CIEE Reviews

I never quite liked to share my trials as a wheelchair user so I never mention it much. Not only do I not like the "special" attention I also don't like being a burden to anyone else. However, ever since I started learning Japanese I've always wanted to study abroad to Japan, but because of my disability I thought I'd be a hindrance and my dream would just stay as a dream. But CIEE helped my dream become a reality!
The staff at CIEE made all the accommodations I needed, and had made preparations I didn't even know I needed to make my transition to a new country as smooth as possible. Some examples include making sure all activities, including the school and home, were wheelchair accessible and made sure I'd be able to participate. It really set my mind at ease knowing that my needs were known and the CIEE staff made me feel so safe and welcome that I felt as if I were seeing old friends again for the first time. And although they weren't my real family they gave me all the support and care I had required just as my family would have gave back home.
As for Japan, I don't want to put out the allusion that everything was wheelchair accessible, but many of the facilities were excellent for wheelchair users and public transportation is the best (if not the best in the world). In addition, I was so grateful and shocked to find everyone I encountered in Japan were so willingly and earnest in wanting to help me out, (whether I needed the help or not), when there was an obstacle in my way they made sure I didn't go unnoticed. From the hotel staff, to the clerks in the convenient stores, station attendants on the subways, to the professors at Sophia University, and to even the random strangers you meet on the crosswalks, thank you so much for going out of your way to show hospitality and kindness to a complete stranger. It made my experience to Japan that much memorable and unforgettable!

When I decided to head to Sevilla and take part in CIEE's Communication, New Media, and Journalism program, I knew I had made the right decision. Nowadays, I'm a football (soccer) writer for ESPN, and a lot of the projects I completed in Sevilla helped me reach this objective. I appreciate all the help from my professors because they played an important role in honing my reporting skills.

Sevilla is a magnificent city for young, aspiring journalists because there are various things going on everyday. Developing stories is not so complicated, and what's more is that the city's joy is contagious and allows you to produce memorable work. This is a program that let's you have a lot of freedom and if you know what to do with that freedom you can produce great stuff to add to your resume.

One of the things I loved the most about this program was observing the teachers (Oscar, Ruben, Antonio, Marina, Alejandro, Carlos). they carry such passion for what they do and being a part of their lives touched me in a way I never thought it would. They became good friends and mentors and they were always ready with advice and stories. The passion they shared gave me the desire to create projects that reflected not only them, but a piece of Spain as well. When I come to visit again I will be seeing them again. Thank you all so much for what you do!

When else are you going to be able to live in a new country and see the world, while your only responsibility is to be a student? College is THE time to do this, don't kid yourself and think you can just travel when you're older. Even if it sets you back a semester, it is so worth it. The most rewarding part was seeing how much I changed from the beginning of my semester compared to the end. Not that I changed who I was as a person, but I gained so much experience and knowledge about myself, and what I am passionate about. I learned so much in those 5 months and it was amazing how much my Spanish improved.

It was always my dream to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country because I knew that was the best way to see the world and improve my use of Spanish. Thanks to my grandparents, I started traveling at a young age and I never want to stop. It makes you realize how much of the world you don't know about and all of the people that you haven't met. I want to see new cultures and try new food. I want to see the beauty in this world.

The number one best thing I gained from this experience that I would never change is my host family, who now feel like my actual family. I have never felt so welcomed and loved by complete strangers. They are the reason I want to take my parents to Spain and introduce them to my city and the amazing family that essentially adopted me and made me feel like one of them. It definitely wasn't easy at first, going into a new home with new expectations, all in a language that is not my own. But they were incredibly patient and kind, and without me realizing at first, made sure I had the best possible transition to Spanish life. I know they will always be in my life, and I am so lucky to have found them.

I reflect back on all the things I did and I feel so lucky to have had this experience. I was able to teach English to young children, travel to many new countries, see a bullfight, participate in three different cultural festivals, and meet some incredible people. If you are considering study abroad, you owe it to yourself to make it happen!

I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, through CIEE's Communication, New Media, and Journalism program. It was one of the few international programs that fulfilled graduation requirements for me at the University of Oregon, but I also liked that I could take classes at the University of Sevilla if I wanted to. At first, I was on the fence because I didn't know any other classmates who'd studied abroad here and I was keen on going to Latin America, but now I can't imagine my academic career without CNMJ. Not only did I enjoy the culture, food, and people of Sevilla, but the program connected me to countless opportunities that allowed me to be independent and to become immersed into my new community. I participated in local media workshops, worked on an independent thesis, had a language partner, traveled to Barcelona for a conference, traveled with my host family, and participated in an international film festival. All I had to do was ask.
The CNMJ classes were a gateway to Sevilla--as many of them included field trips and lessons on Spanish history. I'm still in contact with several professors, and am so happy I decided to do this program. I figured writing a review might be the best way to get other people to have experiences similar to mine--overall I give the CNMJ program a cien por cien.

CIEE has been an excellent source of great education, information, and activities in Santiago. They paired me with an amazing host family who is extremely helpful and where I am in a place I feel very comfortable. I have been given the opportunity to refresh my Spanish knowledge and actually put it into practice, and the staff is supportive in everything I come across. I know my transition from the United States to Chile has been a million times easier because of the guidance and accommodation CIEE has given me, and I am very thankful for that. I could not imagine better people to be surrounded by in my classes, extracurricular activities and travel throughout the country. CIEE is the program I need to stay on track with my academics in Santiago while also getting genuine information about everything happening in Santiago and beyond. I have been having the time of my life in Chile and have truly been able to immerse myself in the culture of this South American country, and I have CIEE to thank for all the opportunities and support they have given me on my journey.

Everything in Tokyo is so convenient for example trains, schools, and most importantly food. I met some of my best friends in this program. Three years later they are still my closest friends even after the program ended. This program taught me a lot about Japan and about life in general. Great staff, awesome school, and a wonderful adventure. I now live and work in Japan, it's been one great of a ride so far. I recommend this program to anyone seeking to explore a new country, you won't regret it!

I am born and raised in the United States with a strong Japanese influence from my parents. I also attended Japanese School since kindergarten to high school and consider myself fluent in Japanese. On top of that, my family lives in Japan and I often visit them during vacation. Therefore, for the first 2 years of college, I was reluctant to go to study abroad since it felt like I would be "cheating" the system. Even when I landed in Tokyo to begin this journey, I was unsure if I had made the right decision. But the CIEE Tokyo staff welcomed me as if they could read my mind with a warm smile and helped me ease into studying abroad seamlessly. The staff here are hard working, caring, and are always available for help and support. The program also provides students with tickets to various events around Tokyo throughout the semester, and I personally took advantage of this and filled my weekends up and to push myself to get out.

There are, obviously, different shapes and forms of studying abroad, and it depends on what the individual is looking for. However, this program will help you make your "study abroad dreams" come true with their flexibility and support.

I made life-time friends, uncountable number of memories, and most importantly, fulfilled my childhood dreams. I would, with no doubt, recommend this program to anyone who is interested in studying abroad in Tokyo within a heartbeat!

The CIEE program was a worthwhile experience. It opened my eyes to a totally new world. the program helped me shaped my future. CIEE gave us opportunities to travel to different parts of Japan. We went to Kamakura and Hiroshima during the semester. There was plenty of time to hang with our new friends both local people from Tokyo/Sophia University and other CIEE students, bond with our host families, and independent travel. I made life long friends studying abroad with CIEE. And I still keep up to date with the staff in Tokyo. I joined different clubs in the University and interact with Japanese students, but also relaxed in the CIEE office with other CIEE students. Tokyo has everything you need. Everyday was an adventure. From shopping, socializing, music, parties, traveling, sports, movies, dancing, and random encounters with strangers, not one day was wasted.

Because of CIEE, I currently reside in Japan as a teacher. It couldn't have been possible with the support of the CIEE staff. They helped me and the other exchange students 110%. The staff supports their students from the very beginning. From pre-departure and orientation to the closing ceremony. There were many orientations that may have been to excessive to some people, but it is important for those who are traveling abroad for the very first time. This experience changed my life and learned more about myself. I will never forget how 2013 became the biggest turning point in my life.

After coming back from Korea, I keep getting one question: What did you like the most?

Every time I've heard this question, I find myself giving a different answer. There's no way I can decide on just a single thing out of the many, many experiences I had abroad - I loved every aspect of being abroad, and am dying to go again. From the CIEE excursions that left us trekking through Mudd flats and experiencing rural Korea, to exploring the city night-life in Seoul, to sitting down and eating traditional meals to getting McDonalds at 3am with friends - I had so many varied amazing experiences that picking any single one of them is impossible. My time in Seoul was by far the best time I had had during college, because not only did I get to meet new friends, experience a new culture, and have fun, I actually got to learn a lot. Not just through classes, but through interacting with so many people from various backgrounds and learning how to navigate a country that speaks a different language and lives a different culture, I was able to learn things I would never be able to in my college in the US.

The only downside that this program had - which, for me, wasn't a downside at all - is that the academic program itself is not very rigorous. I personally preferred this, since it gave more time to explore the country itself, though I know some other people would prefer a more rigorous academic environment. The Korean language program, however, was quite good, and my skill in Korean improved a lot.

All in all, I would recommend this program to anyone, regardless if they have a previous interest in Korean culture or not. There's no way you can go wrong with this program.