This was a wonderful trip, which we enjoyed not only in terms of food, accommodations, and transportation, but especially for the invaluable learning experience through the meetings with local governmental and non-governmental organizations and tours of various historical locales. This was our first trip with CIEL, and we would certainly be open to join additional CIEL trips in the future. Thank you CIEL for the excellent planning and organization.

The trip to the Balkans was an eye-opening experience. While I lived through the Balkan crisis, I, of course, with time the horror fades. Meeting with different groups of people, provided a rich exposure to the challenges of war and its aftermath. We traveled with a great group of people, committed and fun. I learned from my travel companions as they raised questions that were interesting, important and challenging. The experience was also sprinkled with many fun reprieves and opportunities for sightseeing.

very informative--I learned a lot about the different problems facing people living in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Albania. Daniel did a great job in coming up with a variety of perspect9ves; The group was cohesive, the accommodations were more than adequate, and the food was excellent.

The trip was very impactful. I learned a lot and very much enjoyed the activities and group. I went thinking it would be that way for me as a WWII survivor, but now think it would be equally impactful for students studying conflict resolution. The standout activities included: - Normandy in the freezing rain - very appropriate weather - Mont Valerian seeing where hostages and resistance fighters were shot just outside of Paris - Hearing from French diplomats and scholars about the challenges their government faces now - Seeing one of my relatives on the list at the French Shoah museum as someone who was transported in 1942 - Learning more about the role of the Vichy government in the German occupation of France during WWII - Going to the EU parliament in Strasbourg and learning about their processes, laws and challenges - Talks from German government officials and scholars about their educational programs, government and student exchanges with the French and how they approach guilt v. responsibility in the post-war era - Meeting German locals and learning directly from them about their feelings, struggles, current politics, etc. - Enjoying local Christmas markets - Visiting some of the Berlin museums and landmarks - especially the "New Synagogue" - Seeing Berlin 35 years after the wall came down and seeing the amazing changes since my last visit to the GDR 40 years ago Our Paris and Berlin hotels were both very well located and comfortable. We particularly enjoyed the historic bath building that housed the German hotel. Thanks so much for making this happen!

Informative, impactful, inclusive. Like all CIEL study trips, we were presented with a comprehensive exposure to all stakeholders in immigration issues on both sides of the US-Mexican border. Expertly led and very memorable. Unreservedly recommended.