CIEE High School Exchange in the United Kingdom

I loved CIEE! It was a great experience and I feel like I learned a lot about the world and myself. My day trip to London! It was insane to be in one of the biggest cities in the world exploring with one of my best friends (that I didn’t know three months ago).

I really enjoyed the program; they were very helpful with flights and finding me a good host family. My coordinator, Miga, was incredibly kind, friendly, and supportive throughout the process. I also made friends from all over the world!

I had a good experience with CIEE, and I would recommend it to any of my friends interested in studying abroad. One evening, while walking home at dusk, I realized I had to pass through the cemetery if I stayed at school too long, which creeped me out. I started texting my friends about it, but just as I was typing, the church bell rang right next to me, startling me so much that I shrieked and ran out of the cemetery, laughing maniacally at how goofy I must have looked. When I checked my phone, I discovered that I had sent my message in the group chat prematurely, so it just said, 'I just realized when I leave school late I have to,' which made everything even funnier.

I would definitely recommend studying abroad, considering the skills I have acquired as an exchange student and the many experiences I have had the opportunity to be a part of. However, it is a significant commitment and can be quite expensive, making it impossible for many people. Additionally, I have faced numerous hardships that were difficult to navigate, particularly regarding my homestay. Nevertheless, this experience has ultimately made me a better and more resilient person. The most memorable part has been the friendships I have formed, especially with my fellow exchange students, and the weekend trips and excursions we have taken together, which have strengthened our bond. I have also cherished the time spent with my two host sisters, sharing laughter and evenings together; I truly could not have done it without them.