Program Reviews

My experience has been incredible in some ways and a challenge in others. It has been challenging to step out of my comfort zone and adapt to a new culture that has so many facets to engage in, e.g. language, customs, etc. However, my school has been a blessing and a great place to work at. They have proffered a mountain of support and genuine care, from teaching me the ropes to checking on my well-being.

As for the CIEE, I have received a plethora of resources and support from the team. I have also recently had an amazing trip meeting with fellow CIEE teachers and staff. It has been one of my favorite memories in South Korea thus far. Overall, I am grateful and happy with my experience— thank you, CIEE!

For me, the best part about this program has been the application process and the support from CIEE. It is very hard to apply for jobs abroad - there are so many uncertainties and questions. You don’t know who to trust, you can’t be sure if there will be transparency. It is always best to go to teach abroad through a reputable organization like CIEE. For me, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are in safe hands and that things will be taken care of, can’t be overstated. CIEE was upfront with me about every aspect of living and working in Thailand. Their organization helped answer all my questions and their partners in Thailand, OEG, prepared us for working in Thai schools. I feel safe knowing I can reach out to CIEE anytime, with any questions. I am hopeful, that after my job in Thailand comes to an end, I can work in other programs in other countries that CIEE offers.

I’m really glad I chose to teach abroad with CIEE. Not only is the staff super friendly, they’re also here to help every step of the way. I never had an issue or doubt when it came to being part of CIEE. They give no false expectations/promises of what they offer. On top of that, before even getting to Madrid I felt comfortable in knowing that I had already connected with people in the program. There are a ton of resources given to us which are at our disposal throughout the entirety of the program. The option to prioritize age or location for your school is pretty awesome, too. I highly recommend it, especially if this is your first time going abroad.

I was lucky because all of my teach abroad preferences were able to have been met (placement/student age/etc.) and the support from many of the teachers at my school has been very helpful while trying to acclimate. I didn't go to school for teaching and hadn't really planned to teach, but the nature of Thai schools and my workload have both helped build lots of confidence in that area. As far as pre-departure preparation, CIEE was extremely helpful and I don't think I could have navigated this on my own

CIEE was such an awesome program that provided a significant amount of support throughout the whole process. I was really overwhelmed by the visa process and they made it as simple as possible and walked me through every step I needed! They also connected me with such an awesome school in Thailand! I wish the program was a little less expensive but I don't feel like the price hasn't been worth it. I would recommend this program for people feeling overwhelmed by visas and finding schools because CIEE did a great job helping me with all of that!

Everyone should have a chance to travel the world & CIEE makes that easily possible. They help walk you through all of the necessary requirements & documentations! Just read their advice and follow the steps! It’s work, obviously, but they provide you with all of the information. They offer a great online course & have an in-person orientation with small group activities once you arrive. They’re really helpful & make sure to assist you as best they can.
Teaching has become a new passion of mine & my students are the weirdest but best kids!! They are so fun to be around & I love sharing our cultures!
CIEE connects you with some pretty crazy & amazing new friends from all over the world! I recommend this program to all of my friends & literally everyone!

CIEE have been absolutely exceptional in every way!

Before I applied with CIEE to Teach in Thailand, the staff (namely Shanice and Stephen) were very friendly and responsive! Both happy to answer an onslaught of questions with clarity and reassurance.

The pre-departure process was made seamless and the orientation in country was loads of fun! I could not have felt more prepared to live and teach here! I'm having a great time now and feel I can always contact CIEE for help if needed. :)

10/10

I have been here a month and love it! Both CIEE and OEG helped me so much with the difficult transition that comes with moving across the world. My coworkers are amazing and so welcoming! I also got to meet lots of people from my OEG program and get to travel and explore with them on weekends. There can be challenging days but I know that’s what makes me stronger. The food is absolutely delicious and the views are gorgeous! This is definitely the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m so glad I’m here!

I'm having a great time. I live in my own house. My neighbors are fellow teachers. Everyday we have a shirt walk to school to teach the most polite and well mannered high school students that I have ever met.

Outside the school the locals that I meet are all super polite and helpful towards me. The food that I get to eat like nothing I ever had before. It's all very exotic and tastes incredibly good, but sometimes the level of spice prevents me from really enjoying some of it.

I would highly recommend someone to coming to teach in Thailand. I have zero regrets.

In Pua district of Nan province, we are living in a much more remote and small town area compared to many of the other participants. I see videos and stories from friends in other areas and there is much more access to American food, busy city life, and public transportation. In Pua, there is little public transportation available and on the weekends, most people stay in their own houses and spend time with family. This makes for a more immersive experience, in my opinion. I am enjoying getting to know the locals and other foreign teachers who live here with their families.