Program Reviews

I really enjoyed this course! It was very informative and helped me understand and gain the proper knowledge to become a TEFL teacher. Our teacher, Alix, was amazing and was there to help guide me when needed. I feel so empowered and excited to see where this journey takes me and the doors that will open for me around the world. Thank you for the experience and can not wait to step into a classroom! The only downside I had with the course is I had some technical issues with the Canvas modules, where some of the pages did not load and I missed some pages throughout the course. Only one time I did not realize but the other times Alix was able to help with notes from the section.

Flying from Chicago to Madrid for my CIEE Teach Abroad orientation, a girl walked up to me at baggage claim and asked if we could be friends. I saved her name in my phone as "Baggage Claim Rachel." We ended up sitting together on the CIEE airport pickup bus, and the next day discovered we were in the same orientation group. 4 years later, we are still best friends.

Through CIEE I found an instant community—from another auxiliar at my school who I later hiked El Camino with, to orientation buddies turned karaoke partners, to CIEE staff that felt like family.

The community that CIEE cultivates is worth it alone, but the other support that CIEE provides was priceless for me. Rather than figuring out visa paperwork, housing, banking and more on my own, I had a network of knowledge and a group of other people to lean on who were going through the exact same process.

As someone who tends to worry, if I had doubts at any step of the way, there was someone over phone, email or in person to talk me through the process. I felt like I could leave the parts that I was worried about with CIEE and focus on enjoying the experience.

Looking back, the value that I got from CIEE far outweighed what I paid. If you jump right in, put effort into building relationships at your school and beyond, and lean on CIEE, you will have the time of your life!! <3

I really enjoyed the program. Im half way through and it's been great. Of course, it has challenges, but CIEE sets you up for success. The program provides you with everything you need to achieve success. I couldn´t have done it without the support from CIEE. The orientation and calls booked really helped me throughout the process. Also, the canvas slides give you the information you need. I'm now on my way to hopefully renewing for next year. Spain has been really enjoyable, and I hope to use the program again in the future.

I studied abroad in Madrid previously so I was very familiar with the city, but being a language assistant is definitely a different experience. There are ups and downs to the program, I would say its luck of the draw with what school you’re assigned to, but I just love living in Madrid. I got lucky being assigned a school in centro and I really like my school so that makes my experience great but I know its not the same for everyone. I’m planning on doing a second year because I just can’t think about going home :)

It had been years since I was in school and I was looking for something new and different. Once I made the decision to complete my school hours with CIEE and start my practicum, everything was exciting and I felt as though it was a brand new start to my life, something I needed. I completed everything online, including my practicum and everyone at CIEE was very helpful with my journey. I highly recommend taking this course because you learn a lot and it guides you to become the teacher you want to be.

This was such a great and flexible program! I have no regrets choosing this course. It was easy to navigate and very doable while working a full-time job and being a student. My instructor really worked with our schedules and gave very helpful feedback on each of the module projects and assignments. I felt supported the entire way, and she responded quickly to all my questions. In the end, I feel much more confident stepping into the classroom, building lesson plans, and overcoming the potential challenges of teaching abroad. If you're looking for a good program, this is definitely a great one!

I'm so glad I decided to do this program, and through CIEE nonetheless. Everything was smooth and easy to get me started in the process, despite visas being a general nightmare. It has surpassed my expectations and I hope to renew. Could not recommend it enough. It's not my first time being apart of a CIEE program; back in 2020 I was apart of the CIEE Merida, Mexico Madrid for three weeks and that was also an amazing experience. Spain, however, has been even better. I absolutely recommend it to all my friends!

I initially signed up for the CIEE Teach Abroad in Thailand program with very little knowledge of the education system in Thailand. I was nervous about the differences between teaching in the states versus teaching in an entirely different country (where English is not the native language). I even almost didn't continue this path, because of those nerves and fears. I urge you to NOT let those fears win!! Teaching in Thailand has been an amazing experience. I have met life long friends through this program in my fellow CIEE teachers and teachers at my school. I have also had the privilage of getting to teach very young students (4-6 year olds) - which I had never done before. But through my CIEE TEFL training and the training I received from OEG staff, and my fellow teachers, I felt better prepared. And now I love teaching this age group, they are extremely fun!

Coming to Thailand has been amazing, and I have grown so thankful. CIEE made the whole application process very accessible and easy to follow. I was nervous about VISA applications and the unknown of traveling to a new country. Everything worked out so well. I was placed in a wonderful place. CIEE's Thai partner program also helped a lot in explaining cultural differences and expectations. I really would recommend this program! I suggest one thing: come with a positive experience and an open heart, it is the only way you will truly enjoy this experience.

From the moment I was admitted to the CIEE Teach in Thailand Program, I felt welcomed and prepared to embark on this new and daunting journey. When I arrived in Thailand, I was pleasantly surprised at how organized the orientation was, and how it made me feel ready to take on the rest of my time here. By the time I got to my placement school, I was already learning so much about Thai culture. My school makes sure that I feel cared for and supported, and the Thai teachers are my friends. They even came to celebrate my birthday with me at a local restaurant. I am so happy for this overall experience and especially for choosing CIEE.