CIS Abroad

Studying abroad in Costa Rica changed my life and it will change you yours as well! I went to Costa Rica with the goal of learning Spanish and it got so much better. I took all advanced Spanish classes due to my minor and because I tested into the advanced classes. They were hard, not going to lie, but it I learned so much. Also there are no tests so that is obviously a perk! The first month maybe a little frustrating adjusting to the language barrier but embrace it because it is a great challenge to learn! Practice your Spanish with other natives because they love when foreigners try to learn their language and culture. If you are not trying to learn Spanish, that is okay to because there will be other international students that speak English and some people in Costa Rica speak English as well so you can still get around. San Jose is also a great city to study abroad in.The area which I stayed in had 24hr security and I felt safe. I will say, downtown during the nighttime can be a little sketchy because there is a huge homeless population there but if you stay with a group of people during the nighttime you should be there. However, there was so much to do in the city and at the school whether that be from events downtowns, sporting events, or parades. I would say get involved in any event you see online or around the city. That is the best way to be immersed in the cultural and also meet new friends. If you just stay in the school and only talk to American people you will not get the full experience of being an abroad student in my opinion.

While in Thailand, I completed my Political Science minor, taking courses such as Thai Foreign Policy and Fake News, Censorship, and the Politics of Truth. Studying politics, media, and governance while living under a constitutional monarchy offered a depth of understanding that no classroom at home could replicate. Community is central to who I am, and I often associate belonging with a shared language. While I was nervous about navigating a language barrier in Thailand, I was drawn to a culture rooted in collectivism, respect, and care for others. Through CIS Abroad, I found community across cultures and backgrounds. I am endlessly grateful to David, Ann, and Jenny, who made us feel at home, answered our questions, and reminded us that belonging can exist far from familiarity. Choosing to study abroad was not easy as a first-generation college student. That is why I am especially grateful to those who believed in me and encouraged me along the way. Traveling and studying in Southeast Asia deepened my understanding of the region’s history, economics, and political climate in ways I will carry with me for the rest of my life. This experience challenged preconceived notions and reaffirmed my belief that studying abroad is not just an escape from reality, but a meaningful rite of passage.

My chapter in Florence has become a highlight in throughout my college years. This time kept me grounded yet challenged me which reshaped how I take on the world. Florence holds so much beauty and history to see everyday giving me chance to slow down and take in the moments. These moments also required me to adapt to a whole new speed of life. This city wasn't just a place I came to for an education, but a place that built my independence and confidence in handling a new culture. Right at the start, my daily life required problem-solving. I had to adapt to the new responsibilities at hand, navigating public transportation, and mainly the cultural differences. Some tasks I would've thought were easy sometimes came with unexpected challenges, teaching me how to stay calm under pressure. Being away from my family which is my support system, forced me to depend more on my own judgment, becoming one of my stronger skills that I will continue to use after this experience. Never being so far from my support system, Florence created a deep sense of independence. I had to make big decisions on my own, academics to traveling. I built trust in myself to move forward and getting comfortable with uncertainty. Gaining this new feeling, I felt empowered and building confidence through my daily actions. Every moment navigating this foreign city reinforced my trust in my own capabilities. Outside of every day life, being in Italy gave me a chance to explore Europe. From Florence, I was able to go to places such as Paris, London, Morocco, Barcelona, and many other cities across Italy. Traveling to these places grew my view of the world and exposed me to different ways of living. Each location offered new moments, lessons, and memories. Returning to Florence was a great place to come "home" too. It was such a grounding place, where I could reflect and process what I've taken in from the countries right next door. The biggest lesson Florence taught me was resilience. Of course it was experience of a lifetime, but there were moments of discomfort and uncertainty. I dealt with those moment by turning them into a chance to grow. I looked back at the challenges I faced as an essential part of my personal development. Rather being scared of discomfort, I recognize is as progress. At the end of my time, this experience was transformative. It gave me room to grow while gaining lifelong skills. Florence was not just a place to study abroad, it became my second home. The lessons I learned, the challenges I had to over come built my mentality today. Reminding me that if I want to grow, I have to step beyond comfortability and allow myself to evolve.

My study abroad experiences in Stirling, Scotland through CIS Abroad was one of the most transformative and unforgettable experience of my life! I truly loved every single second of my time abroad, from the incredible people I met along the way, the memories I made, the places I traveled, the things I got to try, and the tremendous growth I experienced. Stirling is a smaller town situated between the bigger cities and the Scottish Highlands, which made it an incredible place to travel from to see other places in Scotland. During my time, I grew to love Scottish traditions, culture, values, and ways of life— I really enjoyed how they viewed work-life balance. I also thoroughly enjoyed how easy it was to use public transportation to get around to other places in Scotland and travel to other countries, it truly enriched my experience and has made me yearn for when my next trip will be already!! CIS played an immense part in making this experience one I will never forget. The amount of support and friendliness from the staff, the lifelong friendships I gained, and the cultural immersions put on through the program were absolutely amazing and made me feel like I was getting the most I could out of this experience.

Overall, I would highly recommend Limerick, even though it is a place in Ireland that not many people have heard of. It is a huge site for Erasmus (European Study Abroad) students, so you will get to meet a lot of people from places you may have never even been to and get to share cultural experiences. My roommates were from all over, and it was so nice getting to know so many people during my time there. On the academic side, my experience was overall pretty good: my professors were nice, and their classes were engaging; however, the grading system at UL is different from what I'm used to in the States. At UL, specifically in the English and History departments, there were not many assignments that made up your grade; there were only 2-3. This wasn't too much of a problem for me since I just needed credits to take what I wanted, but if you have major-specific classes you need to take, this is something to keep in mind. The professors are happy to help, though, if you need extra assistance, but just keep in mind you will need to make sure you're keeping up with the assignments, as there are so few per class, the major ones can creep up on you if you are not careful. Other than that, though, I do not have any other complaints, and I honestly wish I were back there now with all of my new friends.

My study abroad experience at the American University of Rome through CIS Abroad was one of the best experiences of my entire life! The school, program, and all the people I met were incredible. I met some of the best people I have ever known, thanks to studying abroad, and got to experience a life that I would have otherwise never known. Rome is such a beautiful city, and I am so glad I was able to explore it every day. From the food to the art to the architecture to the culture, my slice of life was heaven for the four months I lived there. There was never a dull moment in the city, whether I was going to Vatican City for their first-ever concert or just running around and learning about the hidden historical sites all around the city. I truly felt like a local and was so sad that I had to head home after a semester, but I cannot wait for the day that I can return to this wonderful city again! When applying to the program, I was super nervous and hesitant to go through with my plans. Now, I cannot imagine my life without it! I would rather be sad missing it than be sad and dreaming about the "what-if" possibilities. I highly recommend and encourage the same to anyone considering the possibility, and pick Rome! It truly is the best city!

My fall 2025 semester abroad was wonderful. I was based in the wonderfully beautiful and lively city of Florence and I got to travel all around Europe, to places that I have always dreamt to visiting. CIS Abroad is a great program to go through. The team here in the states and the on-site directors were so helpful. They always answered the questions I had and walked me through the process of applying to the program, applying for my visa, and so on. As on on-site, the directors did a nice job at making us feel welcome and helping us settle into our new home for the next four months. Going abroad gifted me a new perspective on life that I will forever hold in my heart, and in my everyday life.

Studying veterinary science in Thailand was an unforgettable and eye-opening experience. I gained hands-on skills working with elephants, livestock, and small animals while learning from incredibly dedicated veterinarians and caretakers. Every day brought new challenges, field clinics, lab work, and real-world problem-solving that pushed me to grow both academically and personally. Outside of class, I explored temples, tried amazing food, and connected with locals and fellow students. This experience expanded my perspective, boosted my confidence, and strengthened my passion for global animal health. I highly recommend it to anyone pursuing veterinary medicine!

My experience going abroad for a semester was better than I could have ever imagined. From the day I set foot in Barcelona until the night before my plane to go home, there was always something to do. I can't say that there was ever a moment I was bored or felt like there wasn't a new activity to do or a place I wanted to go back to. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona was in such a beautiful part of the city, located near many shops, cafes, and essential sight sees, such as The Sagrada Família. The professors at the university were extremely engaging, very outgoing, and extremely supportive. I always found myself feeling challenged and learned so much from my courses. No Friday classes was also a huge plus because it gave me more time to travel to new cities or explore Barcelona more. The transportation system in Barcelona was also extremely reliable and accessible, making it super easy and affordable to get around the city to all of my favorite spots. I felt as though there was always something to do in Barcelona when I wasn't in classes, and CIS was amazing with setting up all of the students with plenty of activities to do, whether that be weekend trips to Madrid, day trips to wineries, tours of must see spots in the city, and so much more. I had things planned every weekend, whether that be from my own travel plans, CIS Abroad's weekend activities, or exploring more of the city. The program itself was extremely supportive. With their onsite staff, I felt extremely supported and secure through all of my questions, worries, and emergencies. They were always there to help and helped me make Barcelona feel like home. They truly are your biggest support system out there and I couldn't have asked for a better on-site staff team. CIS Abroad also made the application process so easy. It can seem super overwhelming at first, but they truly were able to answer every question or doubt I had, and were extremely quick to respond to me. I felt as though they actually cared about me as a student, and not just a name on an application. The housing that I had was also amazing. I lived in Aparto, which was very close to the metro, buses, and the tram. The rooms were also great sizes with ample storage. I went with a random roommate, and CIS Abroad paired me up with a great roommate. If there was ever a housing issue, the CIS onsite staff were quick to resolve it and communicated throughout the entire process. Although I did go with two friends from my home university, I ended up meeting some of my best friends while I was abroad, and still keep in touch with today. There were endless things to do during the day and at night. Barcelona is truly for everyone. And the food there was some of the best I have ever had. It was also super easy to travel from Barcelona to other countries for weekend or week long trips. My and my friends were able to visit Austria, Germany, and Italy.

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

Korea quite literally had to be the best experience of my life, not only was it so thrilling and exciting to become immersed in a new country. Even with all the challenges, I had a lot of time to self-reflect, and I grew a lot. I've become more confident, more independent, more reliable, and I truly value what I have. Being in Korea helped me better myself hoenstly, and i also made so many wonderful friendships out of it that i will forever cherish for the rest of my life, weather it was us going out ot eat or going to to enjoy the nightlife or a movie night or maybe even just debunking the night being able to form a bond with some absoulte amazing epople was absouletely my favorite part of being in Korea.

Studying abroad in Sorrento with CIS Abroad completely changed the way I see the world. The program gave me the chance to step outside my comfort zone and experience life in a whole new way. From classes overlooking the coast to sharing meals with new friends, every day was unforgettable. Living in Italy taught me to slow down, appreciate the little things, and embrace new cultures. It wasn’t just a summer abroad—it gave me memories and lessons that shaped my outlook on life.

When I decided to study abroad in Rome with CIS Abroad, I had no idea just how much it would change me. I signed up on my own, far from family, but from the moment I arrived, I knew I was stepping into something extraordinary. What I found was not just a semester abroad, but the most amazing experience ever. I attended The American University of Rome, where I took courses for my film degree. The school that CIS provided for us was very high quality, but a lot of the learning during study abroad also came from being in the city of Rome. Every cobblestone street carried history, every piazza became a stage of daily life, and every plate of pasta was a lesson in Italian culture. CIS Abroad made this journey feel both adventurous and safe. Their staff was encouraging, supportive, and always there when we needed guidance. The group trips, cultural activities, and check-ins reminded me that even though I signed up for this study abroad alone, I was never truly on my own. The most educational and important lessons in my life have come from moving abroad, and having done so several times in the past, my theory has proven to be true time and time again. Moving to Rome taught me Italian cultural norms, Italian political standpoints, religion, history, and I learned so much from the people there. I made friends in unexpected places, and my friends at CIS Abroad have become family. What I carry most from this experience is growth. I discovered courage I didn’t know I had, independence I never thought I could embrace, and a confidence that will follow me everywhere. Rome taught me not to be afraid of new beginnings, but to celebrate them. To anyone considering studying abroad: do it. Say yes, even if you’re nervous. The world has so much to teach you, and you’ll come back with stories, friendships, and memories that will stay with you forever.

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University I studied at Sogang University with CIS Abroad in the spring semester of 2025 as part of a requirement for graduation in my degree plan. I was extremely hesitant about the trip at first, especially since it was my first time traveling abroad alone, and I would be living and studying in a completely new culture in a country where I didn’t know the language. But CIS Abroad made it so simple, easy, and fun. Before I even applied for the trip, CIS Abroad’s advisors and coordinators were there to answer any of my questions in a detailed and timely manner. Once I arrived in Seoul, my on-site program coordinator was there to help me every step of the way, arranging airport pickup and even a hotel to stay at with others on the CIS Abroad trip the first night, after such a long flight and jet lag, so that we could be fully rested before checking into our dorms the next day. Our on-site coordinator also helped us exchange currency, get an e-sim card, and provided dinner and breakfast while we were settling in. We all had a barrage of questions, but she was very informative and friendly. The next day, when we arrived and checked into our dorm, our program coordinator stayed nearby in case we needed anything. We had several welcome events and orientations, both by CIS Abroad and Sogang University, in the next few days to help us adjust to life in Seoul. Everyone was extremely helpful and friendly, while letting us maintain our independence and explore the city on our own. One of my favorite parts of my study abroad was how quickly I made friends with other exchange students and other CIS Abroad members. It’s tough making friends in college, but our cohort was small enough and we had enough events together that we all got to know each other really well. I always had someone to explore a new restaurant with or walk through the streets of Hongdae. Although we may live on separate sides of the U.S., we still text and call every day. Because I was studying abroad in Seoul, I expected to meet lots of Korean students, but I was surprised at how many friends I made with exchange students from across the world. Some of my favorite cross-cultural exchanges were learning Swedish drinking games from two students from Stockholm, working on a group project with a student from Kazakhstan, and learning the colloquial differences between Spanish in Mexico (being from Texas, that’s most of the Spanish I hear) versus the Spanish in Spain from a classmate from Valencia. CIS Abroad arranged several excursions and trips specifically for CIS Abroad students. These excursions never felt rushed or done on a budget; they were the perfect mix of cultural education and fun. Some of my favorite excursions were the Seoul scavenger hunt, hanbok rental experience and visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace (a classic Seoul must-do), an overnight trip to Yangyang Beach where we got to surf and visit several incredible Korean Buddhist temples, and the farewell dinner in Namsan Tower overlooking Seoul at a fancy restaurant with a four-course meal. Often after class or on the weekends, I would explore Seoul on my own. I loved eating at a solo BBQ restaurant and then going window shopping in Hongdae. One of my favorite activities was hiking famous trails like Inwangsan and Bukhansan. Hiking is a popular pastime for many Korean retirees, so I got to practice my basic Korean skills and share some snacks with locals, while also visiting temples and learning about Seoul’s history while traversing the mountains. One of the things I miss most about Korea are the traditional bathhouses, or Jjimjilbangs, with saunas, cheap massages and body scrubs, and various cold and hot baths. Korea is also known for its drinking culture and nightlife. Although we always made sure to practice basic safety tips like watching our drinks, avoiding clubs with bad reputations, and staying together in groups, we never felt unsafe or harassed while walking the streets, even at 2 or 3 a.m. Because I was there for a semester, I was able to take it easy. If I felt like laying in bed all day (I rarely did), I could, and then hit the ground running the next day exploring. I got to see a lot of things that on a one- or two-week vacation I would never do, like visiting the Seoul Botanical Gardens, taking a trip to Jeju with friends, or exploring the underground shopping malls in Gangnam. I loved my study abroad, and Seoul will always be in my heart. I am forever grateful to CIS Abroad for making it possible.

I studied abroad in Stirling, Scotland, and it was an incredible experience. The town is beautiful, with Stirling Castle at its center and quick access to both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The University of Stirling campus is just as stunning, with Loch Airthrey, walking paths, and even a castle on the grounds. Hiking Dumyat Peak at sunset with friends was one of my favorite memories. What stood out most was the people, everyone I met was welcoming and kind, from strangers on trains to my flatmates who made my 21st birthday unforgettable. Joining the archery club also helped me make local friends and feel part of the community. Stirling is the perfect balance of a close-knit, residential town with easy connections to larger cities. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone considering studying abroad in Scotland!

I had a great time in Rome this summer. I spent time from May to June taking archaeology and art, both on-site classes. The professors were friendly and informative, and classes were enjoyable. After I flew into Rome, the university res life personnel met me at baggage claim. I was taken to my apartment where I stayed with six other girls. My only disappointment with my housing was that it had no AC, so I was always hot as well as the other girls. The neighborhood was Trastevere which was very safe and had grocery stores very close to my apartment. The university was around a 15-20 minute walk but you can take a bus there if you don't like big hills. Public transport is easy to use and Google Maps updates schedules. Overall, the experience was fun and I really am grateful. I recommend CISAbroad as they were easy to ask questions to and were helpful for preparing for Rome.

This was my first experience leaving my home country and I don't think I could have had a better experience. With the help of my program and my group of friends, I was able to have so much fun while still feeling safe and having a stable help network to rely on if I need it. The onsite program staff was very helpful for anything that me or my friends needed, as well as any questions we were concerned about as well. I definitely felt safe travelling in this country and with this program. I also think that this is a great way to start travelling to other surrounding countries in Southeast Asia!

I had the best time ever in Limerick this summer with CIS Abroad. While I was there, I met incredible people, both from America and from Ireland, whom I treasure. The structure of the program with preplanned trips was a great bonus, which allowed us to have fun experiences without having to plan everything ourselves.

I had the most fun during CIS Abroad's Summer in Greece program! It included both excursions from CIS and from the university, the American College of Greece. Greece is beautiful and the area surrounding the college is safe and takes less than one hour to get to downtown Athens by metro or bus. There is so much to do in Greece - outside of the included excursions, I would recommend going to an island or doing a guided tour, and there are so many options for these! The program's staff were always extremely helpful and supportive, as well as my professors. The grading system was different than what I'm used to as someone from the U.S., as your final grade is usually split between two exams or projects, although I didn't find it too bad. Overall, I would recommend this program, especially if you love islands/beaches and history!

Studying abroad at Meiji Gakuin University through CIS Abroad was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The classes were well-structured, and the intensive language course was especially effective. Having studied Japanese for two years before the program, I noticed a huge improvement in my skills thanks to this course. The International Center on campus was also an invaluable resource—whether I had questions about clubs, classes, or just needed extra support. They regularly hosted cultural experiences on campus, which were fun and a great way to meet Japanese students. Outside the classroom, the program offered countless opportunities to experience everyday life in Japan. Living in Totsuka, Yokohama, was incredible. I stayed in a dorm with both Japanese and international students, which made it easy to build friendships and feel part of a community right away. The friendships I formed there are ones I know will last a lifetime. The dorm’s location—just five minutes from a major station—also made it easy to travel to Yokohama, Tokyo, and even beachside towns, so there was always something new to explore. CIS provided amazing support throughout the entire journey. From the moment I arrived in Japan, they were there to greet me at the airport and guide me through my first days. Their cultural excursions took us to amazing places and gave us the chance to see sides of Japan we might not have discovered on our own. I always felt reassured knowing I had their support when I needed it. Overall, my semester at MGU with CIS was eye-opening, challenging in the best ways, and truly unforgettable. I came into the program hoping to grow as a person, become more confident, and learn to be more independent—and this experience gave me all of that and more.