Going abroad in good hands - CIEE couldn't be more helpful!

While making the decision on whether or not to move Madrid, I was overwhelmed with an array of different emotions. Most stemmed from not knowing what things would be like when I arrived, or how exactly to even get there.
But from the moment I committed to teach abroad in Spain, the CIEE program has helped me every step of the way - with ample resources, how-to videos, guides, alumni advice, and e-mail and phone help.
Applying and obtaining a visa was immensely simplified with their guides; as was finding housing and dealing with legal obligations upon arrival.
But the most indispensable aspect of CIEE was the community it has given me. Of almost the hundeds of other Americans I have met here in Madrid, most of them have been CIEE participants as well. It makes it so easy to connect to others 'in my boat'. Every week I meet new auxiliares, and my group of friends is ever expanding. Moving to a city with over 3 million people is daunting in itself, but being able to see many familiar faces - from orientation or Facebook or mutual friends - makes it actually feel like home.
It is also great to have a network of people to reach out to for help. Within a massive Facebook group of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year auxiliares, it is impossible to not find a question to any issue you are facing here.
CIEE truly made this transition as easy as possible for me. It has allowed me to expand my horizons and grow in ways I surely would never have attempted to do on my own.