CIS Abroad

Studying abroad in London this semester fulfilled a long-held dream, significantly impacting me, and giving me the unique opportunity to deepen my studies and broaden my horizons. Living here has pushed me to grow professionally and personally. As a clothing design major, immersing myself in one of the world's leading fashion and theater hubs has provided a rich, multifaceted landscape to learn within and having a fashion design internship helped me to contextualize my studies in a professional context. Using a program provider enabled me to participate in a variety of excursions that added depth to my time in the city and gave me the ability to explore both the city and nearby locations I have always wanted to go to. I am immensely grateful to have had the chance to experience this vibrant and dynamic city.

I had a great experience with CIS Abroad. They made the entire process easy and seamless, so I didn’t have to worry about logistics and could just look forward to going abroad. One of the things I appreciated most was how they offered organized activities to fill our time. It was nice knowing that if I didn’t want to plan anything, there were always options available.

The program also did a great job of helping us get settled when we arrived. They guided us through important necessities like getting transportation cards and learning how to use the local transit systems, which was incredibly helpful. It made adjusting to a new place much less overwhelming, and they were always there as an extra pair of hands whenever I needed help or guidance.

At the same time, the program gave us plenty of free time to explore on our own. I was able to take a day trip to Kamakura and visit places like Jeju and Busan. Having that balance between structured activities and independent travel made the experience even more meaningful.

Overall, I really enjoyed how the program kept us engaged while still allowing us the freedom to explore and learn in our own way. It was a perfect mix of guidance and independence, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Studying abroad in Costa Rica changed my life and it will change you yours as well! I went to Costa Rica with the goal of learning Spanish and it got so much better. I took all advanced Spanish classes due to my minor and because I tested into the advanced classes. They were hard, not going to lie, but it I learned so much. San Jose is also a great city. There was so much to do in the city and at the school whether that be from events downtowns, sporting events, or parades. Putting yourself out there is the key!

My experience abroad with CIS Abroad was truly incredible and easily one of the best experiences of my life. From the very beginning, CIS Abroad made it clear that they genuinely cared about helping students make the most of their time abroad, not just academically, but personally, socially, and culturally as well. Every detail felt intentional, supportive, and designed to help us fully immerse ourselves in our host country.

One of the things I appreciated most was the variety of housing options available. Having comfortable, well-located housing made such a difference in how easily I could adjust to life abroad. It allowed me to feel safe, independent, and truly at home in a new country. Being surrounded by other students who were also navigating this exciting experience helped create a strong sense of community from the start.

The excursions and activities organized by CIS Abroad were another highlight. They went far beyond what I expected from a study abroad program. From cultural trips to unique experiences like a spa day—yes, a spa day abroad, which still feels unreal—every excursion gave us the chance to relax, explore, and connect with both the culture and each other. These experiences allowed me to see parts of the country I may never have discovered on my own and helped balance the academic side of studying abroad with fun and meaningful memories.

The group dinners organized through CIS Abroad were especially impactful. What started as simple shared meals quickly turned into moments of connection that helped form lasting friendships. Sitting down together, sharing stories, laughing, and experiencing local food created bonds that felt genuine and natural. Through these dinners, I met friends who quickly became my travel buddies, and we explored new cities, navigated unfamiliar places, and made unforgettable memories together. Even after returning home, I am still in contact with many of them, which speaks volumes about the strong relationships that were formed during this time.

Beyond the logistics and activities, CIS Abroad provided consistent support throughout the entire experience. Knowing that there was always someone to reach out to if I needed help made studying abroad feel less overwhelming and more empowering. That support gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, try new things, and fully embrace life abroad.

I loved every minute of my experience with CIS Abroad, and I truly miss it every day. The memories, friendships, and personal growth I gained are things I will carry with me forever. Studying abroad changed me in ways I never expected, and I am incredibly grateful to CIS Abroad for making that possible. If given the chance, I would do it all over again without hesitation.

The country itself felt super safe for solo travel and there were so many places to go like Phuket, Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Rai, etc. Travel time was long but worth it. Food was amazing, just avoid water contamination! Everything in Thailand was cheaper as well, which was helpful for budgeting. People were super friendly and patient as we tried to immerse ourselves in their culture and learn their language. Weather was consistent and honestly I got used to the humidity quickly so I didn't have any issues.