While you will pay a lot to do a CIEE program, you will receive the benefit of being helped with every step of the visa process and will have many resources to find support and advice for other things regarding your time abroad, both before, during, and after your move. Keep in mind the stipend you receive is extremely low and you should be sure to have a lot of savings before moving, and consider that you are not legally permitted to work another job besides doing tutoring. It is not emphasized when applying but I recommend a basic if not intermediate level of Spanish before going to Spain, as you will have an easier time teaching and interacting with staff, as well as finding housing and going about daily life.

This program provides a great opportunity to live in a new city. Madrid is very easy to navigate with the public transport systems. Housing is challenging to find, but there are many great neighborhoods to choose from. It is easy to travel from Madrid to other Europe cities via cheap flights and trains. Teaching has allowed me to learn more about Spanish culture and customs. When talking with my fellow teachers, I can practice speaking Spanish and work on expanding my vocabulary. I would recommend this experience to adventurous recent graduates interested in learning a new language, living in a new city, and meeting new people.

CIEE is the best program I have been involved with ! I wanted to move out of the country and I saw this was the #1 way people do it. I have never taught before but I knew I wanted to work with Children and live across the world somewhere. CIEE was very helpful especially the first week. I still reach out to my orientation leader with questions and I’ve been here for 3 months already! They provide support and step by step instructions for all your important documents making the move less stressful!

I would highly recommend the CIEE teaching abroad program. The process has been simple and the staff is extremely helpful. Understanding each component of living abroad can be daunting but the program provided step-by-step guides for paperwork, applications, etc. In other ways, this program has connected me with people from all over the world and I continue to become more culturally aware with each passing day. I am grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been provided with and I look forward to what is to come. I am excited to continue this journey, deepen my understanding of the culture, and eat more amazing food!

I had a great time with CIEE teach abroad. From the beginning they guided me through the VISA process, and everything leading up to moving abroad. The only thing I will say is from the information I was given by CIEE I was expecting housing to be less expensive. I can’t complain about my situation because I am very grateful for how it worked out but I think some of the data they use is a bit outdated. Overall the program was excellent for foster community during the transition and it felt like someone had my back if I found my self in a pickle.

CIEE sets up participants for success! They offer various programs and have experts within all areas to guide you with whatever you may need. I am teaching English in Spain and have had a wonderful experience with CIEE. Before coming I got TEFL certified which has allowed me to be more supportive within the classroom. I do believe going to location of your desire for the first time to teach English should be through CIEE, they help and tell you how to go through the government processes which other programs do not. They help you get settled in with as much information as possible. They offer extensive support through the time you are abroad which is also something other programs may not have.

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.