Catherine Choy

Review of Council Travel USA, part of CI...

I believe in international education, but I would ...

I believe in international education, but I would not recommend the CIEE high school summer abroad program. I had a very negative experience with the CIEE 2017 high school summer abroad program in Spain regarding their treatment of my child and several other students. I was dismayed by the condescending and unhelpful communication from high school support team staff based in Portland, ME. For those considering this program, please ask hard questions that go beyond the glossy webpage, rosy reviews, and the lure of scholarship opportunities. Ask for full names and complete contact information for local staff. Test out the 24/7 emergency number during evening hours to find out if you are connected to a live person or an automated message. Ask for names and contact info of other participants and their parents in case of emergency. Ask if your child will be sharing a room with another exchange student. Ask if they will be sharing a place with many exchange students. There are many different study abroad opportunities for high school students.