on student nations- they're incredible and as a member you are able to attend the gasques (balls), have Fika and lunch there and participate in so many wonderful activities. Not to mention a different club every night of the week! What the housing quarters lack in glamour they make up for in fun and diversity. You will have your own fairly large room and your own bathroom, you share a kitchen with others on your floor. Flogsta has a great mix of Swedes and other study abroad students and there's always something going on or someone to talk to. Uppsala is also incredibly safe, I never had any issue walking anywhere by myself ever. Also with the flexibility of Uppsala Univeristy's courses you have a lot of downtime to explore the city and go on and travel elsewhere around Europe. The realitive smallness of the group allows you to become really close with the people who are abroa with you, I met four of my best friends from our group and we still talk every day! I think the true testament to Sweden and the program itself is how many individuals (myself included) who are trying to move back there. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I went to Uppsala in Spring of 2015 and loved every single minute of it. Uppsala is a city focused in and around student life, so it's the perfect place to study abroad. There are 12 "student nations" which you can join, which will become the center of your social life and the best way to make local and international friends. There are buses that run all around the city to late hours, but even if you miss the bus, Uppsala is so safe it's not too bad to walk home. The academics are not too challenging if you make it to class and do your work. Overall I had a wonderful time in Uppsala and enjoyed my time so much, that I have been making plans to move back to Sweden!

Couldn't recommend this program highly enough! Uppsala has a big international student student culture with many events and activities to get you involved. The CIEE program does a good job of balancing cultural activities and trips with independence for their students. The staff is the sweetest! Academics in Sweden are less competition-oriented and more group focused than in the US. Professors are more like colleagues than bosses, and the work load is not too heavy. I had such a good experience, I'm applying to grad school in Uppsala now! Glad I happened upon this program

The year that I spent in Uppsala was hands down the best experience of my life. I don't just say that because of how much fun I had, but because of the quality of the experience I had.

The program is run by two of the most kind, respectful, and hardworking people I have ever met. Both of them are there and always willing to help you whatever way you need it, whether it be with selecting your classes, planning a trip to another country, or even if you are just homesick and need someone to talk to, you can always count on them.

Uppsala University is a great university, with a great faculty and a really large range of courses for international students in a lot of different subject areas. Many of them are just as academically challenging as universities back in the states, some even more so. This could be in part to the different style of learning and teaching that is preformed there.

Uppsala itself is an amazing place to spend any amount of time in, especially as a student; the heart of uppsala's population are the students. With Student Nations providing all the entertainment you could imagine on the form of fancy dinners, sports clubs, dance classes, restraints, pubs, clubs, work opportunities, and friends, they make the experience truly unique. People at the nation's are extremely friendly and always welcoming.

Although Flogsta is constantly talked down upon for being a no so amazing place to live, it really is a lot better than the average university living accommodation at a US university. You live on a corridor with 12 single rooms, all with their own bath, and you share a kitchen and common space. The room is a nice size for one person, and is more than enough for someone only living there 6 months to a year.

This program provided me with the once in a life time opportunity to explore both Sweden and the rest of Europe, and I would highly recommend studying in Uppsala to anyone I talked to about it.

My time in Palma de Mallorca was incredible. I only planned on staying one semester, but that quickly changed. Within the first month, I switched my CIEE semester stay to a year long stay. Living with my host family gave me the challenge and confidence to excel in both my Spanish and university classes as well as my social life. Something about Mallorca always stays with you - that's why I'm currently living here. After my study abroad year, I returned to the States, graduated, and then moved to Madrid. After one year in Madrid, I realized it was time to move back to my second home: Palma. Overall, it's beautiful place to live with diverse people, breathtaking scenery, and great night life!

Choosing CIEE's study abroad program in Lisbon, Portugal was probably the best decision I could have made. I have no regrets in committing to this program. It was so much fun, organized, invigorating, and helped create some of my most treasured memories. The people that choose to go to Portugal, specifically with this program, are incredibly unique. Portugal is not the first place that comes to mind and that is what makes the experience so special. Lisbon is a hidden gem with amazing city views, beautiful parks, reliable public transportation, close to an international airport, delicious food, awesome night life and overall unbelievable vibes. Portugal is probably the most gorgeous country and I am so fortunate and grateful that CIEE did their absolute best to make my study abroad year an amazing experience.