CIS Abroad

Why choose 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 a time.

We pitch in. From helping our colleagues with meals when a new baby is born, to working with students to make sure credit transfers back home, to consulting with US study abroad offices to help improve business processes, our staff go the extra mile for each other and for those we are serving. We have each others’ back.

More than 22,000 students have participated in our programs. They have come from all backgrounds and all types of institutions. It’s our job to expose students to amazing places, teach them new concepts and help them explore their boundaries. It’s their job to accept new ideas, change their perspective.

Website

www.CISAbroad.com

Founded

2000

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Community Photos

Mt. Fuji at the First Sunrise of the New Year

Day trip to Costa Brava (Botanical Gardens in Blanes)

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Scholarships

CISabroad Scholarships and Financial Aid

70% of all CISabroad students receive scholarships, grants, or discounts to study abroad. We're unapologetically committed to increasing access to international education for all students.

Value

$250 - $500

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Reviews

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.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

I tried a traditional meal called kokoretsi which is commonly eaten during Easter when lent is over. It is also known as goat or sheep intestine, and it was not something I particularly liked but I am glad I got to try something that is so special to the Hellenic culture.

Pros

CIS Excursions were incredible opportunities
Meeting so many friends

Cons

The classes can be difficult because most courses are graded exclusively by the midterm and final grades.
Some aspects of the housing were not perfect but nothing that couldn't be dealt with.

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.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

For the Management in Japanese Corporations course we took a field trip to a factory. Which was an very interesting experience that I don’t think I would have had had I not taken the course.

Pros

Staff and faculty are extremely kind and accommodating
Plenty of time to explore Japan
Lively atmosphere

Cons

Humidity and heat

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone a little bit, try to experience something new.

Pros

Classes were wonderful
Excursions were fun and informative
Ample time to explore

Cons

It flies by quickly

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!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

The most surprising thing I did in Limerick was the Limerick People's Museum. I stumbled into the museum at a slow time and got an extremely thorough and personal tour by a man named Cathal. The museum is a hidden gem in the city!

Pros

Quiet housing location
Huge campus presence
Reliable transport to other hubs in Ireland

Cons

Irish students go home on weekends

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.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

I ate haggis for the first time which was interesting to say the least. As a Scottish delicacy I had to try it, but make sure you get it from a fancier restaurant if you do end up trying it. Let’s just say it’s better seasoned at a nicer restaurant and they can make your forget what your eating. But it was still a fun thing to say I tried.

Pros

Lovely and kind people
Beautiful landscapes
History rich area

4.75 •4 reviews

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Alumni Interviews

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

Why did you choose this program?

I chose the CIS Abroad Newcastle program because, from the very beginning, it fits all of the things I was looking for in a study abroad program. I knew I wanted to be in Australia and, when I read the descriptions of Newcastle, I just knew it would be a place I could call home. I was close enough to big cities like Sydney and Melbourne that I could travel and experience the tourist attractions, while also creating a home for myself in the smaller community on and around campus.

CIS Abroad had preplanned excursions included in the program that allowed me to do even more traveling and check off some things that were already on my bucket list, without the hassle of planning more things by myself. Not to mention, the pre-departure support, day of traveling support, and on-site support allowed me to be confident in my safety and ability to endure so a large adventure all on my own!!

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

My program provider was incredible at always answering any questions I could possibly have, and helping me navigate the extensive requirements for a travel endeavor as large as studying abroad.

She helped me to coordinate transportation to and from airports during my time abroad, understand and finding my housing, and even prepared in advance linens and kitchenware to make my transition easy. She also gave clear instructions on how to apply for a Visa, travel grants, advice for booking flights, and so much more.

I could not be more grateful for the CIS program providers and on-site guides.

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

My biggest piece of advice for someone who is going abroad through CIS is to make sure that you pay attention to all the documentation and instructions that the program providers give you. If you do everything they recommend before departing on your adventure, your travel experience and stay abroad will be so smooth!!

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

An average week for me consisted of going to class, building relationships with new friends both inside and outside of the CIS Abroad program, as well as attending frequent hangouts and excursions planned and organized by my CIS Abroad on-site director. A few of these included a day hike at a nearby mountain overlook, as well as a winery tour, and beach picnics.

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

Growing up so close to my home university, I never really had the chance to gain a large amount of independence away from home. My biggest fear about going abroad was that I would be so far away from all of my family, friends, and those who care about me. Once arriving in Australia, I realized how exciting and freeing it is to be able to completely take care of myself.

2018 Alum

Katlyn Weber

2017 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Helena Henare Coolen

Program

CIS Abroad - Semester in New Zealand - Victoria University of Wellington

Job Title

New Zealand Site Director

Helena lives in the “Coolest Little Capital in the World”. She is passionate about ensuring every student has a safe life-transformative experience whilst soaking up the unique and diverse culture and environment New Zealand has to offer. Based in Wellington, she is very connected with many people and is able to ensure every student has access to people and experiences personalized to their area of interests. She prides herself on being your New Zealand Aunty who you can trust and feel safe knowing she is there for you.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Learning to say hello in 52 different languages. The laughter when you mispronounce it but the respect and kindness from them that at least you tried. I remember using a word completely out of context and the raucous outburst of laughter from a group of elderly ladies. I love going out of my comfort zone and experiencing different world views.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have been a student myself learning the diversity of cultures that come out of the United States of America. Learning all about life in the US College system which is very different to New Zealand. The accents of students from different states is often like listening to different languages. I have learned also from my colleagues about their experiences of what it takes to successfully study abroad.

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What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Every student has told Helena they will return to New Zealand. One in particular said he would be returning with his future wife and children to introduce them to their Aunty Helena. Every student is captured by the natural beauty of the New Zealand environment and loves to go hiking and exploring all it has to offer.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose Thailand as I have never been there and I love Thai food and find the people so warm and kind. I think having the opportunity to live in a country and having the authentic local experience is always more rewarding than just being a tourist. Knowing there is a local Site Director is what would make me feel safe.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The commitment to inclusion, especially the rainbow community of which I belong. I love that we identify as a family and, whenever I am dealing with a tough situation, I know I have a large wealth of experience to draw upon. I love that student wellbeing is critical to CIS leadership and the focus on continual learning about how we can always be better at working together to put our students at the heart of our business.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Putting the safety and well-being of every student at the heart of each program. I think offering unique and culturally rich program in countries around the globe at an affordable cost is what sets CISABROAD apart. I am super proud to do my work and feel it’s a privilege to be instrumental in supporting the future global leaders.

Website

Founded

Connect with us

Community Awards

CISabroad Scholarships and Financial Aid

Alumni Interviews

Krista Creech

Why did you choose this program?

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

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

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

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

Staff Interviews

Helena Henare Coolen

What is your favorite travel memory?

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?