CIS Abroad Reviews

The month long program with CisAbroad in Japan was one of the best times I've ever had. The country was amazing and we were housed in the middle of Tokyo City. The staff at the event were second to none and made the trip smooth and comfortable. I was given the opportunity to meet so many great people from all around the world. I was also able to meet just as amazing people that lived in Tokyo. The university was stunning and the Professors were fantastic. Cis did a great job hosting this trip and would highly recommend to anyone.

Going to Thailand was the most fulfilling 4 months of my life. I made the most unforgettable memories. Being immersed into the Thai culture is so unreal and if you let it can truly change you. The most unique experience I had while abroad was being there during the passing of the king. To see how he touched the lives of the Thai people was so special. I learned so much and absolutely left a more genuine and kind person. The friends you make while abroad are something to hold on to. Go get scuba certified, go skydive, and love on some ele's. David (the abroad coordinator) is amazing and so knowledgeable. He is literally always available for you and is a comfort to have abroad. I cannot recommend this trip enough. It is eye-opening and life-changing. GO. GO. GO.

The CISAbroad Summer in Japan program was one of the most incredible, energizing experiences of my life. I have never learned so much, seen so much, and met so many excited, wonderful people as I did during my time in Japan. Over the span of a month, I was able to visit 5 cities across Japan, participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, wear a yukata and wander around Harajuku, go to a thousand-year-old festival in Kyoto, and spend time at a countless number of shrines and temples. The program itself and the classes offered were some of the best classes I've had. I learned a little bit of Japanese and a whole lot about the world around me, and I learned from some of the most caring and helpful teachers I've ever met. This program really helped in opening my eyes to the world that's out there!

Studying abroad in Costa Rica through CISabroad could be the best decision of your life. It was for me! From the application process all the way through your re-entry to the United States, CIS is there to provide all the support and tools that you need. The site director, Lisa, is one of the most incredible humans ever. She is so kind and helpful, and it's so fun to get to know her. All the professors at Universidad Veritas are so welcoming and want to help you improve your Spanish. If you don't speak Spanish, don't worry! Most people know at least some English, and you will have the opportunity to improve your Spanish skills through conversations with the local people. No one judges you if your Spanish isn't very good (like mine was), they just want to help you learn. Living with a host family is a huge benefit, and you can learn so much from them. There's also a lot of other students from the United States, so you will make a bunch of friends!

On the non-academic side of things, Costa Rica is an absolutely stunning place, with thousands of things to do and see. Some of the highlights of my trip were seeing baby sea turtles hatch in Tortuguero, learning to surf in Tamarindo, and snorkeling in Panama and with my marine biology class. You can visit somewhere new every weekend (which I highly recommend that you do), since you can get to almost anywhere in the country via public transportation in a very short amount of time. Most trips took us less than 6 hours via the public bus system. You can also plan your excursions through the travel agency at Universidad Veritas, named Tico Viajero. They are very accommodating and friendly. The wildlife, beaches, and food spots are endless.

If you're planning on studying abroad in Costa Rica, definitely check out CISabroad. They will walk you through every step and will help make your trip the best of your life!

I didn't know how much I needed to go to Limerick until I got there. Originally, I had thought that I wanted to study abroad in England, but I changed my mind because this program sounded better than the one my school offered in England. I am so happy that I changed my program and studied with CISAbroad at the University of Limerick. UL is the perfect size, and there are so many student organizations that you can join, it's so easy to feel involved on campus! I got to live with students from all over Europe, take classes with Irish and International students, and explore Ireland. CISAbroad was attentive and helped me adjust to Ireland, and I always had someone to ask questions to when I needed help. I would absolutely recomend studying through CISAbroad at Limerick!

My semester abroad was fantastic.

Dublin City University was a great college and had amazing opportunities for athletics, arts, and any other miscellaneous things you may do. The housing was better than the housing at my college. They have a gated in community so I always felt safe.

I enjoyed hiking the Wicklow Mountains with my friends and seeing all the amazing sites. My parents visited one week as well as my fiance, and as you can see in my photos, he proposed on the mountains. :)

My classes were nothing too hard. I took communications classes at this college but I know the science classes were a bit harder.

My biggest piece of advice would be to get out of the American group and make other friends- it is awesome to be friends with the Americans you are with but you should definitely try ti immerse yourself int he culture as much as you can. That is were a lot of people get stuck.

If you're on the edge of deciding, I say go for it. It is an adventure of a lifetime and you will never regret it.

I don't believe there is a Summer in Hawaii spot to leave a review so here is my review for my 6 week summer in Hawaii!

Overall, the experience was great. I really enjoyed my 6 weeks there and the friends I made there. Forever friends! I do, however, feel that the overall experience was expensive. Don't get me wrong, I would't trade that experience for a thing! I just wish I knew how expensive this trip would have been- though I made it through with he money I had. The beaches were amazing - Waikiki is great if you can find the right spot to sit day after day. Lanikai beach is my favorite beach that I found on the island, as well as the north shore. It was so amazing to go from the city to the north shore and see how different the other side of the island was. The hikes and views are also so amazing here. Diamond Head, though very touristy, it a must see!!

This program gave me everything I was looking for as a first time study abroad student. The Site Director in London was a comfort to have. I felt like I had a resource and a helping hand as I navigated the new city. She was sure to talk to me and check in with me if I was feeling homesick. I also appreciated my Site Director's resourcefulness. I had to see a doctor while I was abroad and she gave me heaps of locations I could utilize. Plus, the university had a study abroad office available if I had any school specific questions. It's worth noting that the university had a large study abroad program, so there are courses geared specifically toward stud abroad students. I 10/10 recommend "Modern Art in London".
I also loved this program because while I had open communication with my Site Director, I was free to be independent. While I was in London, I spent ample time developing my exploring skills. Sometimes I think I know London better than my home, New York City. I truly fell in love with London and miss it more than anything! This program gave me the resources to pursue this city while remaining on-track academically.

CISabroad and Bond University have given me the most amazing experience I will never forget. When people tell you it's the best four months of your life, they aren't kidding. I was able to make life long friendships and travel the world, while also getting college credits. The excursions provided by CIS were awesome, and the site director's made everyone's semester that much better. We all became close with each other, as well as our site director's. The Gold Coast is such a great place with so much going on, I was never bored. Bond Uni is also amazing. The most beautiful campus! Bond is 50% international students, making it easy to meet people from all over the world. I would relive my abroad experience in a heart beat.

I had an incredible time in Newcastle. The CISAbroad program did an incredible job preparing me to go overseas and get acquainted to the new culture and surroundings. I had so many amazing experiences and adventures while I was abroad and I met such great people that will be lifelong friends. Even though Newcastle may seem like a smaller city, it is absolutely beautiful and there is so much to do! Nightlife is amazing and the hiking is gorgeous. Education is a bit hard to get used to, but its relatively stress free and manageable. Overall, I highly recommend studying in Newcastle. I wouldn't trade it for anything.