Program Reviews

As I immersed myself into Southern Italian culture for five weeks, I find myself longing to go back. The CIS staff pre-departure and on site were always willing to help with any information needed or weekend travel recommendations. I felt very safe in Sorrento and enjoyed my walks to Sant'Anna Institute while saying ciao to locals I would see every day or stopping in one of many bakeries to get a pastry as I am walking to class each day. I highly recommend this program, all thanks to my amazing experience with CIS!

My time in Florence, Italy was great, thanks to CIS Abroad! From a smooth pickup at the airport to arriving at the awesome accommodation (rooftop pool and gym), the CIS Abroad team thought through every detail. They also planned activities throughout my time to get to know us better and show us around the city. They took us on a boat cruise, gave us a walking tour, showed us the famous viewpoint to see all of Florence, showed us the best gelato and pizza, and so much more. They were there every step of the way.

I truly cannot speak highly enough about my study abroad experience. Sorrento was the perfect location for what I was hoping for. It had all of the beautiful nature and culture that I was hoping to see and experience. It was also a small town, which allowed me to make relationships with locals, become regulars at our favorite coffee shops and restaurants, and really get to feel like I got to experience the community of Sorrento. The program I booked this experience through was CIS Abroad, and they did such a good job getting us involved in the area and making sure we felt supported the whole time. I also LOVED my class, I took Marine Biology which I have always been interested in. We had an amazing professor and got to go on once-in-a-lifetime field trips. I recommend this program highly to anyone who may be interested!

My experience with CIS Abroad on the Italian Coast was more than I could have ever imagined. The summer study abroad program provided a perfect blend of fun, engaging classes, cultural immersion, and breathtaking coastal views. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the charm of the local towns, the vibrant culture, and the welcoming community.
The courses were taught by passionate professors who truly cared about their students. I was always excited to attend my classes, History of the Mafia and Drawing on Location, as they were immersive and intriguing. My professors were personable, knew everyone by name, and spent one-on-one time with me to help with assignments. They incorporated humor and excitement that made learning fun and enjoyable. They also provided multiple class field trips where they took us to various beautiful spots around Sorrento, including hidden gems that weren't widely known!
CIS Abroad did an excellent job of integrating cultural activities into the program. We were provided with gelato and pizza-making classes, wine tasting, Italian dinners, a boat trip to Amalfi, beach club day, and a farewell party including a cultural tarantella dance. I was highly impressed with the amount of activities provided included in the program fee. The program coordinators, Frankie and Emma, attended all events and were fantastic. They were fun and genuinely cared about all the students, always wanting to get to know us better.
The support from CIS Abroad staff was exceptional. They were always available to assist with questions or concerns making living in Sorrento feel safe and comfortable. I made a great decision to stay in the Sant'Anna Dorms that were in the school as I loved being able to walk right downstairs to class. Living with other international students made it easy to form lasting friendships and share unique experiences. There was always one or more staff members on sight available to assist us with anything, including a night guard that made me and my parents feel safe. Sant'Anna is located minutes from the town square with a wide range of unique restaurants, shops, and bars, minutes from the beach at Marina Grande, and minutes to the train and ferry stations with popular tourist spots nearby making travel easily accessible.
My summer with CIS Abroad on the Italian coast was a transformative experience that exceeded all my expectations. I came away with not only a deeper appreciation for Italian culture and history but also lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a perfect mix of academics, culture, and coastal beauty!

As a girl who grew up in a small town but with a large sense of adventure, studying abroad was something I always knew I wanted to do. However, I could never have imagined how fulfilling the experience would actually be. This past summer, in 2024, I made the decision to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, at the University Autònoma de Barcelona. The cultures I experienced, the friends I made, and the memories I created are all things I could never have achieved if I hadn't taken the risk to study abroad. While the idea of studying abroad can be nerve-wracking, it has truly changed my outlook on life. I now hold knowledge and perspectives that have broadened my understanding of the world and enriched my personal and academic journey.

This past summer I was able to travel abroad to Barcelona with CIS abroad. It was such a wonderful, eye opening experience that changed my life for the better. My onsite director, Nicole, was able to walk our group through the diverse Spanish culture. We participated in a cooking class where we learned how to make paella, Spanish tortilla, gazpacho, and other dishes. CIS also organized a catamaran trip up to Costa Brava for the day, a wine tour, dance classes, scenic hikes, and visits to Barcelona's famous attractions. Having an advisor like Nicole who encouraged us to go and experience the Spanish culture made me feel comfortable in a new place. I highly recommend studying abroad in Barcelona with CIS Abroad if you want to get a well rounded, culturally immersive experience!

Truthfully, the experience of studying abroad was one I will never forget. I think everyone should have the opportunity to study outside of their realm to learn from others. I originally wanted to the program in hopes of meeting new people outside of my university while exploring a new part of the world, and CIS provided that experience for me and so much more! The staff was absolutely incredible to us and helped us find our way while navigating a new country and life. Gaining the experience I did was incredibly valuable and made for an excellent experience. I will absolutely be recommending the program to anyone interested!

Going to Italy was an amazing experience not only for the food and scenery but for the adventures and friends that were made along the way. When I first found out I would get the opportunity to go to Italy it was a surreal moment, and my experience abroad was one filled with many memories. While abroad I experienced culture shock because I had never been out of my home state, let alone the US. However, I learned to take it one day at a time and live in the present moment than trying to process everything all at once.

I spent the fall semester of my senior year with CIS Abroad in Florence, Italy. I had a fantastic time and would go back again in a heartbeat. I only took gen-eds, so my coursework was pretty light but I really enjoyed the "walking" classes that focused on seeing different parts of the city through an academic lens. The city is incredibly walkable, and you can find just about anything you need on the same block as you live. I stayed in the Social Hub, a hotel that hosts long-term students. I liked it because of security, utilities, and kitchenware was all provided. There is a restaurant in the hotel that you can get a prepaid meal plan for, but there is also kitchen space if you are more of a cook. Groceries were very inexpensive, so it was easy to get by without being an extraordinary cook. The hotel was also only a 10/15 minute walk from the train station, which made it super easy to travel on the weekends. The on-site staff were super responsive to outreach and had all of the resources you could possibly need.

I recently returned from a semester abroad in Barcelona through CIS Abroad. This experience was truly one of a kind and I would highly suggest going through CIS Abroad if you are considering doing a semester overseas. From group dinners to cooking classes to excursions, there are so many memorable experiences that you will not only enjoy but that will also bond you with your fellow peers. Nicole, the site director for Barcelona, ensured that everyone had all of the tools needed to succeed and was always available to help beyond what was expected of her.