Program Reviews

While studying abroad in Florence Italy, CIS abroad offered me tremendous personal, academic, and professional growth through experiential learning activities and personal travel. Living and studying in a new country forces students to step outside their comfort zone as they navigate unfamiliar environments, problem-solve, and manage responsibilities independently, all of which foster greater self-confidence. It took me a while to find myself in this city, but sharing my daily experiences and creative growth not only inspires others but also serves as a personal reminder of how far I’ve come in embracing a place that once felt unfamiliar. One of the aspects I cherish most during my time abroad is experiencing the slower pace of life, the cultural traditions, and the opportunity to stroll through the city center, immersed in the rich history and vibrant Italian lifestyle. Immersing yourself in a new culture broadens your perspective, allowing you to understand and appreciate different viewpoints, traditions, and ways of life, encouraging empathy and open-mindedness.

Studying abroad with CIS in Italy has been an unforgettable experience. The academic programs are well-structured and engaging, offering a perfect blend of classroom learning and cultural immersion. The program staff were incredibly supportive, always ready to assist with any challenges. The social scene was vibrant, with plenty of opportunities to connect with other students and locals. Housing was comfortable, and the local community felt safe and welcoming. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to expand their horizons and dive deep into Italian culture. PS love Frankie!

I loved studying abroad through CIS! I had an incredible experience and was surrounded by amazing people. I had the opportunity to participate in a multitude of different events and gatherings with other students, which helped build a community. However, we were allotted a lot of freedoms, which is amazing. I felt safe and like if I had an issue, I had a support system who would help me find a solution. I truly believe everyone should study abroad if they are able. It changed my life. I made lifelong friends in Italy who will continue to be in my life for a long time to come. Being in Italy was a dream come true and I am so grateful for CIS for creating such an amazing program for me to be able to shine and thrive in.

I completed a summer intern program and I would HIGHLY reccomend it! CIS Abroad provides such a fun experience for all students. Students get to participate in many excursions (cooking class, boat day on catamaran, dance class, tour of roman ruins, tour of Park Guell, etc.). In addition, the program director is so sweet and always makes sure to provide the best for all the students.

In terms of my internship experience, I appreciate that CIS Abroad matched me with a place that was closest to my interests and experiences. I was a social media marketing intern for a Spanish Language academy. Not only did I gain hands-on experience, but I also learned so much about the Spanish working culture, and different communication styles.

My experience studying abroad in Rome was unforgettable. Rome is a city rich in history; with breathtaking views of the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and Roman Forum along cobblestone streets. Apart from the famous and well-known artwork and architecture painting the city, finding the hidden gems of the city was the best part. I can tell you where to find the best coffee, pizza, and gelato away from the tourist hot spots. I can tell you how to connect with the local community despite a language barrier. The best part of studying abroad is immersing yourself in all that the city has to offer; for me, that was stepping outside the comfortable and familiar destinations, and allowing myself to assimilate into the community as more than just another tourist. I said some of the hardest goodbyes to the friends and memories I made along the way, but they will never be forgotten. It truly was a sweet life!

I loved going to Korea. It was such a rush to be there, especially coming from a small town. There were so many street signs, tall buildings and opportunities to get involved on campus. I loved how efficient the public transit system is. The food was great and opened me to new things I now have in my diet (I am a picky eater.) The scenery is one of a kind and I still keep in contact with my friends I made there! I was scared to go as this trip held a lot of firsts for me, but once I got of the plane and collected my luggage, I knew I made the right decision.

I had an amazing experience with CIS Abroad! From start to finish, the program exceeded my expectations. They had the best options tailored to fit exactly what I was looking for in a study abroad experience. The advisors were absolutely awesome—genuinely caring, always available, and incredibly helpful in making sure I had everything I needed. They went above and beyond to ensure that all aspects of my time abroad were well-organized, from pre-departure to my return home. I never felt lost or unsupported at any point during my journey. Everything was seamless, and they couldn't have been more helpful. If you're looking for a program that not only delivers a memorable experience but also makes you feel valued and supported, I highly recommend CIS Abroad. They made my study abroad experience one I will never forget!

My time in Italy exceeded my expectations in countless ways! The CIS staff went over and above to make us feel welcomed, supported, and loved. The events they hosted were incredible! We were treated to a welcome and farewell dinner at local restaurants. We also went on excursions to Pompeii for a walking tour and Naples for a food tour! My class, marine biology, went on an excursion to Ieranto Bay to hike, snorkel, kayak, and swim. This was truly one of the most surreal experiences of my life. Sorrento itself was a safe and beautiful town that felt like home in just 3 short weeks. The locals made you feel genuinely loved and cared for. Overall, exploring the beauty of the Italian Coast with amazing new friends made for the best month of my life!

I had so much fun with CIS. I think a big benefit of CIS over other programs is you have a smaller cohort, so you get to really know everyone which is great if you are studying abroad with people you don't know. Barcelona is such a cool city with its proximity to the beach and so much artwork and history, you can spend days just walking around the city and shopping! One thing that I would recommend is eating out for tapas because it is very affordable and social! You will learn so much about yourself and the world from this experience! I can not recommend it enough.

This program was absolutely fantastic! Three weeks was plenty of time to explore Sorrento and the surrounding area in decent depth. We studied at the Sant'Anna Institute, which is designed for international students; they had many activities for us, such as an orientation tour and a day trip to Pompeii! The course I completed (History of the Mafia) was very interesting, as were the accompanying field trips. May is truly a great month to be in this part of the world; the weather is extremely pleasant, and the major tourist crowd does not arrive until June. The on-site staff with CISAbroad were extremely helpful and supportive; they clearly love what they do, and they made many efforts to connect with the students.