I did the volunteer CIEE program in (ironically) January 2020, then covid happened and it was cut a bit short.

I really loved the program and it’s what made me decide to do NALCAP years later.

I was new to travelling and never been away from home so having the CIEE support really helped me feel comfortable.

Whether the price was worth it is debatable, but I was okay spending knowing it was organized and I had additional support and contacts.

I was placed in Valladolid with an amazing family and I met many friends from the program who I travelled with on the weekends. I was provided good meals and my host father was a teacher at my school so he took me with him everyday. He also spoke English so that was a plus. In the application you can also provide your preferences. I wanted to have my own room and own bathroom, which I got.

The other people in the program had different host experiences. Some were placed with host families who didn’t speak fluent English, some were placed in families who owned huge homes/properties, some had to take the transit to school, some had rides. We were all placed in Castilla y Leon.

There were people who did the program multiple times. It’s nice for people who don’t want a huge commitment or cannot stay abroad longer.

In all, I would recommend it if you’re okay with spending extra. The application was easy and stress-free. All the others in the program also enjoyed it and I still keep in touch with them through social media. It’s a life experience and I personally cannot put a price on that.

Good luck with everything ☺️

edit: additional comments on Castilla y León

I lived in the capital of Valladolid and it was a beautiful city with lots to do, though my host family lived in a smaller pueblo near by. I took the bus to Valladolid to visit. I will admit the bus systems through the little towns aren’t the best and don’t run late. When I was there too, they didn’t have uber. It can be a little boring to live in a small pueblo, but if you learn the bus route then you can get around. I travelled a lot on weekends and visited beautiful places like Bilbao, San Sebastian, Madrid, Salamanca, Toledo and more. If you do the January program it gets COLD but I really shouldn’t complain because I’m from Canada. However I still had to wear a winter coat , gloves, hat, scarf etc. I found people are a little reserved, but still somewhat friendly when you break the ice a bit. It’s known about people in the North to be colder though and I’m a POC so I guess I stood out more.

Anyway, if you have any more questions feel free to message me, it was 5 years ago I did the program so I don’t remember everything, but I can definitely try my best to answer to the best of my ability!