My month with CIS :))

I recently had the opportunity to study abroad in Japan for two weeks plus 12 days of intermission through CIS Abroad, attending J.F. Oberlin University, and I’d like to share my honest experience to help future students make informed decisions.

Academic Experience:
I was able to take a sustainability class at J.F. Oberlin. The course was engaging, thought-provoking, and well-taught. I learned a lot in a short amount of time, and it deepened my interest in environmental studies and global sustainability efforts. I would highly recommend this class to anyone passionate about sustainability or looking for an academically enriching experience to get to know Japan better.

Program Challenges: Unfortunately, there were logistical and support issues that made the experience more difficult than it needed to be.

Housing Location: Our accommodations were located nearly an hour away from campus by public transportation. This daily commute was exhausting and cut into the time we could have used to explore or study.

Lack of Transportation Support: Despite the long commute, we were not provided with any transportation stipend, which meant I had to spend a significant amount of money out-of-pocket on trains and buses.

Accommodation Quality: The hotel we were placed in was not well-maintained. My room, for example, had dirty walls and didn’t feel very clean overall.

CIS Abroad Staff Support: I was especially disappointed with the lack of support from the CIS staff on the ground. I needed a TB skin test while abroad — something that had not been mentioned in any prior orientation — and when I asked for help locating clinics or hospitals, I was essentially left to figure it out on my own. For a program that promotes cultural immersion and student support, this was a major letdown.

Final Thoughts:
While the academic portion of the program was truly excellent and I’m grateful for the opportunity to study in Japan, I believe CIS Abroad needs to significantly improve its logistical planning and student support. Future students should be aware of potential issues related to housing distance, additional out-of-pocket expenses, and limited on-site assistance.

If you’re independent and comfortable navigating challenges on your own, this program will be a good fit.