Management Study Abroad Programs in Japan

My goals when studying abroad were to learn as much about Japanese culture and society as I could, and the course offerings went above and beyond this. There were too many great courses to choose from! Additionally, my homestay experience allowed me to really get a feel for what it was like to live in Japan. Through my host family, I was able to gain experiences that my peers could not. If I could go back, the only thing I would change would be to stay longer!

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!

I'm really glad I got to go abroad with CIS. The program was rather affordable and allowed me to experience going abroad for the first time. I was able to immerse myself in a new culture and language even when I was off campus and spending time on my own. When I was on campus in Japan, the program had plenty of events for us to partake in and learn more about the culture, like yukata wearing and a tea ceremony. My class was fairly challenging with the professor speaking almost all the time in Japanese, as it was a Japanese language course. The program staff were really friendly and provided me with guideance regarding acclimating to the train system, daily life in Japan, and traveling between cities. I felt very safe and not lost during my time on the program.

I had the incredible opportunity to spend a month in Tokyo this summer through CIS Abroad, studying at JF Oberlin University. From start to finish, the experience was both rewarding and fun, and I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations. The housing was comfortable, well-located, and made me feel at home during my time in Japan. The excursions were a highlight—each one gave me a chance to experience Japanese culture firsthand and create memories with fellow students. The staff were supportive, friendly, and always available to help, which made the transition to living and studying in another country smooth and enjoyable. JF Oberlin University itself was a fantastic host; the classes were engaging, and the environment fostered both learning and connection with local students. If I had one recommendation, it would be to offer even more excursions, since they added so much value to the program. I found every outing to be enriching, and having more would only make the experience even better. Overall, I would highly recommend CIS Abroad to anyone considering studying overseas. My time in Tokyo gave me not only academic growth but also personal memories that I’ll carry with me for a lifetime.

I got to experience for a short time what it would be like if I lived in Japan myself. It was an experience that allowed me to grow as a person, meet new people, try good food, and see all sorts of different cultural differences.

I'm so glad that I went to Nagasaki to study abroad for the spring semester. Not only was I able to meet so many different friends from around the world, but I was also able to learn about Japanese culture and history. I enjoyed immersing myself in the community present in Nagasaki, which is so determined to spread the word of peace. It was also great to interact with Japanese students and improve my Japanese language skills. Coming to Nagasaki, what I really enjoyed was the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms present at the beginning of the semester, and the abundance of trees in a rich green I had never seen before. It was truly a sight to see. Not to mention how Nagasaki is enriched with so much history and international cultural influences as a port city. There is just so much to learn.

The year I spent in Nagasaki was the best year of my life. The university is small, with less than 1000 students and teachers combined, making it easy to meet people and form connections. I typically struggle to make friends, but here I made friends from countries all over the world. There are many opportunities for personal growth, both academically and through community involvement. Nagasaki is a great location because it has a rich history of cultural exchange and is very welcoming to foreigners.

I went to Nagasaki Japan with the desire to improve my Japanese skills and develop a cultural understanding of the area. That is exactly the experience I had beyond expectations. I of course had some hurtless, figuring out what courses would count towards my degree was the hardest part. GADAI/NUFS the college I went to was small and cozy a stark contrast to my large university in the states. My most important experience was learning about the effects of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki. I encourage all to study abroad somewhere and if you're looking for a place neck deep in diverse cultures I fully reccomend this program. Every one of my struggles was 100% worth the experience I was blessed to have.

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

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.

The idea of being sent to a country across the other side of the world scared me. However, after arriving in Japan, last March, I had one of the most memorable semesters ever. Through USAC, I was able to not only immerse myself into the culture and language, but I also met some of my best friends too. My school, being abroad, was very active in terms of extracurricular events! The area surrounding the dorms were filled with all types of mini-restaurants, hole in the walls, and unique shops too. My experience has not only shaped my view of the world but along with my career path too!

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

I think the program offers a lot of opportunities due to its size. The program being a bit smaller allows for a lot of malleability within the program, and flexibility /freedom for students schedules and time.

The program staff was amazing and truly made me feel welcomed in a country I did not know the language or culture. I have made friends here that I know will continue to be my friends for years to come, thanks to the connections ciee opened up. The one thing I wish could have happened is more class experience with Japanese students; taking classes where host students were present in would have made this program perfect. Other than that, I would 100% recommend this program to others, and already have.

Overall, my program experience has been positive. I liked my instructors and the classes I took. However, I feel the course loads were a bit much for a six week program. Some administrative and organizational aspects I felt could be improved as well to make the student feel their needs are being met. On the other hand, all staff members of the program I participated in were friendly and great to talk to.

I enjoyed the classes I took and thought they were conducted well. In addition, I liked the excursions that were planned each Friday and felt that they covered a good variety of things I would have wanted to do.

My experience in Japan was made great by CIS abroad. The housing was comfortable and in a great area with tons of shops that truly felt like a quiet area of Tokyo. The education was great, especially my language class. Finally, the guidance given to us by our on-site coordinators was amazing, as they helped us figure out transportation and answer any questions we had at almost any time. I had an experience I will never forget.

This program was life-changing. The staff made the transition into Japan smooth and helped with any issues. I never felt overwhelmed, and I was set up for success. The school's community is amazing. It is impossible not to make friends, and you will meet the coolest people. I genuinely fell in love with life again after this program. The education is informative and interesting. The Japanese classes are well structured, and I enjoyed them. I encourage everyone to apply for this program! Nagasaki is a lovely city, and you get a lot of perks for being a student! I recommend the art museum, the rope line, and my favorite place-- Nagasaki Seaside Park!

It wasn't until I arrived in Nagasaki that I learned about its rich and significant history. Though at first it may seem like a small town with not much to do, if you have an open mind and willingness to explore, you'll always find something new to do here. It was in Nagasaki where I gained a complete sense of independence and freedom that I had not experienced back in America, even as an out-of-state student. Being in a whole different country I had never visited prior to this study abroad trip equipped me with a fresh lens to look at the world with and motivation to get out of my comfort zone. Upon succeeding in immersing myself in a new culture, I was able to discover more about myself than I ever have. Before these four months, I didn't have a strong sense of self identity and confidence in myself. However, throughout this semester abroad I found beautiful friends who I had the privilege to share my study abroad experience with. I could completely be myself around these people and given our living situation (small school, one dormitory building), we naturally grew closer from seeing each other every day from morning until nighttime. There is so much more I gained from this experience, but that would take years to tell so this is all I will be sharing for this prompt!

I was hesitant to study abroad for the first time and CIS Abroad exceeded my expectations. CIS Abroad is there to make all steps in your study abroad journey as seamless as possible. The application process is simple and straightforward, and if you have any questions they are always there to help and respond quickly. During the pre-departure meetings, and onsite orientation I knew that I was going to be okay, and this was going to be a journey I would never forget. Arriving in Florence with CIS Abroad, they truly made you feel at home, and the onsite directors were so friendly towards all of us. Without CIS Abroad there to help, my journey would not been of amazing as it was.