CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL Reviews

The CIEE program provided a full package for me to teach in South Korea. At the beginning, they did a great job of getting me excited and reassuring they would help me though the entire process, which they definitely did. After ever step of the way they prepared me well to take on the next step making sure to waste none of my time. When there were waiting periods such as waiting for documents or waiting for an interview, they provided me with a crash course to work on at my own pace. The good thing about this course was that I was able to see comments and discussions with other teachers just like me. It was reassuring to have some of the same questions and concerns as others but it was also helpful to learn new ideas and prepare myself for obstacles I wouldn't have previously considered. Not only was CIEE there for me when I got off the plane in South Korea, but they were there weeks after. They held a weekend for the new teachers a couple weeks after my arrival. This was a great chance to meet some English speaking teachers as well as voice some concerns about teaching and life in Korea. It was helpful to tackle these issues together and reassuring to know there were people in the country who could help me with anything. I have many CIEE contacts in Korea that I know I can contact and get help whenever I need it. This is something that you might not get with every program. CIEE was a great choice for me and I am happy to have made this great life transition with their help.

I've been in Korea for almost a year and a half and can truly say it's one of the best experiences I've had thus far. CIEE helped me every step of the way and I haven't had any serious hiccups with my school or environment during this time which speaks volumes. Coming from a small town with no exposure to any Korean culture or cuisine, I adapted well knowing CIEE and the staff of my school had my back during this transition. I've grown so used to the lifestyle that I would recommend any adventurous individual to immerse themselves in what this country and it's people has to offer.

My area is perfectly suited to my personality with the quiet, somewhat suburban area with various restaurants, malls and parks to keep yourself occupied during the day with the ease of catching a 30min bus ride to get to Seoul whenever I want to meet up with friends in other areas. Although there is always the feeling of blindingly choosing an organisation and hoping for the best, I feel CIEE was the best option providing me with all the necessary tools and information to ease the preparation of such a great decision to work and live abroad. No complaints and the orientations are very informative with a lot of useful information pertaining to stores, products and online apps to name e few of making the process as easy as possible.

I have nothing but good things to say about CIEE Teach in Korea! This is a good program for any prospective ESL teacher who is interested in teaching in Korea. CIEE helps you all the way through (there is a lot of paperwork) to make it easier for you. The in-country support is second to none, and their locations are some of the best that I have seen. They will pick you up from the airport, and help you get to your location. Brad and Yumi are super friendly and always available if you have any questions. When you begin a new adventure in a different country, it's natural to have a lot of questions, but they are there to help you every step of the way. Korea itself is a wonderful and beautiful country and culture, rich with history, culture, and amazing food to eat. I would highly recommend it!

My time teaching in Thailand has been one of the best experiences of my life! I was located in the small province of Phrae approximately 4 hours southeast of Chiang Mai. I was able to meet new friends in my town, find my love for all things teaching and travel to places that I had only dreamed of in the past. Phrae has become my home away from home.

CIEE and OEG are so supportive and ready to help with whatever comes your way. From beginning my application to the end of my school year they were always there offering advice and help along the way.

This program is unique in that it gives you a chance to see new places but build lifelong relationships with the people that live there. This is not simply an opportunity to travel, it is a relationship and experience builder that you will never regret. Take the leap, everything comes along the way. You will find strength you didn’t even know you had. I fell in love with the country and its wonderful people and have found the opportunity to work full time here. Thank you CIEE and OEG!

I decided to teach in Thailand with CIEE because I wanted to travel and immerse myself in a new culture while still pursuing my passion for education. It was not an easy choice to make, but leaving my teaching job at home for this experience was the best decision of my life! At orientation, I met amazing new friends who are now my travel buddies. We teach on the weekdays and travel to new places on the weekends. Thailand has so much to offer: beautiful beaches, delicious food, scenic mountains, and smiling people. Every day is a new adventure!

CIEE supports you throughout the entire program and provides travel insurance. They also provide housing which is so nice!! Orientation was so informative and everyone was so friendly. If you encounter any issues at your school you can count on CIEE to help you with communication barriers and misunderstandings! I highly recommend this program.

I've spoken at length with Katy, the program coordinator in the US, about some things I would have liked to know before coming, so I won't discuss that here.
My trip here was long but the stress of it all was minimal: I learned, months before my flight, that I could rely on CIEE if I needed anything. I've thoroughly enjoyed my private school so far. I can't speak for those working in public schools, but my job hasn't been too easy—we work hard, as most people in Korea do. That being said, it's been extremely rewarding. Kindergarten and elementary teaching was never something I thought I wanted to do, but I was so, so wrong. They're a handful, sure, but these kids brighten my every day. I'm so, so happy to say that I really mean that. No BS.
I can also safely say that CIEE's Korea coordinators (Brad and Yumi) have been incredibly helpful throughout the process—from helping me find a school that was right for me, to assisting with any concerns I had once I arrived. Uprooting, especially to move to another country, is incredibly scary... but CIEE was there to help every step of the way. I can't recommend this provider enough.

I came to Korea to test run being a teacher. I’ve always loved kids, and loved working with kids as for the most part it’s all I’ve ever done. When I leave Korea, I’m not going to be returning to the states to be a teacher. But that makes it sound like my experience here has been negative, and it’s been the opposite of such. This experience has been and continues to be the best thing I’ve ever done with my life. It’s not easy teaching English to young students, but it’s extraordinarily rewarding. After my time here is up (one year and counting) I’m going to leave here with an entirely different outlook on life, work, travel and so much more. I can’t recommend an experience like this enough.

Oh, and the food is to die for here.

I have been in Korea for 3 months and i was placed in a small city (Bongdam) near Suwon. So far, i absolutely love my area- i was easily able to join a gym within walking distance and i can get to Suwon train station in about 20 mins by bus.

Shortly after we arrived in Korea, my fellow teacher and i had a small issue with our employer and CIEE was immediately offering to help us, which they did. Since then i have been enjoying my job at a local academy working with kids that are ages 5-15.

I am so glad that i made the decision to try teaching abroad here, it is such a rewarding experience and i also love being able to explore a new culture that i have never seen before. CIEE made this a much easier prices than i could've done by struggling to find a job and an apartment by myself. I greatly appreciate the CIEE program and i would definitely recommend that you try using them! They're awesome :)

I first started to work with CIEE when I study abroad during university, so choosing them for my teacher abroad experience was pretty simple. But, I have been amazed at how much CIEE has been a valuable resource for me since I first came to Korea in 2018. I have made many great friends through CIEE orientations and End of the Year parties. CIEE is a great community that encourages all its teachers to stay connected throughout Korea after their initial orientations. My experience would not be the same without having gone through CIEE because of their overall commitment to the wellbeing of its teachers abroad. I have been able to travel to different cities, festivals, and countries with friends that I've met at CIEE orientations. It can be overwhelming coming to a complete new country without knowing anyone at all and CIEE does an excellent job of supporting the teachers here.

One day I got tired of working my regular 9-5 job. My job had good benefits with great pay but I needed a change. I had got in touch with CIEE and spoke with some amazing staff. They answered all my questions. After speaking to them I knew teaching abroad was a risk I was willing to take.They have been very helpful and kind. I was able to meet new life time friends through training and gathering that CIEE held. CIEE provided staff in and out of country that are available to help whenever needed. Korea is a beautiful country that is full. I came with a plan to do only one year. I been here 15 months and counting. I was lucky to have a chance to work at a public and private school. I absolutely love South Korea. I am so happy that I chose Korea. I am truly grateful for the staff of CIEE.