Would go back in a heartbeat!

I had such an incredible experience teaching English in a high school in Madrid. Through CIEE, I was able to make friends right when I arrived through orientation. If I hadn't have had orientation I don't think it would have been as easy to meet fellow Americans -- definitely a perk of using them over going through the government program. They also helped a lot with the visa process, setting up a bank account, setting up cell phone service which was all super helpful. The information about public transportation card and residence card was also a huge perk you don't get going through the government program.

I was placed in a high school and had a 1 hour commute which was pretty typical for teaching in Madrid. A perfect time to listen to podcasts or practice your Spanish! I was lucky that my school was very lenient with travel plans and allowed me to take a couple days when family was visiting etc. Some of my friends weren't as lucky. I 100% recommend using CIEE!