Program Reviews

Orientation was organized into 2 parts: First, we went over topics ranging from learning/teaching styles to logistics of working/living in China. Then, we worked in pairs and co-taught in an English summer camp. Many moments were tiring and stressful but overall, it's still a helpful experience because you learn a lot and the summer camp experience gives you an example of what your teaching experience could be like during your contract. Within the first month, I slowly started integrating myself more with the school and initiating conversation with Chinese teachers. Now, I play in the teacher's badminton club, I'm invited to weekend hiking/sightseeing trips with other teachers, I join for-fun competitions between teaching departments, and more. Whenever I have asked the primary school Chinese teachers for help, they have always tried to help with ideas, classroom management suggestions, and even sharing their coursebook to help me have lesson plan ideas.

For those considering teaching in China, be aware of some of the challenges you may face. For one, their classes are huge, averaging 35-50 students, and behavior management is crucial. Students can be quite restless, as they have classes all day, every day. That being said, I am thankful for the connections I have made with my students. This connection is quite different from the relationship between teachers and students in the United States, but it is invaluable in its own way. I have to make it clear, that this program is not simply a meal ticket to travel. I have met several people teaching here who treated it as such, and grew to hate their job or shirked their responsibilities. It can be challenging when taken with full sincerity. That being said, it has been a fulfilling experience. When I can teach my students something new or just be someone they can rely on with their troubles; it brings me so much happiness. If you are patient and hardworking, this program is perfect for you.

The CIEE TEFL course is comprehensive - you will learn a lot in just a matter of 11 weeks. The assignments were relevant and challenging, but manageable at the same time (I completed the course while working a full-time job). The instructor was knowledgeable, engaging, and gave great feedback and encouragement. I loved being able to complete the course on my own time, while also being able to interact with the other students on discussion boards and in live tutorials. I was very happy with this course!

I taught in Madrid through CIEE from 2022-2023. I had an incredible experience teaching at an elementary school. While I experienced many challenges along the way, I am very grateful for the growth that this program instilled in me. The team at CIEE was incredibly helpful throughout the visa and orientation process, and the on-site team was wonderful to work with. The team answered all of my questions promptly and accurately, and really made me feel supported while I was there. The visa process can be rigorous and daunting, but the CIEE team had lots of guidance and was incredibly helpful.

I lived in Kalasin, a small town near Khon Kaen in Thailand's Northeastern region, Esan. My one-bedroom apartment was just a 7-minute walk from school, or a quick 2-minute motorbike ride for me! Before I rented a motorbike, my teachers would give me rides—here's a little secret: very few people in Thailand actually enjoy walking! A day in my life wasn't complete without my routine walks through Dinosaur Park or my regular visits to Shabu with the other teachers from school. If I wasn't spending my weekend in Kalasin, I'd ride up to Khon Kaen to explore the city or catch a flight for the weekend, meeting up with fellow CIEE teachers!

CIEE has helped make my dream of teaching abroad a reality. The transition to a new culture was aided by the orientation and all the resources CIEE provided with prior to leaving. Within this orientation, I was introduced to many like minded individuals who became fast friends and my home away from home. My school is very welcoming and the students make everyday that much better. Though there are difficulties in initially finding housing and adjusting to a new culture, I couldn’t be more thankful for this life changing experience.

I have really enjoyed being an auxiliary because of the opportunities it has given me. I have met so many amazing teachers who have helped me integrate into the culture, for which I am really grateful. Teaching has become something I really enjoy because of the students. They make the job so much fun and exciting every day. I also have made many friends in the program and we get to experience Madrid and Europe together. I recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn about Spain!!

The program has been essential new language assistants in Spain, and they have cultivated an environment of suport within the community as well. My placement school has gone above and beyond to make myself, and other language assistants at the school, to feel welcomed and comfortable. I would recommend this program and placement to future assistants wishing to come to Spain. This experience is definitely life changing, and having a supportive community and program around you ensures a strong and memorizable experience

I was one of those people that debated doing CIEE vs. NALCAP because NALCAP is free to apply. However I am so glad I chose CIEE because I gained a community, support, and resources to help me not only before I even applied for my visa but once I arrived in Spain. It was worth every penny! Living in Madrid has been such a fun experience. This city truly has something for everyone, especially people in their twenties. This city is alive and teeming with activity at all times! Music, dancing, culture, art, food, nightlife, sports, etc

I did this program because I really wanted the opportunity to live in Madrid, and was pretty unsure about the teaching aspect. I have really loved being a teacher and it has made my time here amazing because I feel connected to the wider community. Living in Madrid/Spain is amazing, but you defiantly have to be smart about budgeting--if I could change one thing I would have started saving money earlier. It is still a pretty awesome place to be broke in. I would also recommend really taking advantage of the orientation time: it's an amazing chance to make friends/meet roommates.