CET Academic Programs

Program Reviews

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Ella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
CET Italy

Spring 2025 in CET Florence

At CET Florence you got to class Monday-Thursday. Typically classes ended for everyone at 3:30 on Thursday’s. The classes were manageable where you did not have to do work on the weekends. Florence was absolutely beautiful, safe, lots of amazing food, shops, hikes, and overall good food. So many study abroad students and younger people. However, florence has a small airport so it’s expensive to travel to milan and rome to fly for weekend trips, and it rained a lot this spring! when the weather is nice, it’s perfect. I highly recommend this program!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would bring more summer fits for April (packed too many sweaters). I would travel to the cheapest places those weekends rather than making a schedule for where I wanted to go each week and just eating the plane costs.
Pros
  • Florence is an incredible city
  • CET provides so many paid for activities weekly that are fun
  • The classes were manageable
Cons
  • Far from big airport
  • Rainy
  • some professors were not kind
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Ella,

We're glad to hear you found the classes manageable and had plenty of time to explore everything the beautiful city has to offer! Thanks again for the review and for recommending the program!

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Makayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
CET Italy

Forever Changed

I think that CET Florence did an amazing job of really making the program unique to the city. This came not only from their course options, but from their activities as well. The activities included going to surrounding cities, going to gorgeous locations, trying regional foods, or even just discovering the history that makes Florence, Florence! The staff were all very helpful, professors wanted us to make the most of our abroad experience, and the city itself was perfection. I WILL be returning

Pros
  • Trying so many delicious Italian dishes!
  • The scenery
  • Discovering a very different culture
Cons
  • Sometimes unsafe around train areas
  • Not much LGBTQ+ culture
  • Hard to get an authentic experience because there are so many other English speakers.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Makayla,

Thanks for sharing this! We’re glad you felt the program truly reflected the spirit of Florence from the courses to the activities. It means a lot to hear our staff and professors helped make your experience special, and we’ll be here when you return!! :)

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John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An All-Around Awesome Adventure

I cannot recommend CET Taiwan enough. My classes were rigorous without being overwhelming. I had ample opportunities to practice my Mandarin skills, and could see myself improving dramatically over the course of the program. The balanced coursework combined with the highly convenient public transportation to enable me to do a great deal of traveling around the island. People in Taiwan are very welcoming and helpful, and Taiwan's culture is endlessly enriching. The CET Taiwan staff are super friendly and a very useful resource. CET had many program-sponsored activities which made experiencing the Taiwanese culture more accessible. Taiwan's natural beauty is unparalleled, and the whole trip was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do as much traveling as possible while in Taiwan. Three months flies by fast, especially when you're taking Mandarin classes. Make use of the high speed rail, train, and bus systems, which are very cheap and convenient. Don't be afraid to travel solo either, I never felt unsafe while I was traveling the island. Feel free to ask locals for help when you need it, people are generally very welcoming to foreigners.
Pros
  • People: helpful staff members, friendly locals
  • Academic Balance: felt rigorous while still allowing plenty of time to explore
  • Opportunities for experiencing the culture and meeting local students
Cons
  • Can't think of any other than the standard possibility of homesickness
Response from CET Academic Programs

Thanks for the review John!

So glad to hear that CET Taiwan gave you both academic growth and unforgettable cultural experiences! It’s wonderful that you were able to explore the island, connect with locals, and see your Mandarin skills grow—we’re happy to have been part of such a rewarding journey!!!

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Peyton
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
CET Italy

Siena Review

My experience overall was amazing. Siena as a city was all I hoped it would be. The environment of the ancient medieval city was breathtaking and simple in the best way. Every evening I would take walks around Siena, enjoying the views, breathing in the smells of all of the local eateries, listening to music, and just observing all of the other locals taking their evening walks as well. It can be difficult to travel outside of Siena because of its Tuscan location and limited access to public transit, but this is a universal Italian issue.

Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Peyton,

Thanks for sharing this beautiful reflection on your time in Siena!

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Shirley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Unforgettable Blast

Just as I am writing this review, I know next semester back in the States will be much more depressing. I felt like I completely re-invented myself in many ways while abroad, and I brought back many of these personal changes I experienced. Very frequently our cohort would travel to new parts of China on weekends, and this experience became a shining part of my study abroad experience. Shanghai, and China overall, is so convenient with its public transportation that it made something like that so accessible. The friends and the memories I made there will be continue to haunt the rest of my life (but in a good way).

Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Shirley,

It’s amazing how studying abroad can leave such a lasting mark—that’s one of the many reasons we love what we do! We hope those memories continue to inspire you long after the program ends.

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Ella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Taiwan. You have to go.

I will forever savor every moment I had studying abroad in Taiwan. From the intensive Mandarin courses to my internship with Fulbright Taiwan to all of the friends that I made, I am truly grateful for this experience. Although you will experience homesickness or culture shock, the number of positive experiences you will have will greatly outweigh all of these challenges. Don't let the scary things stop you from trying something new - it really is life-changing!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do everything!! Any opportunity you get to try a new activity, visit a new place, learn a new skill, eat a new food... do it! You may only be here in this country one time so now is your chance to try it all! You won't regret it.
Pros
  • Made so many friends
  • Learned about Taiwanese work culture
  • Quickly improved my Mandarin language skills
Cons
  • It was more work than I expected (but still worthwhile)
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Ella,

Thanks for including the photo along with your thoughts about CET Taiwan! And it’s true—stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences. We're grateful to have been part of your journey!

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Minseo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CET Japan

Through the CET Japan program, I had the invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture while participating in an intensive Japanese language course. This not only allowed me to significantly improve my language skills but also deepened my appreciation for Japanese culture and daily life. Beyond academics, I was fortunate to explore the vibrant city of Osaka and travel to nearby areas, all while building meaningful connections with my peers. The program enabled me to meet people from diverse backgrounds, expanding my social network in ways I had never imagined.

In addition, I interned at I-Chat, a language exchange space where I had regular conversations with Japanese students to support them in practicing English. This experience was incredibly rewarding — it sharpened my communication skills, pushed me to become more socially confident, and gave me the chance to form genuine friendships through cross-cultural dialogue. Overall, CET Japan was a transformative experience that helped me grow both personally and socially.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open-minded and proactive! CET Japan is more than just a study abroad program — it’s a life experience. Say yes to opportunities, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to initiate conversations, even if your Japanese isn’t perfect yet. The more effort you put into connecting with people — both locals and your peers — the more rewarding your experience will be. Whether it’s chatting with shop owners, exploring neighborhoods, or participating in cultural events, every little moment will help you grow. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help; the CET staff and language partners are incredibly supportive. Just be present, adventurous, and kind — you’ll come away with unforgettable memories and growth.
Pros
  • Language Immersion: The intensive Japanese classes and constant exposure to the language accelerate your learning in a way no textbook alone ever could.
  • Cultural Access: You’ll live in Osaka, a lively and welcoming city full of rich food culture, traditions, and exciting places to explore.
  • Community and Networking: The program encourages bonding through group trips and activities, and you'll meet not just other CET students but also local Japanese students and professionals.
Cons
  • Fast-Paced Schedule: The program can be quite intensive — between classes, homework, outings, and internships, time management is crucial.
  • Language Frustration: If you’re new to Japanese, it may feel overwhelming at first, especially in daily life situations where English is limited.
  • Cultural Adjustment: There may be moments of homesickness or culture shock, especially in things like food, etiquette, or waste separation rules — so patience and adaptability are key!
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Minseo,

It’s great to hear that you were able to immerse yourself in the language and culture, explore Osaka, and make meaningful connections through your internship at I-Chat too!

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Linh
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best semester of college

The best thing about this program is cultural immersion. I got a local roommate and two language partners who both helped me improve my Chinese and better understand Taiwanese culture. The Chinese class was definitely intense (3 hours a day, 5 days a week), but the teacher was super sweet and understanding. I also felt very comfortable to practice speaking in class since all my classmates were very nice and supportive. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend it to any Chinese learners

Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Linh,

Our local roommate and language partners are the best :) We’re glad you felt supported in and outside the classroom—thanks for recommending the program!

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Neel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Spring in Prague

Going into study abroad, I was not sure what I was to encounter. I had heard stories from friends who had gone before that it was their favorite experience in college and I was worried that my experience would not be the same. Going into the first day of orientation at CET, I was anxious about making friends, adjusting to a new country, learning the culture, and still being academically focused. Yet, the CET program, staff, professors, and fellow students could not have been better. The program is relatively small compared to most programs which I loved as it gave us a chance to get to know everyone very well through organized events like Czechtivities and traveling seminars. The staff were some of the kindest people I had ever met and were willing to adapt to each student's needs. I was also impressed with the academics. Going into abroad, I wanted to get an international/diverse perspective from my classes that were focused on economics and politics. The professors ensured that we got that experience by emphasizing Europe-specific events and perspectives like the Eurozone crisis and creation of the EU. Lastly, the students in CET were the absolute best part. The close-knit community helped me make some of my closest friends and form connections that I will continue to foster for the rest of my life. I would highly, highly recommend CET Prague to any students looking to study abroad. Prague is a stunning city with a plethora of things to do as a young college student and CET makes sure your semester will be one to remember.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Definitely the first few days of orientation where I was in a room with 80 other kids worried that I was not going to get along with anyone. Those first days were very intimidating and people definitely did not want to feel like they were being left out. I overcame it by putting myself out there and attending the events that CET hosted to meet new people. After a week, I had a number of people I could reach out to at any time—just as everyone else had also found their own groups of people who shared their interests.
Pros
  • Making lifelong friends.
  • Learning a foreign culture.
  • Experiencing academics through a European perspective.
Cons
  • Maintenance problems in some of the buildings.
  • Difficulty in adjusting to culture.
  • Small program size.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Neel,

Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful review! We're so glad many aspects of the CET Prague program couldn't have been better for you :)

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Nicolas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learning Chinese & Working at a Tech Startup - Spring 25' Semester in Taiwan

I can confidently say that coming to Taiwan to spend a semester abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Although deciding where to study abroad was a little challenging because of the different options that would benefit my main academic interest in Computer Science, CET's Taiwan program managed to offer me exactly what I wanted. I was able to learn Chinese by partaking in intensive, engaging, and fun high-intermediate level classes while also working part-time for a tech startup, where I learned a lot of technical, professional, and life skills. All of this, paired with great on-site staff, management, consistent support, cultural events, and activities, made my semester with CET an exceptionally fun and engaging one where I grew as a person, met incredible people, and got to experience some of the best Taiwan has to offer.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
My friends and I went on one of the most extreme hikes I have ever done—Wuliaojian Trailhead. We spent six hours hiking around some of the most stunning views I got to see while I was in Taiwan, and we learned a lot about ourselves both physically and mentally, as this was a very challenging activity.
Pros
  • Networking
  • Variety of Activities
  • Safety
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Nicolas,

What a great photo you've included :) We're so glad CET Taiwan was the right fit for your academic and professional goals—combining language learning with real-world experience at a tech startup is no small feat!!!