Program Reviews

I would highly recommend the CIS Barcelona Creative Industries Program. Not only is studying abroad a life-changing experience, but this unique program has only added to the amazing experience. My days were filled with learning and exploring the amazing city that is Barcelona. Classes were open and creative, and even the professors would take us on field trips to further learn. Not only was living in Spain amazing the staff on site were very supportive in the whole experience. There were also different excursions including a winery tour, a tour of Blanes, and a trip to the gorgeous Spanish city of Sevilla. So if you want a life-changing experience and one that is even more unique than others you should check out the CIS Barcelona Creative Industries Program.

I studied abroad in Florence, Italy in the Fall of 2024, and it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! Before arriving, I had so many feelings - excitement, nervousness, and much more, but I soon realized after getting to Florence that this was going to be life-changing. I was fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling, I visited eleven countries outside of Italy, and more cities than I can count! Some personal favorites were Barcelona and London!

The academics were constructed in a way that allowed me to enjoy my classes, I took three classes that taught me about the food, culture, and society in Italy, including a class where we went on walks every day! Being able to learn in a hands-on environment in such a cool city was definitely a highlight.
My support system from CIS, whether it was my pre-departure contacts or my on-site directors - was all amazing! I felt very prepared before leaving, and I never had a question go unanswered while in Florence. I loved being able to learn so much from my on-site directors, they had so much knowledge to share!

Choosing this program was truly the best choice of my life. I met the most amazing people, experienced the most amazing culture, and became the most amazing version of myself. If you’re letting a language barrier prevent you from going to a country, don’t. I knew 0 Korean (besides the basics) when I went, yet I was able to adapt and overcome very easily. My site director took the best care of my group and myself by giving us recommendations, helping us navigate public transportation, and even translating for me at all my doctor appointments when I fractured my foot. This trip even made me realize how much I would love to live in Korea one day or even just visit multiple times a year. I highly highly recommend!

I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to study abroad in Athens, Greece in the fall semester of 2024. It was the perfect time of the year to travel there because it was beautiful weather and many of the islands around the main land were still open and many people were still actively traveling around and going on vacations. I loved getting to see all of the incredible sights in Athens as well, like the Parthenon, but I also loved seeing places like the Meteora in Kalabaka and Kastraki. CIS provided excursions were very well coordinated and exciting, and I was so happy to see the places that I maybe would not have been able to see without their help. I loved being able to experience the Greek culture, especially the food, which had to have been one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to have an amazing adventure and to explore some of the richest, oldest history in the world.

I was able to attend 2 sessions during the summer and took the Management in Japanese Corporations and Japanese Intermediate courses. I had previously attended the January program at the same university so I knew what I was getting into. The staff and faculty are extremely kind and accommodating. The excursions were very informative, my favorite being the calligraphy lesson. There is also plenty of time to explore Japan outside of class, some classes even having field trips. If I were to compare the January and Summer terms:

- the winter is fairly mild (compared to New Jersey, United States of America) and the summer is fairly humid with temperatures being a little high.
- the summer is lot a more lively with a lot more festivals and outdoor events (ex. Firework shows) happening around Japan. There also is a lot more foreign tourists around Tokyo in the summer as well

Overall I don’t think I have too big of a preference between the two because they both offer slightly different experiences. It really depends on what you are looking to do in Japan/your travel style. If you prefer a little more lively atmosphere or enjoy the warmer weather then I’d definitely recommend the summer sessions.

I was fortunate to join both the 2024 and 2025 January programs during my time in college. Both times the staff and faculty were excellent and offered a wonderful experience for everyone. While the schedule may seem tight at first glance there was ample time to explore the local areas and even travel further across Japan. The cultural excursions were also very informative and enjoyable, my favorite being the calligraphy lesson. Be prepared to use a lot of trains as it makes getting around a lot easier, but most areas are extremely walkable.

My experience in Limerick, Ireland with CIS was amazing! The housing that CIS put us in was amazing and they took care of us every step of the way. Our onsite director, Karina, did such a good job making herself available to us. Karina planned excursions for us to help us live the local life and become familiar to Ireland. The experience I had at the University of Limerick was made exponentially better by the dedication given by CIS. There is nothing I would have changed about my experience. I enjoyed every second!

I spent a fall semester in Stirling, Scotland and it was truly remarkable! Stirling is the perfect middle ground for travelers wishing to explore Scotland. It is small and homey awhile still having plenty to do in your community. Stirling is accessible for a quick train ride to cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow or for a day trip into the highlands. If you love the beauty of nature but like having accessibility to city like activities Stirling is perfect for you! And if your a history buff like me, Stirling is the site of many famous battles and previously home to famous Scottish monarchs and monuments. There are also several beautiful hikes in the area that you don’t have to go too far to access. I love everything about Stirling truly. It is a place where, in my brief time there, I felt a true sense of belonging and peace. A beautiful place with even more beautiful and kind people.

I was so overwhelmed when I was tasked with choosing a provider, but after further research, I chose CIS Abroad. I did not know what to expect, but I was excited. Upon arriving in Florence, I was immediately met by Martina, one of our site leaders. This was so helpful because I did not have to figure out where to go or what to do, she just showed me. My housing was also amazing. I met my amazing roommate, Julie, and we stayed at The Social Hub. We were surrounded by other people in our program and got to meet more of them during our orientation. Throughout the whole semester, I felt nothing but support from CIS Abroad, especially from Romina and Martina. They made me feel at home during such a stressful time in a new country. CIS Abroad provided so many fun activities, one of my favorite being our spa trip. So relaxing! In the end, I am so happy with my choice of CIS Abroad and encourage everyone to use them!

Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made. When I left for Rome, I did not know anyone else studying abroad and I had no idea what to expect. I ended up building lifelong friendships while exploring the most beautiful city in the world. Rome is a great spot to study abroad as there is so much to see and do within the city. There was always something for me and my friends to explore and we were always amazed by the natural beauty combined with the history. CIS Abroad also does a great job of helping you learn more about the Italian culture. This allows you to see a different side of Rome and Italy that widens your perspective.