Program Reviews

Studying abroad in Seoul has been an insightful and unforgettable experience! There will be trials and tribulations but overcoming them has contributed a lot to my experience and I don't regret it.

So grateful to the CIEE and its incredible staff for organizing everything and giving students a smooth transition to academic life!

I would suggest buying your school supplies, water filters (you'll need one), and clothes here. I also recommend living in the SK Global dorm as opposed to Woojungwon.

Hello, my name is Alesandra Lopez. I came to Korea because I love reading manhwas and listening to k-pop. Little did I know how much there truly was do to in Korea. From the cafes to the markets. There’s always something to do, and it’s always fun. The classes depends on the professors. I will say Korean Language classes are really hard and are jam packed with studying. Plus the professors can’t speak English which makes it ten times harder. Other than that this experience was a 10/10, would do again!

Kyoto is arguably the best city you can be in. It has a major office for any business you could hope for hut is also an old city. Not only is the architecture old but the religion of ancient Japan shines through and the city is unique in culture and logistics like travel. Kyoto is the best city I could've ever visited and the classes I took only make it better. My study abroad was a dream come true and I would not have changed anything. These six weeks have been some of the best six weeks. Not only have i grown academically with some. Of the best teachers I've ever had but the connections I've made are long-term friends and I could not be happier.

I had an amazing time Seoul. One of the many reasons I enjoyed my trip was the gain of independence I got by traveling alone here. The city is safe and many people are kind. I was also able to enhance my Korean as many people are kind enough to let you practice and many people also know a little English to help you get by. I had peace walking neighborhoods without a plan or if I was in the area to get food and just walked around. I also have to eat mostly a plant based diet due to a disease I have and I thought “hmm Korea has many fried, meat based, and milk based foods…this will be hard.” But there are actually SO many vegan restaurants. Some fancy, and some with a really good price. And if you have a sweet tooth, there are many vegan desserts. My personal favorite is Veganique in sinchon.

I had a really amazing time during this program. CIEE seoulmate program was very helpful in making Korean friends and getting to know the area better. I definitely got out of my comfort zone and was able to become more confident and independent. Yonsei was a great school with a beautiful campus, but if you go during the summer definitely be ready for the heat and humidity! This is an experience I will be cherishing for a long time and was a great decision to explore and get to know my own culture and language more.

I was extremely nervous about embarking on this program, as it was my first time traveling to another continent and being away from my friends for such an extended period. The prospect of stepping into the unknown, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and environments, was daunting. Nevertheless, I saw this as an opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Upon my arrival in Spain, I realized I was completely on my own. I didn’t know a single person in the program, which heightened my anxiety but also motivated me to be proactive in making connections. The first few days were the hardest, filled with uncertainty and a sense of isolation. However, I was determined not to let these feelings hinder my experience. I understood that to make the most of this journey, I needed to step out of my shell and engage with others. To overcome my initial nervousness, I decided to adopt an open and friendly approach. I started conversations with everyone I met, from fellow students to local residents. This wasn’t easy at first, as I have always been a bit shy. But I knew that if I didn’t take the initiative, I would miss out on the chance to form meaningful relationships and fully immerse myself in the culture. Living in the dormitory was a significant factor in helping me build friendships. The communal living environment naturally encouraged interaction and bonding. I made it a point to introduce myself to my hallmates and participate in dorm activities. This proactive approach paid off, as I quickly found a group of people with whom I clicked. We began exploring the beautiful cities and landscapes of Spain together, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Our shared adventures included visiting iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, and the bustling streets of Madrid. We also took the time to immerse ourselves in local culture, attending flamenco shows, savoring tapas at local eateries, and participating in traditional festivals. Each experience brought us closer together and enriched our understanding of Spanish culture. One of the most rewarding aspects of this program was the diversity of the people I met. My new friends came from various backgrounds and parts of the world, each bringing their unique perspectives and stories. This diversity not only broadened my horizons but also taught me the value of embracing differences and finding common ground. Through our interactions, I developed a deeper appreciation for cultural exchange and the importance of global connections. The program also offered numerous opportunities for personal growth. Navigating a new country and adapting to a different lifestyle required resilience and flexibility. There were moments of homesickness and cultural misunderstandings, but each challenge taught me valuable lessons in patience and perseverance. By stepping out of my comfort zone and facing these obstacles head-on, I became more confident and self-reliant. In addition to personal growth, the academic aspect of the program was equally enriching. The courses I took provided me with a deeper understanding of Spanish history, language, and society. Engaging with local professors and students allowed me to gain insights that went beyond textbooks, offering a more nuanced perspective of the country. This academic experience complemented the cultural immersion, making my time in Spain both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the initial nervousness that prompted me to take this leap. The friendships I formed and the experiences I had were beyond anything I could have imagined. This program not only allowed me to explore a beautiful country but also helped me grow as an individual. It taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and being open to the unknown. As I return home, I carry with me not just memories of Spain but also a newfound confidence and a broader worldview that will continue to shape my future endeavors.

I participated in 3 sessions of CIEE’s Summer Barcelona Business + Culture program. I had an amazing time and it was a great opportunity to build new connections while exploring Europe! During my experience, I traveled to Paris, Ibiza, Tossa De Mar, and Costa Brava. The classes were the perfect combination of in-class and out of class learning opportunities. It took a range of classes including International Marketing, Economics of Wine, and Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility: From Theory to Practice.

I had an amazing experience with CIEE and staying with a host family. CIEE prioritizes making the city accessible to its students and providing activities to get them immersed in the culture. Class schedule was easy and allowed for plenty of time to do individual exploring on the weekends. We had 2/4 Fridays off which allowed for out of country travel to be much easier. Teacher was engaging and valued our time, he acknowledged that exploring the city was more important than having homework. I learned a lot from this course and loved having such a knowledgable teacher.

I had a lot of fun in this program. My class, covered a lot of the history of the city and allowed us to go and see the city first hand in guided groups. The day trips and planned activities were very engaging. Everyone in the program was super nice and made the month really enjoyable.

Homestay mom was kind and it was great staying with her. And the amount of freedom allowed us to visit a bunch of places. I really recommend if you want to enjoy some time in Spain.

To Do While Here:
Coasta Brava
Stiges
Go to the Clubs - personal fav was Razzmatazz
Visit the Museums - they are fun and also have AC :P

The first few days in a new country by yourself are rough. You’re jet lagged, overwhelmed, and trying to remember all the new, important information you need to know about living abroad. CIEE did a very good job helping us get slowly acclimated to Copenhagen in a way that wasn’t too overwhelming, but I still felt like I could dive right into what the city had to offer. They were very organized and professional during the orientation period, and they gave us lots of people we could talk to if we were feeling like a fish out of water.