CIEE: Design Your Own Semester Abroad

CIEE Open Campus program was something I've literally never heard of so when I found out I could live in 3 countries throughout one semester, I got excited! This program allowed me to meet so many incredible people and take classes that immersed me in my host culture while also giving me the freedom and encouragement to explore on my own. Each experience was so unique while I lived in Rome, London and Copenhagen for 6 weeks each.

I bet y'all are looking for some details though so here's some specifics. I attended this program in the spring of 2022, Covid was still pretty strict around Europe so parts of my program were a little different because of restrictions and rules. This sucked at times because we would have to get tested before every trip or excursion BUT CIEE handled this very well and we were still able to go on day trips through the program and attend fun events like pizza making in Rome or Hygge nights in Copenhagen!

I know traveling alone or committing to a study abroad program when you don't know anyone can be scary and I was a little nervous at first too but that's one thing I LOVED about CIEE. They are so hands on with meeting you at the airport, providing transportation to your housing, having people greet you at the study centers and having an orientation with important general information of your host country. All of this gave me so much peace while settling into each country and not having to worry about how I would get where in a foreign culture.

I can not recommend designing your own semester abroad enough! Why Wouldn't Ya?

p.s. I'm open to answering any specific questions anyone has whenever :)

Choosing to go abroad with CIEE was one of the best choices I have made for myself. Prior to arriving in Europe, I did not realize that CIEE would go above and beyond by organizing trips and events for us. Upon arrival in all three cities, CIEE staff greeted us at the airport and took us directly to our dorms which were all very nice; the dorms in Madrid were my favorite! All three cities took us on tours either the first or second day after arriving; this allowed us to really familiarize ourselves with the city. The CIEE staff was always so responsive and helpful, I could always rely on them if I had a question about the best restaurants to eat at or where to go see a doctor. They also did an amazing job at organizing trips that all students would like. Two of the trips that stood out to me was visiting Tivoli and a winery, both in/around Rome! Additionally, I loved the courses I was able to take and loved the fact that classes were three hours classes twice a week. This flexible schedule allowed my friends and I to travel and really make the most of our close proximity to other European countries.

Arriving in Cape Town for CIEE's "Fall Block I Open Campus," I was unsure what to expect. I felt ready to experience a new part of the continent (my family is from Kenya and I lived there for 10 years, but was born in the US) in a new light. After staying in an AirBnB the first night, I arrived in Rondebosch from an Uber across from the CIEE building. The first day there was great. Meeting everyone, from the staff to the other students excited me for the next 6 weeks. The first week was a learning curve with orientation and getting to know the 4 other roommates in my apartment. There were only 5 guys out of 18 in the program which is one thing I can say I was surprised about - but I suppose guys are less likely to do study abroad programs.

I took two classes, "Poverty, Development, & Human Rights," with the amazing Professor Nompilo, and, "Intercultural Communication and Leadership," with Akisha. Both courses were excellent, and all very discussion based. The only true busy weeks were week 3 and 5-6 as our midterm essays and finals commenced. Other than that, they were a good balance of work and experiential learning as we went out on excursions nearly every Thursday or Friday. It so happened that my classes were scheduled the same day, which was good and bad. The con was that it made for very long days with each class being three hours a piece with an hour or so in between, and the pro being the fact since classes were only on Monday and Wednesday, I had the ability to plan full day trips, events, and experiences without having to worry about coming back to CIEE on time for class. The other class offered, "Atlantic Crossings," I heard was excellent as well, with many saying it was one of the best classes they had ever taken during their time in college.

During our amazing study tour we embarked on to Muizenberg, Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope), Boulder Beach (African Penguins). Besides that, we also had numerous excursions to places such as Khayelitsha, Zeitz MOCAA, and others, and of course - we made sure to go out and have fun on our own. With the South African Rand trading in favor of the dollar (about 15.5 - 16 Rand = 1 USD during our time there), we were able to truly capitalize on all Cape Town had to offer. From Long Street to Sea Point, we visited many clubs, bars, and restaurants, with one of our staples being Stones in Observatory due to its laid back conversational nature. Personally, I was able to go skydiving with Skydive Cape Town (about $300 USD with the video/pictures - beyond worth it), visit the historic Robben Island, hike up Table Mountain via Skeleton Gorge (if you truly want to experience the mountain, this is the way - great day trip, but hard hike if you don't usually hike. There are easier routes like Platteklip) and Lion's Head, spend many days at the beach at Camp's Bay or Clifton, venture to Stellenbosch for an amazing full-day wine tour, and so much more. I did all of this and much more during six weeks, actually staying under budget.

Overall, I would do CIEE again if I could. It was so worth it. I made lifelong friends of whom I am already planning to meet up with early next year, was able to reconnect with myself in a way I didn't think I would, and was able to learn so much about a country that has been so successful but faced so much hardship. Even though I only did one block as I had to return to Seattle, I must say 6 weeks is just enough to fully immerse yourself in this amazing city and country. If you want to learn more about my personal experience, we sure to check out my 5 part VLOG series I made during my time there on my Youtube channel, Alfred Mugho - the link is below!

CIEE was wonderful to work with. They did the groundwork for me. They found my placement, my housing, and took care of the work permit, almost everything. I was a volunteer. I don't think they find your housing if you are paid. In CIEE's pre-departure class, I felt like I learned as much as I did in my entire 2-year teaching credential degree at the university. In addition, it was FUN. My Spanish improved so much and I made lots of friends!