Program Reviews

I never expected to get the chance to study abroad since I never had to funds or the know-how of the application process. Yet, I had to tell myself that this time in college would be the only time I would get to do so. CISAbroad was the first program that was recommended to me and I have never regretted taking that first choice. In fact, I was beyond ecstatic that I did because I got to go see and explore a new part of the world I never thought I would get the chance to. The staff was helpful in preparing activities for the student and made the get along since there was a high chance that not everyone knew each other at the start. Additionally, learning Japanese was not that difficult since the staff was knowledgeable and had an easy to understand curriculum. I had some many fond and wonderful memories there and will not soon forget them. This experience made me feel full of confidence to travel again and see the rest of the world possibly. Hopefully, it will be soon.

I always knew that I wanted to travel to Barcelona, so I was excited when I made the decision to do an internship through CISabroad. My experience ended up being the absolute best that it could have been. I am an international business major worked for a company that worked with solar energy technology, and it was a great experience because the company I worked for had partnerships with companies in many different countries. I was able to learn a lot about an industry I had not considered before which was really enjoyable. I enjoyed my internship experience very much.
The CIS onsite staff provided support for all of the students in case we ever needed help with something or had an emergency. They were also really great about letting us know about different events going on in the city - we received a weekly cultural agenda with different activities to do every weekend in the city. There were also multiple day trips outside of Barcelona included in the program, as well as a week of intensive Spanish classes.
Overall, my experience in Barcelona was absolutely incredible, and I hope that I can go back again someday. I would recommend this program to anyone!

I picked Scotland for many reasons, but the main one was because of the beautiful landscapes and culture. Because of CIS and the ISS program at University of Stirling I was able to see Glasgow, St. Andrews and Edinburgh. On my free time I was able to travel outside of the country to Belfast, Northern Ireland and Nice, France with people I met through the international program. I will recommend CISabroad Scotland to anyone whose a first time traveler!

The School for International Studies through CIS abroad was the most perfect program for me. The program is three months long which is a little shorter than most programs however it is great for someone who is on trimesters, is nervous about getting homesick, or like myself- wants to travel for a while before their summer job starts.
The academic coursework was challenging in a way that was incredibly rewarding. The professors don't give you hours of studying and homework to do because they understand that you are there to travel just as much as you are to take classes. I took several classes on the history of Spain and Barcelona and I learned more than I have from any professor or school because after learning about things like Gaudi's style of architecture we went out into the city and got a first hand experience by seeing things like casa batllo. My professors were so engaging, entertaining, and helpful, I still keep in contact with many of them today. They helped me to learn the rich and diverse history and context of the city I was living in.
The CIS staff on sight at SIS was incredibly helpful in getting students involved in the Catalan culture and making us feel comfortable. It can be frustrating trying to get a hold of them before you go abroad for questions but as soon as you step foot in Barcelona the staff is ready to help out any time of the day. Whether it is a safety concern, you are sick and don't know where to go, or you are struggling in your classes the staff at CIS can help put you on the right track.
The trips and activities (which are included in the cost of your tuition) are absolutely amazing and everything is paid for. My semester we went on two overnight trips, Sevilla and Zaragoza, where the food, accommodations, and planned activities were all paid for. We also went to the Dali museum, took a cooking class, and went out to dinner with our CIS mentor- all completely paid for by the initial cost of your program. This was absolutely amazing, especially for someone who wanted to experience Spain on a tight budget.
As far as housing, I stayed in a shared room/ shared apartment with American students from other programs. This gave me the opportunity to get to know people outside of just the school I was studying at. The apartment I stayed in was in an amazing location and we had everything we needed (washing machine, dishes, bedding, towels). Our apartment was very close to a metro stop however most days I walked about 15 minutes to class to get to know my way around the city better.
The CIS on site coordinators were available 24/7 through a cell phone in case of any emergency. I never felt unsafe in my apartment or walking around the city. I also purchased the international health insurance both through my home university and through CIS. I never thought I would need it but when I got sick while traveling outside of Spain, I was happy that I had insurance. The appointments, tests, and medication I received were completely free of charge and I visited a private travelers clinic where they spoke english and I had absolutely no wait time.
Overall I think the CIS School for International Studies program in Barcelona is amazing for anyone who wants to travel a ton and get the most out of what you pay for.

This was by far the CRAZIEST and most exhausting 3 weeks of my life, but also the best! The Taste of Italy program is by far the best way to truly experience Italy and all it has to offer! The food was delicious, the people were friendly, and the places were absolutely incredible! I would go back today if given the opportunity...the only thing I would change is the length of the program. Three weeks just wasn’t enough for me!

I had the chance to study in the beautiful Sydney Australia this past summer (2018), and had the time of my life. I was able to live right in the heart of the city, walking distance to Central Station. The transportation systems were so easy to use, that I spent almost every day on a bus or train exploring the city. From the Opera House, to Bondi, to the Rocks, there was never a day that went by that I didn't know what to do. CISabroad provided me with other students that shared the same interests I did, a University (USYD) to take classes, and incredible excursions set up to help immerse me into my new home. Our adviser in Sydney was so warm and helpful throughout our time; we're still in contact today! While I was only there for 6 weeks, my classes were all within the first three weeks of the trip. I had the last three weeks to travel and enjoy my time there. I took a train to Newcastle where I kayaked in the Hunter Wetlands National Park and took a plane to Cairns where I had the chance to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, swim in waterfalls, and ride motor scooters around the sugar cane fields and rain forests. Studying abroad was one of the best choices I've ever made, and I'm confident that my time in Sydney is not over. The 20 hour long plane ride was definitely worth it, and I'd be lucky if I could do it again!

My semester in London was probably one of my favorites so far in college. London is a city that you could spend your whole life in and never get bored of it! It's such an international city with so many different vibes and areas, there's truly something for everyone. And no, the weather isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be ;) It's so much more than just big tourist attractions, it's so easy to make a routine and make it your home. CISAbroad was critical in my time there being so awesome! The program coordinators are super cool and plan cultural activities and excursions, like weekend trips to Scotland, afternoon tea, and West End shows! Going to the University of Westminster means you'll be right in the heart of the city, right near shopping and food and the tube, which makes it so easy to get from place to place. London is a big city but it never felt overwhelming, and I would definitely go back again if I could!

Traveling with CISAbroad, I felt very safe in Japan, and I felt as though I was where I always needed to be in life. The program was very helpful and understanding, as well as fun! I see myself being part of the program in the near future. My advice to anyone wanting to participate in the summer is to prepare yourself for very hot weather, and wear light cool clothing. Prepare to experience a lot of walking, more than usual if you live in a mainly driving town.

My experience in London at the University of Roehampton was amazing! The university was about 45 minutes from the city, which helped me become an expert in the transportation system around London. I participated in excursions put together by the University of Roehampton, as well as those put together by CISabroad. I highly recommend going on excursions like these, even if they are an extra cost to your program, just for the experience and convenience of it. Going with a group of people you know, not having to plan it, and getting to visit amazing places was well worth the added cost.
In terms of my classes, both of my professors seemed to realize we were mainly there to travel. Although we did have a decent amount of work to do, a large part of both of my classes involved trips around the city.
I feel like going abroad has made me a much more confident person. I now know I can live on my own in a foreign city, and have fun while doing so! At the very least, studying abroad has opened the door in terms of traveling for me - I want to go to so many more places in the world and I'm no longer afraid to go on my own. I cannot recommend studying abroad to anyone more strongly. If you have the ability to go, and have even the slightest interest in a foreign country or city, check out CISabroad or your university's programs and go!

Through my time in Ireland and Scotland via CISAbroad, I had the time of my life. Although the trip was short, I was able to do so many activities and see so many parts of the countries due to the scheduling of CIS. There always seemed to be an activity planned to get us around, and even if there was not, our site directors and professor gave fantastic suggestions.

The course work also helped in understand the culture, both pre-arrival and while abroad. The professor did a fantastic job in teaching the material while also making it fun and interactive.

Most of all, however, it was the people I met abroad that made the trip. CIS organized the trip in a way that you could truly connect with others and di not have to go in blind even if you were traveling alone. CIS promoted a friendly environment that made the trip that much more enjoyable.

Overall, I could not have picked a better company to study abroad with, as everything was safe and easy. I would definitely recommend going, and I will certainly consider going again.