CIS Abroad Semester Programs in London, England

Name: CIS Abroad Semester Programs in London, England
Brand: CIS Abroad
SKU: 269317
Rating: 4.83 (24 reviews)

Read 24 reviews

4.83 Rating

Leave a Review

Location

England
- London

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring

Subject Areas

Art History Business Communications Computer Science Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Dance Design Digital Media Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering English Environmental Studies Fashion Design Film Finance Health Sciences History Information Technology International Relations Liberal Arts Life Sciences Literature Marketing Music Natural Sciences Performing Arts Philosophy Political Science Public Relations Social Sciences Theater Visual Arts +25

View Other Details

Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Dormitory

Pricing

Starting Price

20590

Price Details

Price may be an estimate, the lower end of a range, from a previous term, or accurate for only one program listed here. Please see our website for specifics.

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Classes Wifi

What's Included (Extra)

Please visit our website for all that's included.

Last Updated: Sep 30, 2024

Last Reviewed: Sep 08, 2024

Wish List

13 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Renowned for its rich history, art, and culture, it’s no wonder England is a top destination for studying abroad! Choose from a wide variety of programs based in London. Do you prefer a quaint, residential college setting with easy access to central London? Roehampton is a great choice! Or, choose Westminster if you prefer to be living among icons such as Buckingham Palace, the Globe Theatre, Notting Hill, Big Ben, and the West End theater district. Looking for the ultimate resume-boosting experience? Consider the study + intern program. In any case, you can't go wrong, as you'll enjoy exceptional academics and a full suite of support services with CIS Abroad!

Visit Site

Apply Now

Video and Photos

View All Photos

Program Highlights

Choose from hundreds of courses across all majors, creating a personalized academic program
Local activities and excursions to help you explore your host city and country
Direct enroll programs embed you among local and fellow international students, while offering additional support
Program locations range from central London to a largely residential suburban campus
Affordable program prices that include everything you'll want before, during, and after your time in England

Popular Programs

Semester in London - University of Roehampton

On the University of Roehampton program you'll select from a large course catalog and study along a diverse international student population. Enjoy a walkable, serene, Harry Potter feeling campus near public transportation. Participate in a wide selection of sports teams and student activities and enjoy program activities and excursions such as trips to Big Ben, Parliament, Oxford Street, the London Eye, and more.

Semester in London - University of Westminster

Looking for the true central London experience? This program will have you learning, living, and exploring right in the heart of things! You'll become a pro at riding the Tube, navigating to the various campus buildings, your dorm, and numerous icons in central London. Choose from a variety of courses, including well regarded programs in media, communications, and journalism. Consider an academic internship if you really want to immerse in the city while boosting your resume like nothing else.

Semester Study + Intern in London - U Westminster

Looking for the ultimate combination of engaging academics and a practical internship in the hustle and bustle of London? Look no further! This program has you living and learning in central London at University of Westminster. Choose from hundreds of courses that take place across the University's four campus locations. The icing on the cake is an internship based on your academic background and career ambitions, which provides hands-on, resume-boosting experience in an international setting!

Program Reviews

4.83 Rating

based on 24 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 87.5%
4 rating 8.33%
3 rating 4.17%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 3.7
Support 4.7
Fun 4.7
Housing 4.45
Safety 4.8

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, History Buffs

Showing 1 - 8 of 24 reviews

After spending six months traveling, learning, and experiencing, I am happy to share that studying abroad has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life and learning career. I was able to meet people who shared my passion for exploring and learning, as well as be inspired by the community within the CIS program to see things and participate in activities I never would have thought of otherwise. The people I met while living in the CIS provided flat, combined with the group activities sponsored by the onsite coordinators made the experience so much more enjoyable and really made the transition to living in another country significantly easier.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Going to shows on the west end and seeing the bright costumes and brilliant performance skills.

Pros

Experiencing the culture and atmosphere
Safe Walkable Nature of the City and Convenient Public Transport
Community

Cons

Having to leave
Expensive nature of the city

Studying abroad through CIS Abroad at the University of Roehampton was an unforgettable adventure. The campus was warm and welcoming, providing a perfect base for exploring London's vibrant culture. The city itself offered endless opportunities—from exciting group excursions to solo discoveries in hidden corners. I met incredible people who became lifelong friends, and the experience opened doors to travel beyond the program, making every weekend a new adventure. CIS Abroad made it all possible, turning a dream into reality and ensuring every moment was filled with excitement, growth, and memories I’ll cherish forever.

What was your funniest moment?

Getting invited to London Fashion Week the day of and running to catch a bus in an all-leather outfit after I missed my train.

Pros

Very friendly
Big city with lots to do
Easy access to resourses of all kind

Cons

Missing loved ones/support team
Lots and Lots and Lots of walking
Cold and rainy most of the time

My time spent in London was and definitely will always be one of the most special periods of my life. As I attend a commuter university in the States, this program was my first real taste of independence as an adult. London is such an incredible city. I can compare to New York City (which is the closest major city to where I live), and confidently say that I would choose London over New York in a heartbeat. The city is walkable with access to public transportation. It is so culturally diverse and provides countless opportunities to try new things. I learned a lot about myself during my time here, and was also able to enjoy a plethora of free museums in the process.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

After experiencing such an incredible time in London, the only thing I would have changed is prioritizing as much travel as possible. While I stayed at the University of Roehampton, I was able to have relatively easy access to public transportation including airports and train stations. I was able to visit a few other countries in Europe during my time, but I wish that I had explored more of England/The United Kingdom as a whole. I also would have loved to choose a year long option rather than just a semester because there were just so many more things I wish I could have done, seen, and experienced.

Pros

The campus was just outside the main city and provided nature to enjoy such as close vicinity to Richmond Park

Cons

The campus did not have consistent dining

I studied abroad in London with CIS Abroad at the University of Westminster in Fall 2022. The program staff on-site was so amazing, warm, and welcoming. The academic and accommodation university staff was also friendly and helpful. The university accommodation was comfortable and very safe for being in Central London. The city is so walkable and there is never a shortage of things to do and see. I would recommend this program to any students looking for an affordable, exciting, and academically enriching experience in London.

Pros

Accessible, helpful, and welcoming support staff
Exciting and dynamic city environment
Safe accommodation

Cons

Potentially expensive cost of living (outside program dues)

I am so glad that I made the decision to study abroad in London for a semester! I had the best 3 months of my life and made so many new friends. CIS Abroad was an amazing program to go through as they were super helpful and supportive from the beginning (before I left for London) and to the end. I learned so much more about myself and learned to step outside of my comfort zone. I will never forget the memories I made in London and I am so thankful for the experience and the friends that I made.

This program was amazing! The advisors from CisAbroad and University of Roehampton help you with anything you need! There are many excursions that come with the program, which is also a plus! During my time abroad, I felt very welcomed and made life long friends with not only other study abroad students, but with locals that attended the University. I got to travel to surrounding countries and emerge into the different cultures. Seeking Discomfort was my motto when I embarked on this journey, it was the best thing I ever did. Now I am more outgoing and confident with everything I do! London is a place that will always be special in my heart and I can't wait to return in the near future!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I wouldn't change anything. Even though covid-19 had put an end to my semester abroad earlier than expected, I loved everything about my experience and would not change it one bit. I would totally do it all again!

I cannot say enough good things about this experience and this program! CIS Abroad was the perfect fit for me and what I wanted out of my study abroad experience. I made the decision to study abroad on a bit of a whim, and CIS Abroad was there every step of the way to help me along. First, the staff at CIS Abroad's home office in Northampton, MA is absolutely amazing. The people there who helped me were there for me for the entire thing - beginning the process of applying, getting accepted, and all the steps of preparation up until going to the airport and arriving in London! The on-site CIS Abroad staff were amazing, as well. Everyone at CIS Abroad was there to support me, and they all were so genuinely excited to help me on my journey! They even reached out to me multiple times during my program, and even after my program ended, just to chat and hear all about my experiences and see if I needed anything. The University of Westminster was also amazing. The opportunities I had in my classes there were unlike anything I have at my home university. I actually still keep in contact with some of the professors I had abroad (one is even writing a recommendation letter for me!). I stayed at the Marylebone residence hall, and it was amazing! It couldn't have been more perfect for what I wanted. It was right in the heart of London, within walking distance to all of my classes, and the nearest tube station was right across the street! Not only did I have a great experience due to the CIS Abroad staff and the University of Westminster, I also made amazing life-long friends and made irreplaceable memories - and you will too! I cannot express enough how thankful I am to this study abroad program for shaping me into the person I am today. I always thought I knew who I was as a person pretty well, but studying and living abroad taught me things about myself that I never would have discovered had I not gone abroad! So, get excited!!!! By picking this specific program, or another CIS Abroad program, I can guarantee you will have one of the best experiences of your life. :)

What was your funniest moment?

This is a bit embarrassing, honestly, but this is the story of the time I got locked in a stairwell and had to call for rescue -

It was the first day of one of my classes at the University of Westminster. My class was in a different building than CIS Abroad's welcome orientation was in. I thought I knew where I was going, but turns out I was wrong! The classroom number was in the 300s, so I assumed that meant it would be on the third floor. There was a person at the front desk of the building that I could have asked for help in guiding me to where my class was located, but I assumed I was okay and knew where I was going. I took the elevator to the third floor. It seemed a bit off. It was primarily offices, and I thought it seemed like a weird place for a class. So, I decided I would go back down to the ground floor and ask for help. I decided to take the stairs (which were right by where I was), instead of finding my way back to the elevator. BIG MISTAKE! As it turns out, that was an employee-only stairwell, and you needed to swipe your employee ID in order for the doors to open. I have no idea how I got into the stiarwell, but somehow I did, and I quickly realized I couldnt get out. I walked up and down all the flights of stairs, trying my student ID card at every door, to no avail. I finally realized that I had two options. One, stay in the stairwell and wait for someone to open one of the doors, and sneak out. Two, go out the fire door in the basement, sounding an alarm, and getting out of there! The logic part of my brain kicked in, and I realized neither of these two options were smart. I had two minutes until the class I was trying to go to started, and I didn't want to be late on my first day! So, here was my solution. The building I was stuck in was the place that the University of Westminster's Education Abroad office was located. So, I called their number, and told them my embarassing story, and how I was locked in the stairwell in the building. Sure enough, they rushed to my rescue and found me - LOL! They were so kind and we were all laughing and joking about the whole thing.

Moral of the story - always ask questions when you're unsure of something, it'll save you a lot of time! Also, everyone involved in the study abroad process is there for you!!! They see you at your best, and sometimes your worst, but there are always just a call away for help, even if it is something actually serious (unlike being stuck in the stairwell). LOL!

I am so grateful for my experience studying abroad in London at the University of Roehampton with CISabroad. The CISabroad team was incredibly patient, knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire process. I always felt taken care of, and encouraged in my study abroad endeavor. Onsite accommodations were awesome. I chose standard housing and was placed in Bede House with four other CISabroad students. I had my own room, and was provided with bedding and a kitchen set, making moving into my ew space easy. Classes at Roehampton were eye opening, challenging, and engaging. I took part in two "London Studies" courses that specifically encourage international students to explore the city. My two onsite advisors, Anna Bermani and Linda Hallback were absolute inspirations. Both of them worked very hard to customize our experience, and ensured our interests and concerns were always taken care of. Our excursions ranged from market tours on Southbank to a weekend in Edinbrough. I can easily say that these trips with CISabroad enhanced my experience exponentially. Overall I am forever thankful for this life changing experience, which was so much more achievable with the support of CISabroad.

What would you improve about this program?

The only change I would make is the support and outline of the first few days on campus. I arrived to Roehampton on a Wednesday, where I was handed a packet of information and materials from both the University and Anna from CIS Abroad. Our orientation dinner with Anna would be on the Friday. I wish I had a schedule or guideline of things I needed to do within that time. For example, that Wednesday night I got together with a bunch of international students and Ubered to the local ASDA in a a rush because we realized we would not have any food for breakfast. However, after the dinner with Anna on the Friday night many of my questions and concerned were answered, and after that I was much more comfortable.

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Grace DeRidder

Program

CIS Abroad Semester Programs in London, England

Grace is a senior at Columbia College Chicago majoring in Photography and minoring in Art History. After a high school trip to Italy and Greece, she knew living out of a suitcase and learning from experience was the only way she wanted to live her life. Since then, she has been fortunate enough to do two study abroad programs to build her portfolio and travel experience: a summer in the Australian Outback and a semester at the University of Westminster.

Why did you choose this program?

I choose the Semester at the University of Westminster for two reasons: academics and location. Academics, because it was one of the few schools that offered photography courses. And location because the school was in the heart of London.

It offered easy access to transportation around the city and out of the city. Whether it was to the countryside, trains, or the airport. There wasn't going to be a question of "how will we get there?" or "how expensive will it be?". I knew any trip I wanted to plan once I got there was going to be doable.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I did an independent program, CIS abroad, and they assisted me with the academics courses and getting the courses approved for academic credit, the financial process, transition into the program, and just about every question that I could think of they answered.

They have an amazing staff that help you through the stages of applying and getting you abroad, and their on site staff go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and at home abroad.

While I was abroad and ran into some trouble in another country (my passport was pick-pocketed), my on-site coordinator contacted the on-site coordinator in that country and she was able to meet up with me and help through. They are an amazing team and I am truly grateful for all they do.

I organized my credits and classes to make sure I would come back to school with everything in line for graduation, flights, finances and expenses while abroad, learning about my new "home", and pre-planning potential trips.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Never go a day without going out into the city to explore. Even if you aren't feeling well, the weather sucks, or you're just tired. Get out there. You are only living abroad for so long, so take advantage of every precious day and explore.

You don't even have to go far to find something you have never seen before. Trust me, in no time you will know the city like a local and will have a little pride to be able to say you wandered the city everyday.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day at Westminster is your normal rise and shine for classes. Depending on your campus, you can either walk to class or hop on the tube.

When the "study" part of studying abroad is done for the day, the fun begins and the daily adventures around Regent & Oxford Street, to Big Ben, or jump on the Tube to find a new part of the city to wander around for the day.

At the end of the day, if you are not making a mess with friends in the tiny on-campus kitchens as everyone tries to make dinner, you will probably be at a pub (okay, the pub thing is a once, twice a week thing,not everyday!).

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

I think my biggest fear going into my program was I wasn't going to meet people who wanted to travel as much and as far as I wanted to. I wasn't afraid to do one or two solo day or weekend trips, but I didn't want to get to a point where I was always traveling on my own because I couldn't find anyone to travel with.

When the time came, I rarely ever traveled alone when I planned a trip and asked friends if they wanted to come. From my experience, everyone that studies abroad wants to get the most out of their time there, have a very hard time saying no to a new adventure, and are always up for exploring something new.

I think that vibe, putting a bunch of traveling souls together, is the most amazing part of studying abroad and what makes the bond between the friends you make abroad so strong: you are constantly on the move, in cramped quarters, making mistakes and learning as you go, and laughing and having fun along the way (all while taking in the best culture and experiences the world has to offer).

What did you learn about yourself from studying abroad?

I have done two studies abroad, and looking back I have learned five lessons from my journey:

I am not afraid to be myself anymore.
I am fiercely independent.
I can laugh even in the darkest of times.
With a little planning, and a lot of scheming, nothing is impossible.
The best addiction in life is travel: it feeds your soul

Courtney Swanson

2014 Alum

Location

Location:

London

Currency:

English Pound

Weather:

Jan-Mar

52 F / 36 F

Apr-Jun

70 F / 43 F

Jul-Sep

73 F / 52 F

Oct-Dec

61 F / 37 F

Airports:

London-Heathrow

( LHR )

Gatwick

( LGQ )

London Stansted

( STN )

London, although typically regarded for its architecture and city lifestyle, is made up of 40% public green space in the form of incredibly lush parks. London has created an environment where you can spend the day enjoying city life and then escape to Primrose hill, the Thames, or a walk by the canals.

About CIS Abroad

We provide innovative education programs that broaden academic perspectives, promote global awareness, and encourage personal development while laying the foundation for participants to become engaged world citizens. Our lives were transformed by international experiences. Every day we create a more connected and compassionate world, one person at...