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CIS Abroad

Why choose CIS Abroad?

We spark growth. We envision a more connected and compassionate world transformed through individuals who have traveled, lived, and learned abroad.

We provide U.S. university students with the best value in education abroad, considering affordability, academic relevance, cultural immersion, and support. We are boldly committed to providing the highest quality service to students, their families, and their home institutions as a trusted education partner.

Whatever the answer to the Who, What or Why questions you have about us, we believe you’ll find a company full of passionate, mission and value driven staff who are committed to providing you with the best possible study or internship abroad experience.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

Scholarships

CISabroad Scholarships

CIS Abroad Scholarships and Financial Aid

70% of all CIS Abroad 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

Merrick
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS Review

My experience was unique because I lived in a place with 9 other roommates and they became my closest friends throughout my semester. We would gather every week and just send out an idea for a trip and we would just go to London with a group while others went somewhere else. The food experience and transportation also was a 5 star. With the metro never being a problem we would rent bikes to save time because of the bike paths all over. We also traveled to certain places in Spain to try the best paellas as well as other countries to try their famous dish. This could have been fish and chips in London or many others. This was one of my best decisions I ever made and I hope you look into this program because the staff prepares you perfectly and sets you up when you arrive to your location.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment came from completing the Micro-Credential for this program. I went to a salsa dance club with a group. It was really funny watching my other friends try this out until I went because they had the same reactions.
Pros
  • Completed a task for my extra circular
  • Tried something new
  • Learned a new dance.
What other participants should know
  • Travel to places; you can always make more money back at home and might not have this opportunity again.
  • Step outside your comfort zone.
  • Do not be afraid to meet new people from your program or locals.
Sean Garrity Profile Picture
Sean
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Sorrento, Italy Abroad Experience

Since there aren't ubers or taxis, you were forced to walk everywhere which really gets you more involved with the town and the people and the culture. Just exploring every area was so fun and there is also a train right in the middle of town and it was fun getting off at nearby stops since they offer so much to see such as beaches and small shops. I used all of the resources provided to me by CIS Abroad which made exploration so much easier since a lot of the events offered were included with CIS Abroad. The locals were all very nice and as long as you make an attempt to speak the language and be involved with the culture, everyone will love you.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I brought a snorkel and goggles with me and with the supervision of a local I met, I would go snorkeling in super deep, yet super clear water and I never would have expected myself to just go snorkeling on my own.
Pros
  • Lots of exploration
  • Many opportunities for photos
  • Train located right in the center of town
What other participants should know
  • Lots of walking which can get strenuous
  • For the spring semester, a lot of places were closed at the beginning
  • For the spring semester, it rained a lot for the first couples months
Skye
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience in the GC

I had the absolute best time studying abroad in the Gold Coast! I loved the weather, culture, and the people in my program. If you are considering studying abroad there, do it because it is the best decision I ever made! I also specifically loved going abroad through CIS because I loved the on-site staff support and fun local activities we participated in! My study abroad program included snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, Snorkeling in Ship Ruins, Going Gliding down a sand dune, and visiting an indoor food market! Go abroad! You won't regret it :) I still keep in touch with many of the wonderful friends I made in my program, as well as friends from other programs.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Kangaroo for sure, and I really enjoyed it! Loved being able to branch out!
Pros
  • Community
  • Weather
  • Friends
What other participants should know
  • Time Difference
Arianna Jones
Arianna
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living and Learning while abroad

The six weeks in Japan and Korea were eventful and overwhelming at the same time.
The class I took in Japan was Japanese Anime and Popular Culture. As a big anime fan, I was really excited to learn anime history and see things in person. While in Korea I really enjoyed my class Introduction to the world of Korean religions. We learned so much about Korean history and religions. On most days we went on field trips to Buddhist temples, new religions churches, and an LDS church, while also having guest speakers like a Buddhist monk, Shaman, and a Catholic priest. I got to see different cultures firsthand and learn many perspectives. While getting out of my comfort zone, see, and learn so much through studying abroad through CIS Abroad and doing content creation with CEA CAPA. It was a privilege and having the support of staff made it so welcoming. I will forever cherish my new friends, and time spent abroad this summer.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
The best advice I could give is to take everything in. Try to do everything you want to do while abroad, while also being comfortable taking much-needed time for yourself. Try to have more money than what you expect to spend while abroad. Packing wise, if you know you like to shop a lot, get the luggage for it. Many of my friends had to buy extra luggage because they didn’t take that into account. Most of my money was spent on food and experiences so I was fine with one big suitcase. I recommend trying to plan the activities and trips you want to do. Spontaneous activities are good occasionally, but it does get overwhelming time managing that.
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Semester Ever!!

I studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy with CIS Abroad and it was the best decision ever! Sorrento offered so many experiences for me to do everything I love. I went on hikes along the Amalfi coast, explored the ruins of Pompeii several times, volunteered at a foster home, and studied at the gorgeous Sant' Anna Institute overlooking the Mediterranean Sea everyday. I was able to explore Sorrento and beyond with several excursions through the program, field trips with my Marine Biology and Archaeology classes, and traveling to several different countries with the friends I made there. I made some of the best memories there and wish I could go back just to relive it all over again!! I would recommend it to anyone thinking to study abroad!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Pack the basics in your suitcase and you can buy anything else you need once you're there! I also recommend buying postcards anywhere you go for the memories!
Pros
  • Sant' Anna views look over Mediterranean Sea while in class
  • great small town to get to know the friendly locals
  • amazing hikes, beaches, and history of the area
What other participants should know
  • winter weather and rainy season for first two months

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

The Forum on Education Abroad Logo
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