CIS Abroad Semester Programs in London, England

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.

The University of Westminster is in the heart of London, which was one of my must-haves for studying abroad. I wanted to live in a city that was historic, as centrally located in Europe as possible, had courses at the school in my major, and was close to major transportation. I wanted to be submersed in the city's culture and also have easy access to get around the city, to the countryside, and to nearby countries without a second thought.

I spent January to May 2016 at the University of Roehampton in London, England through CIS and incredible doesn't even begin to describe my time there. I had the opportunity to experience different learning and academic styles, travel to more than 8 countries, try all different types of food, meet people and make lifelong friends with people all over the world, and so much more.

CIS was amazing starting right away with a welcome dinner, having day trips to places like Windsor Castle, and always there to answer any questions or concerns. Roehampton Uni itself is beautiful, the living situation is nice (you get your own room!), and they host all different events throughout the week from karaoke, to discounted club nights, and access to all of the clubs on campus!

I went to London through CIS on my own - I knew no one getting onto that plane in Boston - but I was confident and prepared thanks to all of the help from the CIS staff. I left London with a group of girls I still talk to almost every single day and have visited/plan to visit in the near future and the stories and experiences I have are so special to me.

If you are thinking about going abroad - do it! And go through CIS!

My time at the University of Roehampton was fantastic. First of all, the campus, especially Grove House, is gorgeous and different than any other campus in London. The class scheduled offered plenty of time to explore the city and surrounding cities and even countries on top of academics. Living with home students in a flat of six people (some were other study abroad students) was a challenge but also fun because I made some great friends along the way. CIS was great at helping get students settled in and being available throughout the semester if we needed help or just someone to talk to. The excursions were interesting and unique; they were not your typical tourist activities, but interesting things such as a visit to Kensington Palace and high tea at The Orangery. Overall, it was a great experience in a great city.

The school was really good. My classes were difficult, but very helpful. Everyone on the staff was extremely nice, and willing to help with everything! They helped with getting you started out, like how to learn the tube, and I also loved how they picked us up at the airport, so that way we didn't have to learn the tube on our own right away, lugging all of our stuff. Student housing was in a great place! It was in central London, so everything was easily accessible, and there were a ton of places to easily go to. Almost everyone in the dorms were exchange students, so it was easy to get to know everyone, and everyone was willing to get to know everyone! The program also organized some fun events, like going to see different plays, like Wicked. This program was honestly one of the best!

The semester at University of Westminster was awesome. The fact that the university was in the heart of the city was ideal. The living situation was perfect and I loved that the dorms were full of international kids from all over the world and not just from the United States. I lived in Alexander Fleming Hall and I loved that the security was 24/7. There were few struggles seeing as there was no language barrier and there was no reason to ever get bored in London-the city was much bigger than I thought it would be which ended up being a positive.