I am currently finishing up my semester abroad in Amsterdam. I seriously cannot recommend a better location. This is based not only on the CIEE program, but the experience overall. I have met some of the best friends and I have started to experience real independence as a 21 year old. Abroad is able to push you in many ways, especially with the ability to travel freely and live in such a beautiful young city. Amsterdam is another home to me and I cannot wait to come back and visit again in the future.
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I traveled to Interlaken, Switzerland and I had the opportunity to paraglide throughout the mountains. I absolutely loved traveling to such an incredible country, but paragliding will go down as one of my favorite memories of abroad.
Studying abroad in Amsterdam is ideal for those who enjoy independence and an active lifestyle. The city is organized extremely efficiently and the biking lifestyle was perfect for me. My living accommodations were very comfortable and conveniently located which made it very easy to get anywhere in the city in less than 30 minutes. Amsterdam is a beautiful place and filled with motivated and creative people who march to the beat of their own drum. The academics kept me busy and motivated while also leaving time to explore the city and the country. I highly recommended this experience and I can say with near certainty that I will be returning to Amsterdam as soon as possible.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Hopping on the bike for the first time in Amsterdam can be very stressful. I was nervous that I'd be too confused to follow directions and that other bikers would get frustrated with me. I overcame this fear by first taking easier routes to get around and then slowly as my skills developed I tried more complicated routes in busier areas. I am so happy I was able to do this because it allowed me to see the city and the country in a totally different way. Not only is it the most efficient way to get around but it is also incredibly fun and keeps you active everyday. Now I feel very comfortable on my bike and I have even gone on long rides to other cities in the Netherlands which is such a lovely way to explore. If you come to Amsterdam, do not let the bikes scare you, the Dutchies do it for a reason!
The classes offered through the Ancient and Modern Japan program were incredibly fitting with the theme of the program and also incredibly fascinating. I really enjoyed learning the content of all the classes, although I particularly loved the history courses. Additionally, all of the chosen teachers were fantastic at helping ups learn their subject and facilitating debates and general classroom participation. I feel like I have made not only lasting connections with my fellow classmates, but also academic connections for letters of recommendation and the like with all of my teachers as well.
I had so much fun in Paris this past semester. I feel so lucky that I was able to go abroad and learn about a new culture. I learned so much about myself and gained new confidence in myself while going outside of my comfort zone. I met so many amazing people in my CIEE study abroad program that I can see myself remaining friends with for a very long time. I recommend going abroad to all college students, it is an amazing opportunity that I think anyone would benefit from. Plus Paris is beautiful!
I was nervous about going abroad, but it was the best choice I have made! Studying in Madrid was amazing. From the culture to the social life to the beauty, everything was awesome. CIEE did a great job of integrating the city and the culture into the classes, and I am so thankful I took the leap! From culture and cuisine to masters in Madrid museums, the classes I took used to city and experiential learning to help me make it feel like home. I could not recommend Madrid and studying abroad more :)
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I went to Rome during Holy Week and saw the pope’s Good Friday speech! And the parade! It was awesome
I had an amazing time during my study abroad program, I did classes through CIEE and through my home university in addition to doing a service learning project in block 2. The CIEE instructors for the academic classes were excellent and very well-qualified. I personally had an amazing placement for my service learning project, but I know some of my peers were not as happy because there were limited placement options and not everyone was matched well. Within the service learning project we were expected to complete 90 hours in 6 weeks which was difficult to obtain, but working with my supervisor made it possible.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
If you go to the street food market on Thursday nights there is an amazing array of street food from different countries to try, you're sure to find something you haven't tried yet.
Pros
Berlin's food culture
Being able to travel throughout Europe
Making connections within the community through volunteering
Cons
Trying to speak German without many learning opportunities outside of the CIEE class
In the freshman year program there aren't many classes you get to choose
I am so grateful to have participated in CIEE's Florence program this semester (spring 2024). Before coming abroad, I was very nervous about how I would adapt to life in Italy, but the staff and teachers from CIEE made the transition super manageable and a lot less scary. During orientation they showed us around and prepared us for what we would experience. Additionally, throughout the semester they were always available for advice or assistance. I think CIEE especially did a great job with extracurriculars and creating a community within the program. For example, my program offered us free group activities such as pasta making class, trips to Siena, Bologna and Luca, rafting on the Arno and so much more. These events not only allowed me to see Florence in different ways and through new experiences, but it also brought me closer together to people in my program.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate lampredotto which Florence is famous for! It is made from the cow's fourth stomach which really scared me at first but it was good!!
The past four months I have spent studying abroad in Madrid have been amazing. I have been able to travel to 10 countries and close to 20 different cities! The CIEE program allows you to have the freedom to travel and explore Europe. The staff is friendly and supports you through school work, outside activities, or any accommodations you may need. The school buildings are located in the center of the city which is a great way to get familiar with your new home base. The academic staff is very responsive and accommodating too.
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I went paragliding in Interlaken, Switzerland. I would have never thought I would or could do this before coming abroad. It was an amazing experience that I will always remember!
I loved my experience with CIEE. It was not very academically challenging which is what I was looking for to take advantage of travelling during my time here. Having class on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday was amazing. It allowed me to be able to explore Rome on Wednesdays or take a day trip and I was able to travel every weekend. The classes like Exploring Rome, Mythology, etc. where we took a lot of field trips were my favorite classes because I got to see more of Rome than I would have if I didn't take these classes. The professors are all very knowledgeable, and having someone take us through Rome's museums and other historical areas was very beneficial.
Pros
Class Schedule
Not challenging academically
Free activities organized by the program
Cons
Housing wasn't amazing. It was far from school and we had no living room.
The experience Japan was other worldly I have always wanted to go to Japan and the CIEE did a great job on organizing out of class trips and excursions that were super fun and exciting. They were able to help with travel expenses as well and they provided all the necessary things to helping keep a nice safe environment to live in. After staying here for 3 months I am happy that I chose this program as well as this country to stay in and I definitely would recommend this to other people who want to go abroad,
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Had some chicken hard liver and kidney, as well as some ox tongue and raw squid and shrimp.
