Program Reviews

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.

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.

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.

In speaking with other auxes and comparing experiences, I feel as if CIEE gave me more pre-departure support than auxes in other programs received. The move to Madrid was definitely difficult, but I knew that CIEE was there to help me in whatever way I needed. Without them, I would have struggled/had to work harder to secure my Visa, in-country paperwork, roommates, and housing. I am so grateful I decided to participate in the CIEE program instead of other programs because it has made my transition much, much easier. On top of that, I love the school I was placed in and could not be happier with my in-school experience.

I’ve never lived abroad before, so coming with CIEE was the right step for me! There is a fee, but in my opinion, it’s worth the extra guidance and protection, especially as a first-time worker and resident in Spain. And I’ve made a ton of friends from the program through orientation which has been a foundational part of my experience here and, quite frankly, something my friends from other programs haven’t experienced to the extent I have. Whether you’re fresh out of college like me or looking to take a break from your career, I can’t recommend this program enough.

CIEE Teach in China is great for beginner teachers looking to promote fun in education. Most likely, the schools will not provide foreign teachers with a curriculum, therefore, teachers have full freedom in the types lessons they plan. It is expected that foreign teachers will engage in fun and interactive educational activities with the students rather than more formal teaching styles. Take this into consideration when deciding how much guidance you need/don't need to be successful, as all lessons will be at your discretion.

Your school contacts and other foreign teachers in the area will be your greatest support system. Find them fast and share the experience together. I also recommend learning a few Chinese phrases before arriving. As someone living outside of a major city, it was fairly navigable even without full understanding of the Chinese language, but knowing basic phrases will exponentially improve/increase your social interactions.

I was very nervous about going to Spain. There is a lot to do before you arrive but CIEE really does help you along the way. Every question I had was answered immediately. I received texts weekly reminding me of the task I should get done that week so I had everything ready for my VISA appointment at least a month before. I was expected to be more stressed out. I'm thankful there is a team of people there for us from the moment we decided to become an aux until the first day of school (and throughout the school year). I would suggest this program to anyone that wants a change in their life and doesn't want to do all the difficult parts of uplifting your life alone.

Receiving guidance from the beginning and step by step instructions made for a much less stressful process and more confidence to pursue the program. The in person orientation was helpful for a hands on experience and getting to meet other people who are in or have been in your exact shoes. Don’t let housing scare you - just be persistent. My school, teachers, and students are amazing. Be confident and use Spanish as much as you can, even if it’s scary. Try new things and don’t forget to get out of the city center at times.

Before completing this course, I was fully confident that I would be able to begin teaching with just my own prior knowledge. This course has taught me so many things that are specific to teaching English as a foreign language such as tips and ticks for the classroom, specific teaching methods and how to involve myself in the culture of the community I will be servicing. I think that anyone who will be teaching English to students that do not speak English needs to complete this course. A degree in education won't cover the things (at least not in as much detail) that this course dives into. Great course! Highly recommend!

The initial price tag threw me off a bit, but after doing the program, I'm glad that I did go with CIEE for its comprehensive assistance with learning how to work abroad legally. As someone who has never lived abroad, their comprehensive support through the Visa, legal, and other processes was very valuable. I also felt supported throughout the whole process. One thing to know is that there isn't as much support for being a language assistant itself. You get some, but if you haven't taught before (Also know: you ARENT A TEACHER through this program), you should do their TEFL program.