Student Stories

As an international business and Spanish student, living in Palma de Mallorca, Spain was such a life changing experience. Everything that I did in the United States seemed like a routine so it was a breath of fresh air to step out of my comfort zone. Although there were some challenging moments I faced along the way, I was exhilarated to be in a different country, living in another culture, and building relationships that would last a lifetime. One experience that was extremely beneficial to my studies was the time I spent working as an intern, learning firsthand about another culture’s work atmosphere and how rewarding this position can truly be.

My internship at Fundación Vicente Ferrer (www.fundacionvicenteferrer.org) was a great opportunity for me to be a part of a normal work schedule and culture of a “Mallorquín.” Fundación Vicente Ferrer is a non-profit organization that supports communities in Anantapur, India by selling their locally made products throughout stores in Spain, helping to raise and support children in India and working to better the daily living conditions. Along with translating a large proposal to improve water sanitation, working at a “feria” (fair) in the airport to increase awareness and enjoying a “café con leche” during “siesta” with co-workers, my most fond memory at my internship was being left alone in the store to interact with customers, answer questions, and check out their purchases. It was a little intimidating at the time but I was able to see how friendly “Mallorquines” really are, which alleviated all my worries.

It is a great way to become a part of something influential, helping you grow on a personal and professional level. I highly recommend this fabulous opportunity to anyone!"

— Laura Ryczkowski (Fall 2008), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee


I studied in Mallorca in the spring of 2007, and this was a typical day: Wake up in the morning and have a breakfast of tortilla de patata, a traditional Spanish omelet, and some cafe con leche. Walk past the bustling market on my way to the bus for school. At school, I had three classes: two with other CIEE students, and one that was an actual university class, which I took with other Spanish students. That class was hard, but by taking my first and only economics class, in Spanish and with Spanish students, I had no choice but to get the hang of it and learn.

Some days after school I worked an internship with a micro-credit nonprofit bank that helps women in Latin America establish their own businesses. After that, I could choose between going on a run along the coast of Palma on Paseo Maritimo or going bouldering over the ocean. At night, I could go relax at a friend's house, or we''d go out dancing or listen to music at a local venue.

On weekends I usually chose to stay and explore the island with my friends. We went hiking on the more remote beaches or climbing, sometimes with ropes, but sometimes just letting ourselves fall into the ocean. I took advantage of spring break to do my big trip traveling through the peninsula, but while living on the island, I wanted to really make that my home. 

It wasn't so easy and great from the beginning, however. I won't lie to you. When I got there, I knew no one. I did not know where anything was. I was living with a woman I didn't know and had absolutely nothing in common with, and even though I was proficient in Spanish, I was not accustomed to having it surround me 24/7. Also, the Mallorca program is a smaller program. When I went, there were only seven American students. I have to admit, it took time to settle in.

The fact that the program was small, however, turned out to be a blessing. Since the program is not huge, I did not have that safety bubble of other American students that some programs have, which encouraged me to meet other people. I became friends with the Erasmus, the European exchange students. I found myself going to pot-lucks with friends from seven different countries all bringing a national dish, or going to the beach or dancing with friends from Romania, Russia, Italy, France, Spain, England, Germany, Austria, Sweden, and the list goes on.

It wasn’t until after spring break that some of my Erasmus friends introduced me to a group of Italian climbers who showed me a place I could go climbing that was only a 30 minute bus ride from my house. Then, when I was on a run along the coast one day, I decided without knowing exactly how far it was, that I would keep going until I got to that spot. I got there completely exhausted, but I noticed a group of climbers that were just heading out. I asked them if they’d mind giving me a ride home. Not only did they not mind, but we also became friends.

So why do I think this worked out for me, and what would I say to students on their way?  Mallorca’s program is special because of its location and because of the program’s size. A person could stay on the island and explore every weekend and be impressed every time. I tried to be open and meet who ever I could. It worked best for me not to stay comfortably with the Americans, but to hang out with the Erasmus and speak with them in our common language, Spanish.  You never know who or what experience might lead you to the next great thing, which is why you have to, while still being careful, keep your   eyes and your mind open. Another thing is patience. Moving to a new country with a new, well, a new everything is not an easy task, which is why, of course, we have Antonia, the program director, who will answer any of your questions once you are there. Good luck and have fun!

— Stephanie Blumenthal, University of Colorado at Boulder


To Incoming CIEE Palma de Mallorca Students,

I spent five amazing months studying in Palma in spring 2008 doing the same exact program and experience that you are just being introduced into. As cliché as it sounds, or however many times you’ve heard study abroad students mention it, it really was the best time of my life. I learned so much, accomplished so many goals, and sitting back in Boulder right now, I can really say that I see a huge positive change from the person I was six months ago. I also had more fun than I could have imagined. So get ready for quite the experience. This is somewhat a way where I can live vicariously through you all. What I mentioned below are personal recommendations and advice that I believe will be of great use to you in creating an experience that when you leave Palma, you are completely satisfied and regretless of how you spent your once-in-a-lifetime experience, living the dream.

What you must do before all is set your goals of what you truly want out of this experience. For me, it was undoubtedly to have a lot of fun. But also personally, it was to really learn Spanish, integrate myself into the culture by becoming a local, and to find non-American friends. All easier said than done. I arrived in Mallorca with a pretty low level of Spanish. It was so much easier to hang out with all American friends because not only do we all speak English but also because we are all on the same boat and can relate with each other’s experiences. Naturally you will bond with each other because of that which is great, but if you get too close with only hanging out with your own program, you will miss a HUGE aspect of this experience.  That leads me to tell you about ERASMUS. But before that, I want to re-mention it, figure out your GOALS. I mean, what you truly want to do and experience. Every week think about accomplishing them. Personally, I came back feeling like a native, improving my Spanish immensely, and having tons of Spanish and European friends. 

So now ERASMUS. What is this? Our program had nine students. I ended up truly being close friends with only one of the nine. That is because I integrated myself into the ERASMUS program. It is the European studying abroad program with a set of about 80 kids from all over Europe and the world. We are talking about Argentina, Mexico, Bulgaria, Italy, Germany, Romania, Greece, you name it, and you can find it. Antonia, the Resident Director, will set you up in the beginning with a couple of events where you can meet ERAMUS. GO GO GO! You will meet so many kids around the world and really create a group of friends like you’ve never had before. This ERASMUS group usually has a Facebook group so join it! When someone posts, “meet at Bar Atlantico at 10PM Thursday,” or “Cala Mayor 3PM Saturday,” GO GO GO! I cannot stress it enough how you must attend all ERASMUS unofficial events throughout the semester. This is a key aspect of your experience. Meet them, exchange phone numbers, and become friends.

If you want to learn Spanish outside of the classroom, find Spanish friends. When I was there, we had two Guardian Angels, Aligi and Lola, both of whom became my closest friends in Spain. Get to know your Guardian Angels well and spend a lot of time with them. Create a friendship with them because they are all great people that want to show you their side of Spain. If Aligi is still there, give him a “What’s up buddy!” for me. The second way to find Spanish friends is in your classroom. I was in three classes at the University and made friends with everyone in them, specifically in the hotel management school. Don’t be shy, they love international students. Have fun, meet them, play sports, go out, get to know them. They will continue to introduce you to more and more friends and you will become a part of their group. Last is intercambios. These people are important. Not all people want to listen to your broken Spanish. Intercambios do though. It’s a mutual agreement to help each other, which gives both sides more of a commitment to really help each other. I had three, all of whom became great friends of mine as well. Not only that, their friends became great friends of mine and the chain continued.

Seriously, study the Spanish. My best times came closer to the end of the semester because my Spanish was so good that I could really have better connections with people and speak better. It’s so important to seriously try to learn Spanish if you want to have successful friendships in Spain. Go to class because hearing the Spanish all day helps. Don’t be lazy while you’re abroad, you only have five months. Do it up and be productive.  Go to all CIEE events. You never will be able to rent a car and drive to Formentor another time. Go to every one of your excursions with CIEE. You will learn so much about Mallorca and Spain from Antonia or whoever goes on the trip with you. If you have an excursion to Madrid or a big city, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t go. Madrid is awesome. About Mallorca, I could name off a bunch of great restaurants or beaches but I think this is something you need to learn. Walk within the city all the time just browsing and really becoming a local. What I will mention are great things you can’t miss while you are there. RCD Mallorca – Go to a soccer game. I went with some kids in my class and had a great time. Feriasde Abril – This is a huge celebration. You will see everyone there and it lasts for almost one week. Go at least three times and have fun. San Juan Festival – more in late June but this is one of the craziest, most fun festivals I got to celebrate in Spain. Es Trenc Beach – You can take a bus there and it is hands down the best beach on the Island.

There is so much more I can say about my experience and my recommendations. But I think this is enough. I just wanted to give you these aspects so it can give you some sort of direction.  To end this, all I can say is really open yourself up. Get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to be the most productive person while you are there. It’s definitely going to be tough the first month or two while you try to adapt. You’re going to miss you friends, your family, and the American college life. You kind of are in a real world setting as you live on your own in a different country. This experience is going to further prepare you for your life. Try to get through the tough times you have and realize the bigger picture of this opportunity. Once you get to that point, it’s all down hill and you will have the best time of your life. Take advantage of it all.

— Jimmy Watt, University of Colorado at Boulder


No hay palabras que pueden describir mi experiencia aquí. He crecido, ambos mentalmente y en mis actitudes. He aprendido más en dos meses en Palma que en casi toda mi vida anteriormente. Absolutamente, venir aquí es la mejor decisión que he hecho en todos mis 21 años. Para siempre dejaré una parte de mí mismo en Palma de Mallorca y llevaré una parte de España en mi alma hasta que me muero. Adjunto mi foto favorita de mi experiencia hasta ahora. Creo que describe mi vida aquí muy bien. Es muy bonita, tiene sol, una calle con coches, y las palmeras pero también es borroso porque siempre estoy yendo a algún sitio, haciendo algo con mi vida.

— Brian Bay, University of Iowa


I made the decision to study abroad in Spain my senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made, but the hard part was choosing where to go. I had the option of several well-known cities in the mainland or a small island, Palma de Mallorca. With little information about this hidden paradise, I shied away from the norm, since I have my whole life, and chose to devote my fall semester to living on this Balearic island. Although my main intent was to learn and speak as much Spanish as possible and integrate myself into an unfamiliar culture, I was a little unsure of the amount I would actually learn since Mallorca is stereotyped for being a tourist destination, famous for their parties and gorgeous beaches.

Now looking back at my experience, I don't think I could have made a better choice. My program consisted of eight American students which were just enough to get close to each of them but also gave me the opportunity to make friends with Erasmus and Mallorcan students. The program director and housing coordinator, Antonia and Susan, were so well organized with excursions, school materials and knowledge of what we were going through and how to adjust. They were there for us, no matter what time of day, to help with any questions, concerns and problems we were having. My professors at UIB were so down to earth and personable that it made classes fun to go to, easy to learn and was a great way to meet new students. CIEE provided the opportunity for students to work in the Spanish workplace and I gladly took advantage of this course and was placed in a non-profit organization that raised money and worked to improve the living conditions for people living in India. My internship provided me the independence to work in their retail store, translate water sanitation proposals and learn about how to help others across the world by working with people who truly care about making a difference.

I feel extremely fortunate to have been placed with such a loving family in Mallorca. There was a bit of hesitation on my part about living with a family but after meeting them, not only did I feel like a daughter and a big sister but also a close friend. The amount of Spanish I learned and practiced with my family was one of the biggest factors that have helped develop my Spanish skills. Also, I was able to live the typical Mallorcan lifestyle at my house. Everything from the Spanish mannerism, culture, and food was exposed to me and I am so lucky to have experienced and fallen in love with another culture. The Mallorcan lifestlye of tranquilo (calm/relaxed) and enjoying the world around you is something that I have learned to appreciate. I will never forget my life in Mallorca and how it transformed me into the person I am today.

— Laura Ryczkowski, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee


Studying abroad with CIEE in Palma de Mallorca has been an unforgettable experience. From the island itself to all the people I've met, together they have left a lasting imprint on my life. The CIEE Palma program is an amazing community I have been fortunate enough to be included in. It's a much smaller program than those elsewhere in Spain, which, in my opinion, has given me the opportunity to better my Spanish, develope relationships with other foreign students, and integrate into the culture on a more personal level than I would have been able to if I had been on a bigger program. It's obvious the program directors and our CIEE teachers really care about us, they are very open to listening to our needs, while also encouraging us to take advantage of all the opportunities we are presented with. They get to know us on a personal level and are very helpful in all aspects of our lives abroad, from studying and school to more personal issues. The CIEE classes are excellent as well, they extend beyond the classroom through visitas and excursiones that really apply what we are learning about the culture and economy of the Balearic Islands.

I really believe that my experience with the CIEE program in Palma has presented me with opportunities that I would have not had elsewhere. The program does an excellent job presenting us with unique opportunities while also granting us the freedom to explore the Island, Spain, and Europe on our own. I have found I have never learnt so much outside the classroom, whether it's talking with other foreign students or going on an excursion, the reality of this program is, you are constantly presented with new opportunities and challenges to grow and develope as a person.

— Raija Naegeli, University of Iowa


Studying abroad has been the best experience of my life up to this point. Having the chance to live and learn in Palma de Mallorca, Spain for four months was more prosperous than I could have ever hoped. When I stumbled off the plane in early February, I had come with high expectations of acquiring Spanish proficiency and experiencing something completely different from the little town in Iowa that I grown up in. Hombre, did I underestimate what Palma had to offer! The program offered my classmates and me with incredible opportunities for classes both through CIEE and the Universitat de les Illes Baleares. The professors were extremely knowledgeable and always ready to lend a helping hand whether it was related to school or personal matters. My classmates and I could always count on Antonia, Susan, and the rest of the equipo de CIEE to be our home away from home, which is a much needed relief when you enter the “alternative dimension” of going abroad.

Even when I was outside of school I was provided with wonderful experiences. I acquired several friends through my philosophy classes, as well as around the various barrios of Palma, whom I spent time learning about culture, perspective, and la vida mallorquina. In addition, my home stay worked out great. My family had so much affection for me. Whether it was lending a hand with my language skills, cooking tasty Spanish dishes, or giving me general advise about what to do around the city, they were always there for me! The best part is that even now, over a year later, these relationships are still budding as we continue to converse about our travels, fútbol, school, and life. Although I was definitely challenged, I couldn’t emphasize enough how rewarding it is to understand Spanish now, and how often I am able to utilize it in my everyday life. I have connected with so many Spanish speakers since my time in Mallorca, and I have to attribute those relationships to the skills that this program helped me develop. I couldn’t tell you how much I miss the Spanish lifestyle that I left back in Palma. Though I hate to be cliché: You just don’t get sick of studying abroad on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean. ¡Disfruta la vida de Palma!

— Brandon L. Kramer, University of Iowa


Soy del medioeste de los Estados Unidos- un espacio inmenso con casi nada en su interior, sólo granjas, pueblos pequeños y bosques jóvenes.  Mallorca es lo contrario- un trocito de tierra con la variedad más grande de ambientes, culturas, gente y experiencias que he visto en mi vida. Muchos me preguntaron si tuve "island fever" o claustrofobia como resultado de vivir en una isla tan pequeña. Pero la verdad es que en Mallorca se puede subir a cualquier bus cada fin de semana y encontrar algo nuevo y fascinante para explorar. Aún la ciudad de Palma tiene muchos lugares escondidos por descubrir. No es posible aburrirse.

Lo que me gustó más fue la naturaleza bien preservada de la isla. Hay muchos caminos de montaña y muchas oportunidades para estar tranquilo en la naturaleza y observar la flora y fauna nativa. Me gustó también la cultura única de Mallorca, que tiene su propio idioma, música e historia. Ir a Mallorca significa experimentar una cultura distinta que pocos norteamericanos conocen, y pienso que elegir Mallorca fue una de las decisiones mejores de mi vida.

— Lydia Crowe, University of Iowa