CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL Reviews

I have traveled overseas many, many times, but my three months living and teaching in Spain through CIEE was by far the richest, most memorable experience I have ever had in a foreign country. The family I resided with (mother, father, two sons) was so very welcoming. And they included me in all their activities. I actually felt like a family member. I believe there is no better way to learn a language and a culture. Then there was the high school where I taught English. To a person, every staff member, teacher and student was cooperative, understanding and courteous. No one ever made fun of my faulty Spanish. And lastly, all CIEE staff were unbelievably kind and supportive, from the time I applied to my arrival in Spain to my three month stay. There was always someone on call should I encounter a problem of any kind--which I never did! I would return to Spain via CIEE in a heartbeat (and I will!) Gracias a todos!

CIEE is a great option for those who have never taught/studied abroad before, those that don't speak Spanish, or those who do not have the time to invest in preparing everything on their own. The Auxiliar program is large enough and established enough that if you wanted to and you felt comfortable enough, you could navigate it on your own, but for those that are nervous, busy, or only speak English, the CIEE support and orientation is great! They give you guidance on finding housing, obtaining a visa, what to expect from your schools, among lots of other great information. (The program fee is quite expensive though, $1000 for what essentially amounts to just information and a few nights in a hotel for orientation, especially since you can't renew with CIEE for your subsequent years without paying another $500).

I had an amazing time in Madrid. My schools and fellow teachers were amazing, the vibes of the city are so fun, and I got to know incredible people from all over the world. I went in expecting to only stay for 6 months and I almost stayed another year because I was having such a good time.

For the Spring Semester of 2019, I taught English in Spain through CIEE and the first thing I want to say is that my experience was excellent! I enjoyed every minute of my first semester and actually reapplied to teach one more year. I was placed in Huelva, which is located in the south of Spain - Andalucia. I will be teaching one more year at the same school in Huelva. The support from CIEE from the very first step until the very last step was top notch! The team in Portland, especially Hilary, was also fast and informative. I wrote many blog posts for CIEE so I worked with her quite often and she was always pleasant and kind. For anyone interested in teaching abroad, I would highly recommend considering CIEE. It is a door-opening experience that anyone would enjoy!

My time in Madrid might be the most important period spent in my entire life. Professionally, culturally, and personally, I felt like I was challenged. Feeling myself mature everyday was so exciting. The instant gratification of progress and amazement, whether that feeling came from work, people I met in the city, co-workers, or the culture, was something that makes me want to continue throwing myself into similar situations in the future. I highly recommend working abroad to anybody with even the slightest curiosity of what's, "out there."

However...

Compensation from the program itself is only 1.5x to 2x the cost of rent in the city. Have a second source of income ready to go or at least $750/month saved up before you move to Madrid. This will allow you to eat out every now and then, travel, and find a nice place in the city center.

Teaching in Thailand was an awesome experience. It was scary at first immersing myself in a new culture but that was my main goal. You have to get a little uncomfortable to grow and that’s exactly what I did. I was placed in a rural area 3.5 hrs north of Bangkok and I couldn’t be happier. Being located where I was gave me the opportunity to get a real Thai experience. Unlike many other foreign teachers, I wasn’t traveling every weekend. I did occasionally travel on school holiday and what not but traveling every weekend seemed exhausting to me. Instead I go to know the locals, made friends with my co-teachers and even hung out with my students on the weekend.
The food is amazing in Thailand and so are the people. Most of the people I met were extremely friendly!

Spain is a relaxed, slow paced country and allows you to really get the chance to explore. Depending on the area you are placed, there is usually some English speakers, so if you are new to the language there is some relief in knowing you can communicate the basics. I recommend meeting locals and having language exchanges to really immerse yourself into the culture. Spain is a very cultural based country and has many amazing traditions, which I recommend taking part in. The program has Facebook groups so that you can meet others doing CIEE in your area/close by and has alumni providing info for the newcomers. Everything is fairly cheap, so it's easy to live on a low budget. And of course, you can't go wrong with the delicious wine and tapas!

My expereince in Santiago, Chile was amazing! I lived and taught English here for 10 months. Through all the great and challenging moments, it was so rewarding. I had so much support through CIEE while making this huge transition into living and teaching abroad. Even before arriving, CIEE provided information about the country and was so helpful with the visa process and any additional questions. While in country, I was always able to ask for help from my advisor and solve any problems. I learned so much about myself and what I am capable of! I also loved learning about the culture of Chile, as well as improving my Spanish language skills. I also got the chance to travel and explore this amazing country, which is something I´ve always dreamed about. The experience overall is unmatched! I hope you

I am currently participating in the CIEE Teach in Thailand Program. Coming to Thailand to teach is one of the best decisions I've made! It's an incredible opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, experience an entirely different culture, learn about yourself and the world, and make a positive impact. And you get to do it in such a beautiful country with the friendliest local people!

CIEE makes the process of teaching here so much easier than trying to do it on your own as they provide step by step guides and lists of everything you will need. They're also always willing to help, you just have to send them a quick email. There is an orientation when you arrive in Thailand to help you prepare for your journey as well as an opportunity to makes friends with others who will be teaching throughout the country. I cannot recommend this program enough!

I arrived in Thailand in May 2019 and was determined to overcome any differences and have a positive attitude. Looking back at that first month, I see that was the necessary attitude to have. Yes, things will be challenging at times. Overall, your perspective will open and your good energy will invite all sorts of fun to come your way. I have so many friends now from all over the world. I adore my co-workers from the US and Canada. We're a like-minded group and we have lots of fun together. I adore my Thai and Chinese co-workers too. Most of all, the students warm my heart. They are so gracious and kind. They treat me with respect and listen to my lessons. They're very smart too. I'm teaching what translates to junior high school in the US. Furthermore, I'm teaching science in an English Program at a public school in Central Thailand. We're close enough to go to Bangkok as a day trip and even closer to the marvelous old city of Ayutthaya. I value my time here because I know that I'll be sad to leave after my year is over, but look forward to a new adventure in Spain with CIEE. I am happy to have chosen CIEE because they set up everything for me. I was placed in a nice apartment that's next-door to my school. I had my visa and all documents handled. I had immediate support and training once I arrived in Thailand. CIEE even took us on fun excursions and threw us a great karaoke party. All of their staff members were helpful and polite. I recommend both CIEE and the deeply-historic nation of Thailand.

I could not be happier with this program, my placement, and all the support I have from my school and CIEE. Throughout the application and preparation process, CIEE has been extremely helpful from answering questions to reminding me about deadlines and also keeping me up to date with different events/holidays in Thailand. The school I was placed at is Banhanjamsaywittaya 3 School in Dan Chang, Suphanburi. It is a small town but with delicious food and friendly people. I appreciate the close community and laid back environment. My contract is beginning to wrap up and I am so grateful for this experience. I am beyond happy I chose this program through CIEE because of all the support they have provided. Not once have I felt uncomfortable or hesitant during my time here.