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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.

Scholarships

CISabroad 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
$500 - $5,000

Reviews

Default avatar
Alexis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Time Of My Life

Studying abroad with CIS Abroad at Universidad Veritas in San José, Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, if not THE best decision. I knew I’d be immersing myself in a new culture, meeting new people, and navigating a different academic system, but I just had no idea just how much I would grow on a personal level. This experience didn’t just change where I was; it changed who I am as a person. To be honest it was not all easy, the first few days were kind of overwhelming. I was in a brand-new country, surrounded by a language I wasn’t fluent in, trying to figure out everything from how to get to class to what bus to take to get places. But pretty quickly, I started to feel more at home, and it all became worth it. Costa Ricans (aka Ticos) are some of the warmest, most laid-back people I’ve ever met. Everyone was so patient and kind, even when I messed up my Spanish or had no idea what I was doing. That welcoming vibe made it easier to just be myself and not stress so much about standing out or not fitting in perfectly. One of the most important things I’ve taken away from this experience is just how much more confident I’ve become. Before studying abroad, I sometimes second-guessed myself or played it safe, and I was not happy with being myself. But here, I had to figure things out on my own—from navigating public transportation to handling classes in a new system to planning weekend trips with friends. I felt like I could be my fun and comfortable self because of all the things I was achieving, and the supportive friends and staff I was surrounded with along the way. Each time I pushed myself, even in small ways, I could feel myself growing. Whether it was ordering food in Spanish without overthinking it or making new friends from around the area, I started realizing that I can actually do this. And that I really can do anything I put my mind to. And that mindset started to carry over into everything I did. If there’s one phrase you’ll hear all the time in Costa Rica, it’s “pura vida.” It literally means “pure life,” but it’s really more of a lifestyle. People here just get how to live in the moment. They don’t stress over the small stuff. They take their time, enjoy life, and focus on what matters most, which is connection, nature, and peace of mind. Before I came to Costa Rica, I was used to being constantly busy, always chasing the next assignment, work, event, or goal. But in Costa Rica, I learned to slow down. I started to let go of the pressure to be “on” all the time. I learned that it’s okay to relax, take a breath, and just be. Honestly, that’s a lesson I really needed. Looking back, I can see just how much I’ve grown. I’m still me of course, I still love meaningful conversations, trying new foods, and dancing, but I feel more grounded now. I’ve learned how to trust myself more, handle challenges better, and embrace uncertainty instead of running from it. I don’t think I realized how strong I was until I came here and had to rely on myself in ways I never had before. From all the fun and exciting excursions and challenges to everyday life, the experience has shaped me as a person. We snorkeled with sharks, ziplined, horseback rode to a volcano, and became a family. Now, I feel like after leaving Costa Rica I left not just with amazing memories, but with a stronger sense of who I am and what I’m capable of. If you’re even thinking about studying abroad, do it. Seriously. Costa Rica, especially with CIS Abroad and Universidad Veritas, gave me more than just an academic experience. It gave me confidence, clarity, and a fresh outlook on life. You’ll come back with some crazy stories, but more importantly, you’ll come back with a stronger version of yourself. And you might just pick up a little pura vida along the way, actually, you definitely will.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I am scared of heights and my group, and I decided to go to Monteverde to zipline, and at the end of the course there was a Tarzan swing super high up where you drop and then swing above the jungle. I was so nervous and almost backed out. The way I overcame it was my close friend said, "if I go you go" and I agreed. She went first and I knew I couldn't let her down, so I did it! I was so glad I did, because it was so much fun and now, I am not as afraid of heights. This taught me to take risks and be bold.
Pros
  • Language skills
  • New friends/connections
  • Different perspective on life, I am a more experienced and better person now
Cons
  • Diffucult transition
  • Missed my family and comfort of being home
  • Spent a lot of money
Default avatar
Katelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

La dolce vita (The sweet life)

Life during my semester on the Italian coast was truly sweet. The thing I loved most about my experience was the whole town and ambience of Sorrento. Living just 2 minutes away from a beautiful, warm beach and getting to know several Sorrento locals, I fell in love with the town, food, people, and way of life. I enjoyed morning runs by the beach, post-dinner gelato, and sunset swims with all of my friends. The CIS Abroad staff and the friendliness of the Italian locals created a great experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One of the coolest excursions that I went on was included with my CIS Abroad program, when we went to Matera, Italy, the second oldest city in the world. This city is composed of limestone rock, and we got to stay in caves that were left behind from the old civilization. We also did a sunrise hike and explored old cave dwellings and saw the beautiful city from the tallest point on a mountain. I have never seen anything like this city before and am still awestruck from my experience.
Pros
  • 2-minute walk from the beach
  • Friendly locals and staff
  • Extremely safe town, even walking alone at night, extremely low crime rate
Cons
  • Only access to Italian food in Sorrento (other types of food such as Thai food are in other towns, so you have to walk or take public transportation if you do not want to eat pasta/pizza one night)
  • Most places in Sorrento close on November 1st due to tourist season slowing
  • Train strikes make travel difficult at times
Default avatar
Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I loved studying abroad in Sorrento with CIS

Studying abroad in Sorrento Italy is amazing in itself but studying abroad with CIS makes it a completely different experience. I had many friends in the Sant'Anna program but not in CIS and they were all jealous of the amazing things we got to do. From pizza parties to a boat trip along the almalfi coast CIS truly gave us the full experience. Having an amazing contact like Frankie made my parents much more comfortable about me living in a foreign country. We had access to doctors that spoke english as well as home visits which really made the difference.

Default avatar
Paige
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Florence Fall 2024

Genuinely the best semester I have ever had- Martina was amazing and so helpful at any time of day or night, they organized so many things for us and just made this experience so much fun and easy. I fell in love with Florence and made lifelong friendships and people I am already planning to visit and to go back to florence with! Going abroad has changed my perspective on life and what i’m capable of doing myself and i can’t wait to go out into the world and share my experiences with everyone else!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Go and do even more than what I did- go and do something in the city and explore outside of it at least once a week
Pros
  • beautiful
  • not too crowded
  • in the middle of everything but not overwhelming
Cons
  • can be sketchy at night
  • lots of catcalling
Default avatar
Gillian
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

La bella vita in Italia

Studying at Sant’Anna Institute through CIS Abroad was an unforgettable experience. I lived in the school dorms, located on the beautiful seaside of Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento has the charm of the Amalfi Coast, with less crowds and tourism. In my classes I studied archeology, volcanology, marine biology, and human rights. We went on amazing field trips such as snorkeling, hiking Mount Vesuvius, and exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii. In my free time, I swam and read by the beach, which was just a 5 minute walk away from the school. CIS abroad provided incredible excursions throughout the 4 month stay. We experienced cooking classes, kayaking, a street food tour, and even staying in a luxury cave in the third oldest city in the world! Everyone at both Sant’Anna and CIS Abroad was welcoming, helpful, and kind. They truly care about your well being and happiness. I couldn’t recommend this program more. Go to Sorrento, you won’t regret it!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I stayed in a cave in the third oldest city in the world! We got to hike up to secluded caves in the mountains and see how people lived until 1960.
Pros
  • Beautiful area
  • You get to experience the rich history of Southern Italy
  • Small- not overwhelming like some cities
Cons
  • Small- not much to do
  • Many places close in the off-season
  • The location makes it slightly hard to travel

Programs

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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.

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.

I loved that I had complete control over everything that I did. It allowed me to form many great friendships and go on many adventures that otherwise I may have been too afraid to endure.

Staff Interviews

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

Helena Henare Coolen

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.

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.

Professional Associations

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