Filmmaking Study Abroad Programs in Africa

I would 100% recommend CIEE study abroad to a friend or peer I had an amazing time and grew so much. The only disclaimer I would give is that it is very structured and feels like a school program (which it is ofc) but if you’re looking for a more independent living abroad experience it could be slightly different than expected

My semester with SIT was one of the best of my life. My class on queer and feminist theory grew my comfort and knowledge within the subject, both academically and practically. The hands-on experiential learning component is central to the SIT curriculum and allowed us to continuously apply what we learned in the classroom to the real world. I've learned so much about the Netherlands and its history, peoples, and politics. From classes to my homestay to the people I met when I explored the city, I have grown significantly in my understanding of myself, the Netherlands, and the world at large. The homestay was absolutely a highlight of my time with SIT. I felt loved, cared for, and greatly supported. I was able to continuously work on my Dutch language skills with my homestay, too. Overall, I could not recommend this program enough.

CIEE has very flexible and diverse programs. There are many different times and places students can study. At my university people are often apprehensive to study abroad so flexibly is very helpful and encouraging for short term or long term stays.

Studying abroad has been such a transformative experience for me. When you're in another country, you have no choice but to do your best and overcome any obstacles that come your way. I've discovered a resilience and perseverance within myself on this trip that I would never have realized if I had stayed at home. Of course, the reason I feel brave enough to take risks was because I knew CIEE was behind me every step of the way. With the support of the staff, I knew that I had someone in my corner; I felt emboldened to take risks and put myself out there. I think CIEE is the perfect program for people who want to test their limits and broaden their horizons.

When I first applied to the program, it was because I was rejected from another one, and I had to quickly pivot if I wanted to get outside of the United States. I had a friend who had studied in Amsterdam the year prior and had amazing things to say. I chose this program because being part of the queer community, I wanted to learn more about it. I never really threw myself out there, and what better place than Amsterdam? From the orientation week we had, I was already making conversation with both students and admin alike, it was a nice transition from the United States to something completely new. Once classes started, it felt like a nice ritual. Wake up, take the metro, go to class, see your friends and classmates, and learn about theories you have never even thought about before. In between classes, the amazing diva program coordinator, Emily Bulato, would take us on site visits or bring guest lectures, which would further our understanding of what it means to live in the Netherlands. Ahmed will cook meals twice a week and provide such delicious tastes to your palate. Jonathan will always look out for you, and have so much to say on queer theory and film. Fiona helps with resources, but also has so much to say. Also, you get to go on a two-week excursion to Morocco? I feel like this was actually my favorite part of the whole program, being able to be with your cohort and explore a country much different than the Netherlands. From the beaches, to the food, to the guest lectures and site visits, it was a break that gave me so much emotion. In the four-week period, I was able to work on my own time, watch plays on the SIT dime, and write a paper I could have never even imagined writing. All of this culminated in what was the best 104 days of my college experience, and if I could do it all over again, I would. Granted a huge part of it was the students who were with me as well, but it was amazing. I truly am glad I was rejected from that program, because had I known what could have been... I would have been devastated.

Because all of the staff here is extremely kind and helpful, plus the events are all super fun. Especially with CIEE BA as it is a smaller program, it is very personable, and the activities can be modified slightly if needed, which is very considerate and goes above and beyond what is expected.

Studying abroad can be a scary process just because of how new and broad everything is, but in my humble opinion, SIT Netherlands does a damn fine job. This semester wasn’t obscenely easy, but it wasn’t terribly difficult either, which is what you want in a study abroad program! It challenges you to learn even more, but also leaves plenty of space for exploring Amsterdam as a city and to just live in that space. I personally was nervous about the home-stay experience, but I genuinely have loved it and joining them has been one of the highlights of the semester. I cannot wait to visit again someday, both my family and the program staff. For me, they were the ones who made this program so special, because they are all so passionate and knowledgeable about the city and the experiences that you’re having, because they’ve been there and seen it before! As you and your classmates/friends are growing in the space together they are definitely a resource to lean on. Finally, some food recommendations! Chun lives up to the hype, De Winkel 43 has the best apple pie I’ve ever had, I’m addicted to stroopwafels, I’ve swapped eating fries with ketchup to with mayonnaise, and McDonald’s is… just McDonald’s. PS: Ahmed on staff is a fantastic cook!

Studying in Amsterdam with SIT was so much fun. The courses were interesting and well organized, we built an amazing community with students and dedicated program staff, and I loved getting to explore Amsterdam which is such a cool and interesting city. Living in a homestay immersed me in Dutch culture and allowed me to form close bonds with a Dutch family. I really loved the ISP period which allowed me to chose my own research topic that I was super passionate about and create my own schedule which gave me free time to travel and get to know Amsterdam. Also the program staff always provides delicious snacks and Ahmed (the office coordinator) is an amazing cook. I highly recommend this program!!

I absolutely loved studying abroad with AIFs. Our tour manager Edu was the greatest- he was so personable and ensured that we always felt comfortable talking to him or reaching out if something was wrong. He was always with us and made our experience more personal. As for the program, I was so grateful to travel to three countries AND for our locations to always be in amazing spots of the city! Everywhere we stayed was beautiful. I loved all of our excursions as well! Overall a really really great trip.

CIEE Buenos Aires is one of the best experiences that I have ever been apart of Martina & Mariano & Carolina provided one heck of an Argentinean experience. They really look out for you with hte best intentions and give you everything you need to be a Porteño. Salute to everyone involved in the planning. I will never forget this journey. I genuinely recommend this program to any and everyone looking to study abroad.

I would be likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend or peer because on the back end (before starting the program) everything is really accommodating, all you have to do is ask. On the front end (while in the program) the experience is amazing and even with the little hiccups everything is still worth it.

I would recommend this to everyone! I would love to be able to do it again. I am so extremely grateful for all that we were able to do and experience. The field trips were so fun and educational. I loved being able to be exposed in Ghana culture. I even loved each of the staff and pals, you all were so nice and great people. I cherished every moment with CIEE so thank you so much for everything. Medaase paaaaa!!!!!

CIEE provided a great and enlightening program that allowed students to really experience the host culture while fostering community. Since being on this program my life goals have been infused with aspects I have received from my program.

Studying Abroad changes your mind and open your eyes. You will learn a lot and interact with different people around the world In different settings. You get to travel the world and experience things you never seen before. Studying in Netherlands made me grow as a person and taught me a lot. Studying Abroad is a great experience.

I would definitely recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend! The amount of excursions planned by CIEE to explore the city has been the greatest component in my experience in Argentina. The tour guides have been helpful in learning about the culture and history of Argentina. In addition, each of the courses taken has excursions that add to the course content and provide an element of learning outside of the classroom. For a first time traveler, CIEE has made the transition​ to learning a new culture fun.

There are many reasons why I would recommend CIEE to a friend or peer. The ability to study at multiple locations, the possibility of earning many credits throughout the 3 blocks, the study tours, the activities/events included in the program. These are only a few of the many reasons why I would recommend CIEE.

I think that this program is great. The staff have been wonderful and the classes are truly rewarding. I actually have relationships with the staff and am learning in different ways, but at the same time I get to learn a lot about the city/country and the culture here!

I would recommend CIEE because the classes are very interesting and some even help with the culture shock that you experience. The staff is so helpful and meeting new people from different parts of the United States and the world is awesome

My time here has been amazing and I have enjoyed all the freedom I could want in shaping this experience. Additionally, CIEE took very good care of us and offered many extra services like hosting us in the office, talks with interesting people in Ghana, Townhalls and additional classes. Moreover, the option to either live in a Homestay or ISH is a very valuable feature of CIEE I think.

My time here has been amazing and I have enjoyed all the freedom I could want in shaping this experience. Additionally, CIEE took very good care of us and offered many extra services like hosting us in the office, talks with interesting people in Ghana, Townhalls and additional classes. Moreover, the option to either live in a Homestay or ISH is a very valuable feature of CIEE I think.