CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Kasandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spain 2024!

CIEE is the best program I have been involved with ! I wanted to move out of the country and I saw this was the #1 way people do it. I have never taught before but I knew I wanted to work with Children and live across the world somewhere. CIEE was very helpful especially the first week. I still reach out to my orientation leader with questions and I’ve been here for 3 months already! They provide support and step by step instructions for all your important documents making the move less stressful!

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was the first day my roommate and I moved into our apartment. We couldn’t figure out how to unlock the door with all the deadbolts so we gave up and came back the next day to try again 🤣 in total it took us about 45 minutes to figure it out and it’s a joke between us now!
Pros
  • Learning some Spanish
  • Getting to travel to other countries
  • Working with children
Cons
  • Occasionally I get homesick
  • I’m a picky eater so it’s hard to find food I REALLY like
  • Building your community is scary when you don’t really know the language
Default avatar
Kate
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Just Do It

I'm currently in my gap year after University and couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my time. Every day, I am discovering something new about Thai culture and becoming a better version of myself. No, it is not always easy, but that's part of the experience. Everyone on this program will have a different story- there are so many differences between schools, provinces, and student populations that I couldn't even begin to try and explain to you what to expect. You just have to go into this program with an open mind and heart. The orientation from CIEE was extremely helpful from an informational standpoint, but also for the social aspect. Meeting people before starting work was a great way to transition and I would recommend it to anyone!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be confident and be yourself, but remember to be respectful of the local culture and don't worry if things don't go as you expect. Mai pen rai!
Pros
  • Great communication
  • Helpful Orientation
  • Once in a lifetime experience
Cons
  • Takes a certain type of person to embrace this experience, its not for everyone and that is okay!
  • Hard for vegans / food allergies
  • Not many vacation days from school- remember you are here to teach!!
Default avatar
Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

All I ever wanted

I cannot begin to explain how happy I am with the "Spain Volunteer" program. From the beginning, my host mom and the family were welcoming and kind. All the staff at the school I was placed at were also the same. I was given a lot of support from my school and family throughout this whole journey. The students were always eager to learn and were excited to have me in their classes. I have been able to explore so many sights and cities with my host family and also have had the opportunity to go out on my own to other countries. I would do this program over and over again.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice for others is to immerse yourself as much as you can and do not be afraid to advocate for yourself whether to your family, school, or program coordinators.
Pros
  • Improvement of Spanish proficiency
  • Sight seeing
  • Host Family
Cons
  • Language barriers
Default avatar
Nevaeh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Teach Abroad Program

I would highly recommend the CIEE teaching abroad program. The process has been simple and the staff is extremely helpful. Understanding each component of living abroad can be daunting but the program provided step-by-step guides for paperwork, applications, etc. In other ways, this program has connected me with people from all over the world and I continue to become more culturally aware with each passing day. I am grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been provided with and I look forward to what is to come. I am excited to continue this journey, deepen my understanding of the culture, and eat more amazing food!

What was your funniest moment?
When teaching a kindergarten class, the kids were learning colors and autumn words at the same time. After reviewing the autumn vocabulary (which included words like pumpkin, pinecone, leaf, etc.) we moved on to colors. With confidence a boy thought the color pink was called pinecone! It was a very funny moment and one I’ll remember forever. It shed light on the impact teaching has on young minds as well as making things feel just more light hearted in general. On tough or overwhelming days it’s nice to think/remember that they are just kids trying to learn.
Pros
  • Cultural awareness
  • Meeting new people
  • Impacting students lives
Cons
  • Language barrier is difficult sometimes
  • Public transportation can be late or early
  • Finding housing was really stressful
Default avatar
Lillian
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE review

I had a great time with CIEE teach abroad. From the beginning they guided me through the VISA process, and everything leading up to moving abroad. The only thing I will say is from the information I was given by CIEE I was expecting housing to be less expensive. I can’t complain about my situation because I am very grateful for how it worked out but I think some of the data they use is a bit outdated. Overall the program was excellent for foster community during the transition and it felt like someone had my back if I found my self in a pickle.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Pack less!! And bring more clothes for all seasons.
Pros
  • Community
  • Guidance
Cons
  • Some inaccurate information
Default avatar
Priscilla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommend!

CIEE sets up participants for success! They offer various programs and have experts within all areas to guide you with whatever you may need. I am teaching English in Spain and have had a wonderful experience with CIEE. Before coming I got TEFL certified which has allowed me to be more supportive within the classroom. I do believe going to location of your desire for the first time to teach English should be through CIEE, they help and tell you how to go through the government processes which other programs do not. They help you get settled in with as much information as possible. They offer extensive support through the time you are abroad which is also something other programs may not have.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Having difficulties with my school placement.
Pros
  • Got out of my comfort zone.
  • Advocated for myself.
  • Had tons of support from CIEE to navigate my options
Cons
  • Scary
  • Unfamiliar
  • Unsure how to navigate my experience
Default avatar
Kelly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Teach in Thailand

CIEE and the program OEG are super supportive, with just the right amount of guidance. The orientation was fun, and the set up with a place to live, a school, and contacts before departure, was great. The visa support was crucial, and they continue to support you to help you with visa renewal three months into your program. They also make it easy to extend your teaching contract, and set you up with very nice schools. Roi Et is a charming if small city, with a great school. Highly recommend for someone interested in teaching abroad, especially in Thailand. This is not my first time using CIEE, I also studied abroad with them in college, when I went to Hyderabad, India, and loved my experience.

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe another day of sightseeing at orientation! Would love to see more of Bangkok.
Default avatar
Anjali
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Teach In Thailand Program

I had an amazing experience with CIEE, and I can’t recommend them enough! Everyone in the program was incredibly supportive, especially Ashley, who was there for me every step of the way. From the application process to settling into my placement, the guidance I received was outstanding.

The best part of my experience is my school placement. I’ve worked at two other schools as part of internships during my degree, but this school, as an official employed teacher, has been the best by far. The environment, support, and overall experience have been unmatched.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to make the most of your time by going out and experiencing the country, even if you have to do it solo. Don’t let the fear of being alone stop you from exploring—you’ll discover amazing places and create unforgettable memories. Whether it’s trying local food, visiting cultural sites, or just walking through a new neighborhood, stepping outside your comfort zone will make your experience so much better.
Pros
  • Exceptional support
  • Placement preference flexibility
  • Cultural immersion
Cons
  • Extensive paperwork
  • Initial adjustment period from the move
  • Potential budgeting challenges
Default avatar
John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Support for your adventure abroad

Ashley and the CIEE team were great! They are always accessible and prepared for any question regarding moving abroad. I am genuinely so grateful for CIEE and their help on coming to Teach Abroad in Thailand. If you are on the fence, take my advice as someone who was also on the fence- do it! Teach abroad with CIEE- they will make the process easier and as stress free as possible. From pre-departure advice and information to in-country support once arriving, this program is definitely the way to go when considering teaching abroad.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Embrace the culture
Default avatar
Casey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Don’t be hesitant. Just do it!

I have been wanting to teach abroad for a very long time. And finally went through with it this year and I’m so happy that I did. Especially going through a program like CIEE. It was such a smooth process that truly makes a difference when you move your entire life abroad. They handled it all and I just had to pack my bags. I am very happy with my decision and if you’re questioning what program or agency to go with this is you sign to go with CIEE. I have nothing bad to say about CIEE and will always be grateful I went with them.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Give it time. It’s overwhelming the first week as everything is new and different. But once you’re in a routine and get to know your coworkers, students and community you’ll be much more comfortable.
Pros
  • Orientation in Bangkok
  • Communication