I could not recommend this study abroad experience more!! I was nervous to be so far from home, but the culture of Sydney and CIEE was beyond welcoming. I had such a fun time exploring the city during the day, and there was lots to do at night! Although Australia is mainly English-speaking, I felt immersed in an entirely different culture! From seeing the native wildlife, experiencing the Great Barrier Reef, and hiking the mountains of Tasmania, I got to experience so many new things. You can't beat Sydney for a study abroad location - it really has it all from beach to hiking, fun nightlife and a rich cafe scene!
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would stay in Sydney for longer!!! My 6 weeks here flew by, and it was hard to say goodbye to the fulfilling lifestyle here.
I think this experience was very unique and surprised me. I did not know what to expect from Santiago as a city but was pleasantly surprised. I thought that the program staff were amazing, they met every need of all the students and truly focused on our wellbeing. The program-led activities were so engaging, informative and adventure based. I felt that they provided a comprehensive view of Chile. The accommodations were less than expected. There was a great need for upkeep and maintaining the cleanliness. When I discussed this with the program coordinators, they were very receptive and actively worked to improve the situation. The safety was not the best, but again I felt that the program did their best to keep us safe. This was shown with the 24 hour emergency phone number and extensive orientation.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I think the most unfamiliar thing I ate was Curanto/Pulmay. This is a traditional Chilean dish consisting of seafood, broth, and meat. I was so curious about the flavors in this dish. We ate it in a food market which was also an unfamiliar experience for me.
Pros
Seeing a lot of a new place within a short amount of time.
I loved being in Santiago!! The support system that CIEE provided was amazing, and I felt like if anything happened to me abroad I would know where to go. The home stay experience was epic, and I got to know my family super well while improving my Spanish. I wanted to have both a broad cultural experience and one filled with travel and the outdoors, which Santiago was perfect for. CIEE was really helpful in planning trips and taking us on excursions that felt beneficial in gaining cultural knowledge and having an exciting adventure.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I came to Santiago alone which was pretty scary. I wasn’t sure who I would meet, where I would live, or really anything about Chile. I was instantly eased once I got here and met my awesome host family and cool new people who were so welcoming wether they had come alone or not.
Studying abroad in Sydney with CIEE is an incredible blend of academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure. The city’s breathtaking landscapes, from Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains, provide endless opportunities for exploration, while iconic sites like Sydney Harbour and Cockatoo Island offer both beauty and history. Academically, CIEE’s courses make learning engaging and hands-on—whether diving into the science and history of brewing or examining urban sustainability through real-world case studies. Beyond the classroom, co-curricular activities like a brewery tour introduce students to Sydney’s thriving craft beer scene, while trips to Cockatoo Island uncover the city’s layered past. With stunning scenery, dynamic courses, and immersive experiences, CIEE’s Sydney program is the perfect choice for students seeking both education and adventure.
Scotland was an incredible once in a lifetime experience. We got fully immersed in the culture there through classes and extracurricular events, and we had enough time to explore for ourselves as well! Our professor was very intelligent and engaging the entirety of the teaching and we got to experience Gaelic singing, fiddle playing, discussions on the musical landscape and history, and more!
Staying mainly in Glasgow, a UNESCO city of music, music was everywhere. The Scottish traditional music made you want to dance, the people in Glasgow were kind, and the culture is sure to enthrall anyone!
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Riding the subway there. It was so jolty. I have never ridden one before and it was easier to navigate than the train station, but I wouldn’t have made it there without my group! They were a huge help as I’m not a city person!
I had an amazing experience with CIEE the past few weeks, I highly recommend it. The program was very organized, I knew exactly what I was getting myself into before I left. Communication was great both before departure and once we were in Dublin. The excursions that were planned were both fun and educational and helped further the learning we were doing in class, like all the museums and the day trip to Belfast where we learned more about the Troubles. It was also great that we had our weekends free to do whatever travelling or sightseeing we wanted to do.
What was your funniest moment?
Every time our professor mentioned a leprechaun key ring from Carrol's Gift Shop
My three-week trip to Sydney through CIEE was an unforgettable, life-changing experience that I cannot recommend enough. The housing at Mascot Iglu was fantastic—each student had a private room in a safe, modern building with excellent amenities, including a gym. Its central location made exploring Sydney easy, thanks to the city's efficient transportation system. The program even provided an Opal card preloaded with funds to help you get started navigating the city like a local.
The co-curricular trips were a highlight of the program, as everything was planned for us, eliminating the stress of organizing our own activities. From hiking the breathtaking Blue Mountains to getting up close with Australia’s unique wildlife at zoos and parks, every outing was a blast. Snorkeling at Manly Beach was another unforgettable experience, offering incredible views of marine life and the beautiful coastline.
Academically, the program exceeded my expectations. The photography class I took was both engaging and informative. The professor was highly professional and passionate, ensuring we gained valuable skills while fostering creativity. The course structure and resources were top-notch, reflecting the program’s commitment to excellence.
Overall, this was the best three weeks of my life. The combination of great accommodations, thoughtfully planned activities, and enriching academics made this experience truly life-changing. Whether you’re looking for adventure, learning opportunities, or both, CIEE’s Sydney program offers the best of the best. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable study abroad experience!
What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was being able to explore this with all of my friends. Wherever we travelled we made memories, laughs, and times that we will remember forever, last a lifetime!
I was lucky enough to spend my January term in Copenhagen this year. The program I took through CIEE was very well organized and my housing (apartment) was great. Six guys from my university went and we all had a great experience. The tours we went on and the class we took The Study of Scandinavian Happiness were top notch. The CIEE Center in Copenhagen is in a great location and the staff at the center is super welcoming and helpful. I plan on going on another CIEE trip next January. From CPH I took a 3 day trip to Poland on a weekend and visited Auschwitz which was a lifechanging experience as well. This whole January term helped me to become more self sufficient, learn about different cultures, see the world in a new way, and also receive 3 credits
CIEE Buenos Aires was the adventure of a lifetime! Experiencing a new culture firsthand is something so special. It was so cool to get to know a new city. I loved trying new foods, visiting famous places in Buenos Aires, and even staying on castle grounds! Staying with a host family was really cool too. I got to my practice learning a new language and engage with locals. Everyone on the CIEE staff is so supportive and wants to make your experience amazing. I would recommend anyone looking to push themselves and study abroad to try out CIEE.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take the bus! It’s so cheap and you’ll see so much of the city. Get to know the locals. Most people are very friendly and want to help you.
Studying abroad with CIEE Rome was one of the best experiences of my life. I had so much fun exploring the city and going on excursions to some truly incredible places. The professors and staff were so kind and helpful they made everything feel so much easier and more enjoyable.
What really stood out to me was how much I got to immerse myself in Italian culture, whether it was through the classes, trips, or just everyday life in Rome. It wasn’t just about studying; it was about experiencing something completely new. I’ll never forget it, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone thinking about studying abroad!
Thank you first for this amazing time in Rome!!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice would be, if you are taking the bus, train or the subway, make sure to validate your ticket or they will sues you. It will be like 60 to 100 Euros. Sooo be careful!!
