Program Reviews

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.

I think that orientation could have included a few things that weren't in the power points online, as I felt I already knew what was covered during orientation week because of them. But, I loved the orientation groups and leaders and thought the experience was absolutely worth it, and I loved all the help going through the visa application process. But I loved that CIEE put together a group of like minded people together, it made finding roomates and making friends so much easier and I haven't once felt alone since being here.

It has been such a pleasure working here in Madrid with my school. They have been nothing but amazing to me and cooperative, and I have been slowly immersing myself in the culture of Madrid. In the beginning, I was a bit nervous about how I would acclimate to the lifestyle here; however, this is not my first time in Europe for a long period of time. The first weeks coming into this program I was a bit nervous, but with the guidance of CIEE I was fitted with all the right tools to flourish in this beautiful city.

I wanted to use this program as a gap year between undergrad and medical school, and I am really glad that I did. This program has let me live in and explore Spain as well as the rest of Europe while I am here. While I don't want to be a teacher, I have really enjoyed the job so far. Being a teacher is a great way to make an impact on so many people's education, and this experience has taught me a lot about myself and what it means to be a teacher. Additionally, this entire experience has taught me so much, and I am excited since I am only half way through!

Overall, I'm very happy with the support I received from the CIEE staff during my move to Madrid. I encountered many challenges while completing the move, ranging from housing to socializing, and the staff were always there to lend me a hand and make me feel supported. I truly cannot thank them enough for all the support they gave me before, during, and after in-person orientation to ensure my transition to Madrid went as smoothly as possible. I highly recommend the program because of them and the support they give!

The CIEE program was such a comfort and support for me when making this life changing transition. It is still a comfort to me now, knowing they are there to support me with anything I need even though I am fully adjusted and settled in! They were very helpful with the Visa and TIE process. I would not have been able to do it without their guidance! Also being provided with both medical and travel insurance by the program was game changer. The insurance provider has English speakers to support you as well which gave me peace mind!

While you will pay a lot to do a CIEE program, you will receive the benefit of being helped with every step of the visa process and will have many resources to find support and advice for other things regarding your time abroad, both before, during, and after your move. Keep in mind the stipend you receive is extremely low and you should be sure to have a lot of savings before moving, and consider that you are not legally permitted to work another job besides doing tutoring. It is not emphasized when applying but I recommend a basic if not intermediate level of Spanish before going to Spain, as you will have an easier time teaching and interacting with staff, as well as finding housing and going about daily life.