CIS Abroad Reviews

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.

My semester at the American College of Greece was truly life changing. The campus was beautiful and there were many opportunities to be involved. CIS provided many opportunities to explore Greece further and provided instructions on how to stay safe and travel within the country. I was able to see much of Greece as well as visiting other countries. I got emerged in the culture, tried a lot of yummy food, and learned to speak some Greek words. Greece became a second home to me and I would go back in a heartbeat :)

Studying at the Sant'Anna Institute on the Amalfi Coast was the best decision I've ever made! From the number of included activities offered to students through CIS, such as kayaking and exploring Naples, Matera, and the Amalfi Coast, there was never a dull moment during my experience.

I also highly recommend participating in the CIS Micro-Credential program while abroad! Every week, it motivated me to get involved in the town's festivities, and by the end, I felt much more like a local than a tourist.

The on-site CIS staff were also really personable and were a vital part of the transition abroad. When I needed support, Frankie was always there.

My favorite class was Field Archaeology, where we got to explore Pompeii, Herculaneum, and multiple archaeology museums in person. I've never had a class that captured my attention so thoroughly. Professor Tartaglia is the BEST.
Sorrento is also only an hour from the airport, so weekend trips were super easy. I went to Paris, Athens, Milan, Como, Lugano, and Rome (3x!).

One of the best parts of my friends' and my experiences was our daily trip to Orbit, a local iced coffee shop with Matcha, Chai, and Bubble tea. The owners, Roberta and Lorenzo, are in their 20's, fluent in English, and the kindest human beings ever! It was our favorite study spot and a great place to practice our Italian with locals.

Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world, and I certainly felt that and took advantage of it while I was there. There is so much to do, whether you stay close to school or venture to other cities or places in Korea. I felt sufficiently challenged by the academics while still having the time and flexibility to experience the new place around me. I made many friends I still talk to today, despite being someone who can struggle with meeting new people. I felt very supported and grew so much as a person as a result of this experience.

Studying abroad in Barcelona was the best decision i made. The site directors were so helpful and thoughtful. I studied communications and business in LCI which was also such a huge part of my academic growth.

Going alone in the Fall really helped me get out of my bubble and as fun as it could be to go travel the world with your friends, I really recommend doing it alone with strangers too. The Spanish culture, weather, people, everything was perfect and if I could I'd do it all over again. I would definitely recommend CIS and CEA CAPA to go abroad.

While in Thailand, I completed my Political Science minor, taking courses such as Thai Foreign Policy and Fake News, Censorship, and the Politics of Truth. Studying politics, media, and governance while living under a constitutional monarchy offered a depth of understanding that no classroom at home could replicate.

Community is central to who I am, and I often associate belonging with a shared language. While I was nervous about navigating a language barrier in Thailand, I was drawn to a culture rooted in collectivism, respect, and care for others.

Through CIS Abroad, I found community across cultures and backgrounds. I am endlessly grateful to David, Ann, and Jenny, who made us feel at home, answered our questions, and reminded us that belonging can exist far from familiarity. Choosing to study abroad was not easy as a first-generation college student. That is why I am especially grateful to have had such an amazing support system through CIS Abroad.

Traveling and studying in Southeast Asia deepened my understanding of the region’s history, economics, and political climate in ways I will carry with me for the rest of my life. This experience challenged preconceived notions and reaffirmed my belief that studying abroad is not just an escape from reality, but a meaningful rite of passage.

My chapter in Florence has become a highlight in throughout my college years. This time kept me grounded yet challenged me which reshaped how I take on the world. Florence holds so much beauty and history to see everyday giving me chance to slow down and take in the moments. These moments also required me to adapt to a whole new speed of life. This city wasn't just a place I came to for an education, but a place that built my independence and confidence in handling a new culture.

Right at the start, my daily life required problem-solving. I had to adapt to the new responsibilities at hand, navigating public transportation, and mainly the cultural differences. Some tasks I would've thought were easy sometimes came with unexpected challenges, teaching me how to stay calm under pressure. Being away from my family which is my support system, forced me to depend more on my own judgment, becoming one of my stronger skills that I will continue to use after this experience.

Never being so far from my support system, Florence created a deep sense of independence. I had to make big decisions on my own, academics to traveling. I built trust in myself to move forward and getting comfortable with uncertainty. Gaining this new feeling, I felt empowered and building confidence through my daily actions. Every moment navigating this foreign city reinforced my trust in my own capabilities.

Outside of every day life, being in Italy gave me a chance to explore Europe. From Florence, I was able to go to places such as Paris, London, Morocco, Barcelona, and many other cities across Italy. Traveling to these places grew my view of the world and exposed me to different ways of living. Each location offered new moments, lessons, and memories. Returning to Florence was a great place to come "home" too. It was such a grounding place, where I could reflect and process what I've taken in from the countries right next door.

The biggest lesson Florence taught me was resilience. Of course it was experience of a lifetime, but there were moments of discomfort and uncertainty. I dealt with those moment by turning them into a chance to grow. I looked back at the challenges I faced as an essential part of my personal development. Rather being scared of discomfort, I recognize is as progress.

At the end of my time, this experience was transformative. It gave me room to grow while gaining lifelong skills. Florence was not just a place to study abroad, it became my second home. The lessons I learned, the challenges I had to over come built my mentality today. Reminding me that if I want to grow, I have to step beyond comfortability and allow myself to evolve.

I truly loved every single minute of my experience abroad in Stirling through CIS Abroad. Stirling is a smaller town in Scotland, yet it is still close to the bigger cities and closer to the Scottish Highlands, which are absolutely gorgeous! I loved Stirling because it was so pretty and had a lat of hiking/nature trails. My experience was truly enriched by going through CIS Abroad, I made lifelong connections with others in my program and went on truly unforgettable trips during my time abroad!!