CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL Reviews

Before going to teach with CIEE in Spain, I was on the fence about whether I wanted to get TEFL certified or not. Really glad I did as I had no teaching experience and I arrived to Spain way more prepared than I would have without it. The course touches on areas of teaching your own language I wouldn't have even thought about. I'd recommend taking thorough notes as I ended up using a lot of what I learned throughout my year teaching English in Madrid. I not only was able to charge more for tutoring classes while teaching abroad, I also made a friend through my class.

If you're on the fence like I was, do it!

I had such an incredible experience teaching English in a high school in Madrid. Through CIEE, I was able to make friends right when I arrived through orientation. If I hadn't have had orientation I don't think it would have been as easy to meet fellow Americans -- definitely a perk of using them over going through the government program. They also helped a lot with the visa process, setting up a bank account, setting up cell phone service which was all super helpful. The information about public transportation card and residence card was also a huge perk you don't get going through the government program.

I was placed in a high school and had a 1 hour commute which was pretty typical for teaching in Madrid. A perfect time to listen to podcasts or practice your Spanish! I was lucky that my school was very lenient with travel plans and allowed me to take a couple days when family was visiting etc. Some of my friends weren't as lucky. I 100% recommend using CIEE!

The staff and support received from CIEE has been nothing short of outstanding. My preferences were noted and fulfilled upon completion of my application. This experience for me was about learning the genuine ways of the Thai culture and exploring the country's hidden gems. Those seeking a true immersion of the culture will be more than satisfied if they chose to partner with CIEE. The CIEE organization has a vast network of professionals in Thailand that allow teachers to experience personal and professional growth in a variety of Thai communities.

An example of the outstanding professional service offered by CIEE was during the week long orientation seminar. The CIEE staff provided different activities that made an easier transition into the Thai culture, including opportunities to learn and practice common Thia language phrases, explaining the Thai hierarchy structure, and bringing in Thia natives to show traditional customs (dancing, cooking, muay thai, etc.)

Additionally, CIEE brought in former English teachers to help enhance teaching abilities and explain how a Thai classroom/school operates. My group was fortunate to be mentored by Mike, a veteran English teacher of Thailand for 10 years. Mike explained different situations that had occurred in the classroom during his time teaching. He also gave many recommendations/advice on topics from structuring lesson plans to classroom management. This was very helpful advice for a first time teacher, such as myself.

I give my full recommendation to the CIEE organization and appreciate their help and professionalism.

Not an experience to be classed as 'run-of-the-mill', ordinary or 'same old same old' kind of experience!
Coming to teach in a foreign country with just about everything different and 'new', and sometimes a bit confusing compared to what one has been used to for many years of your life is certainly a challenge, and a boot kicking one out of your comfort zone!!
But boring, mundane, senseless or dull it has NOT been for one minute.
So, why did I take on a challenge like this? To give my soul the opportunity to grow and expand, to kind of test my own 'resilience' and 'survival strength,' to LEARN - about new, different, interesting, stimulating, alarming, amazing!! To learn to be more flexible, open-minded and compassionate. To taste new tastes, see new sights, hear new sounds!
To be able to get this opportunity whilst having the backing and support of a team of really well-meaning, experienced people like those at CIEE and OEG is simply something you should do at least once in your life if it is at all possible for you! Obviously, you need to have an enquiring mind, eager-to-learn-and -experience strange and new - attitude, and a fairly adventurous spirit!
If you do, and this sounds like something you've always wanted to do, then don't hesitate! Apply now!! Contact CIEE and OEG and get the ball rolling. It's a lots of fun, and well worth the 'risk' and effort!!

I thought CIEE has done a great job with this program. Kerry Has been especially helpful in making things happen and answering all of my questions.

I will say, everybody has a very different experience and a lot of that has to do with your placement. I am in a very small town with not much to do and an hour away from the closest city. That said, I don't think I would trade anyone for my spot. I save so much money living where I do. I love my school and the other teachers there have been so helpful and welcoming. As for traveling, I take full advantage of my long weekends for going around Thailand (I just got back from an awesome long weekend in Chiang Mai), and spend the shorter weekends traveling places a little closer to home.

Also, while my main reason for coming here is to travel. You do have a job. It's not terribly, but the school does rely on you, so you do have to show up, lesson plan, and get those kids speaking English. I only have 20 active teaching hours, but I do use the other 20 I'm at school for lesson planning (and often when I need a break from that - planning for future trips). I do think that sometimes people come here on these programs and forget that they are here to do a job - and this job does take priority.

By no means is getting up to live and work in another country an easy thing to do, but thanks to CIEE, moving to Thailand has been the best experience of my life thus far! CIEE provides all of the necessary information and guidance to make the process as simple and painless as possible! From the multi-day orientation to the 24/7 assistance whilst abroad, there is no question that CIEE was the best program choice for me!

In my opinion, it should be noted that the CIEE/OEG staff truly does an exceptional job of making sure all participants feel confident and comfortable with their move abroad. Whether it be a question about applying for a visa or pre-departure queries, a staff member is always willing to assist, support, and offer a helping hand.

I am very satisfied with my experience teaching abroad through CIEE. The program helped with everything from the TEFL course, obtaining a visa, employment, airport pick up, housing for the first couple weeks, Chilean ID, health insurance - basically all of the bureaucracy and logistical stuff that does not come naturally to me and really stresses me out!

I have never taken an online course and I was hesitant about it at first but CIEE does a really good job of covering everything you might need to feel confident in your first English teaching experience. The tutor was very responsive and supportive, and the course provides you with access to many helpful and up to date resources.

They were even super understanding and helpful when I had issues with my TEFL course and obtaining my visa.

I love CIEE! They were flexible with me throughout the entire process and incredibly helpful with pre-departure tasks and anxieties. I am conducting research on women's soccer here in Chile and they were great about catering the program to my needs. They communicated and responded within hours or days. I am an organized person and I am not sure if I could have maneuvered all of the logistics without CIEE. Originally I planned to move abroad without a program but maneuvering the job market in a foreign country and a foreign language, getting a visa, not having an emergency contact, getting health insurance, getting travel insurance, all ended up being too much and CIEE swooped in and saved the day!

With that said, I did not find TEFL very interesting. It felt very tedious with a lot of unnecessary busy work. I felt it was overpriced and the gist of the material could be covered in half the hours necessary.

I must say I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Chile and CIEE has been extremely helpful in all situations. CIEE gives you the assistance needed to help succeed in both your job and daily life. They provide you with a TEFL course if you don't have your certificate and are very supportive throughout the entire visa process (which can be a real pain). When you get down to Chile, there is a week of orientation that is very valuable. You learn about Chilean culture, see some of the city, and go over what it's like to teach at DUOC. However, CIEE is not there to hold your hand through every small step of your process. I appreciated that and know that if I ever did have a problem, CIEE was there to help. Santiago is a wonderful city with tons to do and see. While CIEE doesn't place you in a home/apartment, they do give you the tools you need to find one that fits your lifestyle. Like I previously mentioned, CIEE is never overbearing but do reach out from time to time to ensure all is well and that there aren't any issues. Finally, they provide insuranace which was cruical to me. All in all, I'd suggest this program to anyone interested in teaching abroad!

This such a great experience! I am currently in Santiago, Chile, and it is a unique, fun, learning adventure! From the beginning of the experience, I have recieved so much support from CIEE. Before leaving, Katy helped answer any of my questions and was able to calm my impatience and help with my visa needs. While in Chile, my CIEE advisor, Camila, is an awesome resource. She was so helpful during the first week orientation, setting up times to get our visas, helping find housing, answering any questions through Whatsapp or email, and meeting with us individually to better understand our unique experiences here. While living abroad has many expected challenges, CIEE has done their part to make the transition as smooth and painless as possible!