CIEE

I had a great experience with meeting new people and building connections/relationships with people who are residents of Ireland. At the start of my experience, I felt alone in spirituality in terms of being a Christian since no other Americans that were also studying abroad shared beliefs similar to me. However, my first weekend abroad I searched for a church and community and instantly fell in love with the first one I found. Dublin City Church who are located right next accommodation were extremely welcoming and friendly, and made me feel more connected back to home.

The experience I had with CIEE in Paris was so wonderful. Not only did they enhance my academic skill, but CIEE assisted in my career development. My unique perspective is that, while I was taking classes through the institution, I was also concurrently working at an internship, all set up by CIEE! My role was a Marketing Intern for a startup at Station F (the largest startup incubator in the world!) and it honed my marketing skills and taught me so much about the industry that I would not have known without working for a startup. CIEE just connected me with some of their partner companies, and all I had to do was interview! It was such a great experience, and I encourage anyone who studies abroad through CIEE to participate in their Internship Seminar program!!

My study abroad experience with CIEE in Paris was really unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, the CIEE staff were incredibly supportive, making the adjustment to a new city and culture so much smoother. They went above and beyond to ensure that every student felt comfortable and well-equipped to navigate Paris. Whether it was guidance on how to get around or insights into local customs, their support made a huge difference.

The classes were very engaging annd interactive. We got to explore different parts of Paris as part of the coursework. It wasn't just theoretical learning – we were out in the city, discovering new places and seeing what we were studying firsthand. This made everything we learned more impactful and memorable.

Another aspect I loved was the split-block format, which gives you the chance to study in three different locations within one semester. This adds such a dynamic element to the experience, allowing you to explore and immerse yourself in multiple cultures. On top of that, the other students in the program are incredibly welcoming and outgoing, which makes building friendships easy and fun.

When my parents paid all this money to send me to France for a summer, they were promised a French family that would integrate their student into French culture. They were also told about the academics and the excursions. Academics and the excursions were just fine. The homestay was not as advertised and not corrected.

Instead of getting a French family that was schooled in France and spoke French very well, we got an immigrant African family who’s French was very Accented, never bothered to do anything with the students living with them, not even sitting down at the dinner table and talking to them. However, the west African cuisine that was constantly served was tasty. What made matters worse, Is that the management in the United States said nothing was wrong with this arrangement. It was a dorm type arrangement not a family one. The redeeming feature here was that the apartment was centrally located.

As a further sign of neglect by the head of the program in Paris, one free concert was scheduled for the group in spite of they’re being close to 1000 options. The headquarters had no comment on this oversight. We suggested the program in Paris get new leadership.

Participating in the CIEE summer study abroad program in Shanghai was a transformative experience that significantly boosted my language skills and allowed me to form deep connections with the local community. Immersing myself in daily life and engaging with locals was invaluable, as it pushed me to practice Mandarin in real-world situations and provided a cultural context that classroom learning alone couldn't offer. From exchanging stories with shopkeepers to sharing meals with my host family, these interactions not only enhanced my language proficiency but also led to the establishment of a newfound community in a foreign country—a community that I now cherish.

In Shanghai, the city itself never ceased to amaze me. There was always something new to discover—whether it was hidden restaurants, vibrant street markets, expansive book stores, or quiet tea houses tucked away in the bustling metropolis. The recommendations from my teachers and host family were invaluable, leading me to experiences I might have otherwise missed. Whether I was navigating the city’s active downtown or exploring smaller neighborhoods, Shanghai offered endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, making my time there truly unforgettable.

I also took trips to Beijing and Nanjing, where I had the opportunity to witness China's rich history firsthand. Seeing the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the ancient capital of Nanjing was awe-inspiring, offering a tangible connection to the historical and cultural narratives I'd studied.

Overall, this trip has inspired strong confidence, not only in my Mandarin abilities but also in my ability to make connections and adapt to a new culture. This program has given me experiences and community that I will continue to cherish long after I return to the United States.