My Summer in Palma de Mallorca - Meet Global Navigator Suchit

Meet Suchit from L.D. Bell High School, who spent last summer abroad in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, through our Language & Culture Program! He enjoyed this program so much that he took some time to answer some questions from other teens about what to expect before, during, and after the program. 

Before studying abroad: 

Q: How much are you allowed to pack for the trip? 
A: It depends on the flight ticket you buy. What I did, and most people did, too, is that they brought one backpack, one check-in (big suitcase), and one carry-on (small suitcase). 

Q: How did you get to your location after your flight? 
A: So, the way Palma worked is that after we reached the airport and got our bags, the program gave us an informational meeting at the airport. After that, our Program Leaders contacted our host families, and they came to pick us up 

Q: Did you meet with your chaperone/group in the U.S. airport? 
A: My program met at Newark Airport, but it’s different for all the programs! I flew from Dallas to Newark alone, and then from Newark to Palma, I traveled with the program. 

Q: How much Spanish did you know before attending? 
A: Not a lot, and the program is very accommodating with that! I knew some people who had never spoken Spanish until they got to Spain, and they were completely fine. 

Q: Is the application process easy?  
A: I think the process was fairly easy. I didn’t experience glitches, but if you do, just contact CIEE! 

Q: How was your host family decided?  
A: CIEE usually matches you based on your similar preferences and also on your diet! 

During the program: 

Q: Is it easy to make friends? 
A: So easy! We were all experiencing something new, so it was easy to bond quickly! You will meet so many different people; it is amazing! I talk to the friends I made on the program daily! 

Q: In your homestay, were there other students from the program staying there as well? 
A: Yes! I had one roommate, and my host family had a daughter of their own.  

Q: Can you walk around the city on your own? 
A: It mainly depends on your program, specifically, and your host family. If you would like to, you can contact your CIEE program director for more information! 

Q: Was pocket money a barrier for you, or is it still possible to have fun on a budget? 
A: I would say be flexible with your budget. I spent around 15 euros a day, not counting things like clothes or bigger purchases. But, no matter what, you’re going to have fun. 

Q: What were your program leaders like to you? Where are they more like a teacher or a friend? 
A: I loved my Program Leaders. They all felt like friends who would always guide me in the right direction! Huge shootout to my favs, Danette, Queen Diane, and Emily! 

Q: Do all the people in the program live close to each other?  
A: Yes! Everyone I knew usually had around 1-2 other CIEE families near them!  

Q: Did you make friends with your roommates?  
A: Yes, I did! My roommate and I had a blast! 

After studying abroad: 

Q: Did you miss your friends after the program ended?  
A: SOOO MUCH! I miss all my friends every day! 

Q: Would you go for longer? I want to do the semester program in Barcelona! 
A: Most definitely! The friends and experiences I had impacted me in ways I never imagined. Staying for a longer period of time would definitely change me for the better! 

Q: What’s one thing you regret not doing? 
A: Shopping and experiencing more of the city! I wish I had spent more money on the more cultural aspects of Spain and had more experiences! 

Q: What was your favorite memory of the trip?  
A: I would say when we went on an overnight excursion to Alcudia! We hiked, saw the most amazing beach ever, went on a boat, and then jumped off the boat in the middle of the ocean.   

Q: What was your favorite part about the island?  
A: The food, for sure! Everything there was so delicious! I spent most of my money just buying food to try new things.  

Q: What was your favorite part of this summer? 
A: The friends I made along the way! At the end of the program, it felt like we were a family! 

Thank you, Suchit, for sharing your CIEE experience and taking the time to answer some questions! Check out more first-hand Global Navigator stories on our Instagram. 

Why Become a CIEE Global Navigator? 

CIEE programs open doors to transformative travel experiences that help you grow in independence and confidence. After completing a CIEE High School Study Abroad program,

• 79% of students reported increased self-confidence
• 87% said they became more independent 

Studying abroad with CIEE is not only a trip abroad—it is an opportunity to gain confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. It is truly an experience like no other. Explore our summer study abroad programs and find your best fit!