Summer Study Abroad Programs in Bangkok, Thailand

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.

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!

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!

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!

CIS abroad not only brought me to the exact country where I needed to be, but it also showed me the real Thai way of life. From northern Thailand, inhabited by 80-year-old Elephants, to its southern coastal islands, I saw Thailand in all its glory and beauty. A country that has so much to offer, CIS made sure I maximized my Thai experience in the short amount of months I stayed there.

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.

Mahidol University International College was a challenging experience for me. I major in Business Data Analytics and Managerial Economics. During my semester at MUIC, I took five classes. I took Econometric, Bus. Data Analytics for Business Strategy, Plant Biology, 3D Art, and Introduction to Drawing Analysis. The education system is completely different from the education system in the U.S. Many courses require a lot of self-studying. I was often overwhelmed because the lessons were taught at a fast pace. A lot of information was given weekly. The course was hard but it challenged me. I learned a lot of new information from the professors and my peers. There is no tutoring center or office hours to meet with the professor (apply to U.S. students). At MUIC, it was very easy to socialize and make new friends. Thai students are very shy and reserved so please take the initiative and introduce yourself. My social life at MUIC was great, I made a lot of new friends, tried so many delicious and affordable foods on campus, and visited the weekend market on campus every Friday. As a business major MUIC will challenge you and help you improve.

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.

Honestly my time in Thailand has shaped me into a completely different person than I was before I left. Obviously, there were ups and downs, my abroad trip was eye opening. Starting off the CIS Abroad team was super helpful concerning my application and working with me through the countless breakdowns I had over how stressful the process was. Not only that but the information they provided helped me feel much more prepared for arriving to the country. The on-site support team were so nice and helpful and I absolutely loved talking to them. Classes were interesting and challenging, and the university had a wonderful community with extensive extracurriculars. The choice with various hospitals were also really great (I recommend private for quickness and experience but public if you're ok to wait a couple hours). The program included so many things in the package that I felt taken care of and supported and it allowed me to have the best time.

Seamester was the adventure of a lifetime. I went into it not knowing how to sail but wanting to learn, and came out of it not only with that knowledge, but also with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me so many new things about myself. The staff members were amazing with their teaching and support, especially when times got rough. Their diligence ensured we all made it safely across the pacific. I also loved the places we visited, with my favorites being the Galapagos, Mo'orea, and the Panama Canal. The class schedule could be challenging at times, and waking up for watch in the middle of the night was definitely not my strong suit, but overall I had an amazing semester. I couldn't recommend Seamester enough and I'm so grateful for this wonderful experience.

I took a gap year after high school and chose to spend my Fall onboard S/Y Argo and sail from Palau, through Indonesia, to Bangkok Thailand. I had some scuba diving experience, but had never even been aboard a sailboat before. The Seamester staff was supportive and amazing. I made some of my strongest friendships and had the most amazing experiences, from diving with oceanic manta rays to long night watches sailing through the rough South China Seas. I learned so much about diving, sailing, and marine sciences, as well as so much about myself as a person. I would recommend Seamester to anyone considering it!

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.

Studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan for a month was the most amazing time of my life. I was quite anxious to go to Japan especially since it was going to be my first time leaving the US and flying by myself, however, I received incredible and immense support from the on-site program directors. Being immersed in Japanese culture through program activities like kimono wearing, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and just interacting with locals overall was wonderful. I was able to make friendships with some Japanese students which was so nice because they showed me beautiful places and foods to try. Not only did I make become friends with Japanese students, I also became close with the other study abroad students so I often went out to explore and have tons of fun with them everyday. Waking up everyday in Japan brought so much excitement because there is so much to see and do so I NEVER felt bored. As for Seisen University, the campus I attended in Tokyo, was beautiful and quiet. It was only a short train ride and walk away from my accommodation, so maybe a 20 minute commute. However, it is on a hill so it was quite a workout to walk to campus from the train station especially with the really hot and humid weather during the summer months. Then, the teachers were great! They were really interactive, entertaining, and passionate about what they were teaching. Since it was a summer program that only lasted a month, the courses were very fast paced especially the Japanese language courses. Also, the Japanese students were super friendly and kind and I always enjoyed talking to them and eating lunch with them. It was truly fascinating learning from them and I learning from them about our lives. Overall, I definitely recommend studying abroad with Cis abroad and choosing one of their Japan programs. It was a decision that I was highly doubting before I went but after experiencing it, I have no regrets at all and am very grateful for it. It is an opportunity that I wish everyone to experience.

I had a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience at Mahidol University International College in Thailand. The academics were challenging and the culture was so vibrant and unique. Even despite the setbacks due to Covid, it was still very much worth it.

CIS Abroad responded to this reviewJanuary 28, 2022

Way to go Catherine! So glad you went for it. It has been a tricky few years for study abroad, but as you have seen, there has still been so much to enjoy and learn from. All the best in '22 and keep in touch!

The School for International Studies through CIS abroad was the most perfect program for me. The program is three months long which is a little shorter than most programs however it is great for someone who is on trimesters, is nervous about getting homesick, or like myself- wants to travel for a while before their summer job starts. The academic coursework was challenging in a way that was incredibly rewarding. The professors don't give you hours of studying and homework to do because they understand that you are there to travel just as much as you are to take classes. I took several classes on the history of Spain and Barcelona and I learned more than I have from any professor or school because after learning about things like Gaudi's style of architecture we went out into the city and got a first hand experience by seeing things like casa batllo. My professors were so engaging, entertaining, and helpful, I still keep in contact with many of them today. They helped me to learn the rich and diverse history and context of the city I was living in. The CIS staff on sight at SIS was incredibly helpful in getting students involved in the Catalan culture and making us feel comfortable. It can be frustrating trying to get a hold of them before you go abroad for questions but as soon as you step foot in Barcelona the staff is ready to help out any time of the day. Whether it is a safety concern, you are sick and don't know where to go, or you are struggling in your classes the staff at CIS can help put you on the right track. The trips and activities (which are included in the cost of your tuition) are absolutely amazing and everything is paid for. My semester we went on two overnight trips, Sevilla and Zaragoza, where the food, accommodations, and planned activities were all paid for. We also went to the Dali museum, took a cooking class, and went out to dinner with our CIS mentor- all completely paid for by the initial cost of your program. This was absolutely amazing, especially for someone who wanted to experience Spain on a tight budget. As far as housing, I stayed in a shared room/ shared apartment with American students from other programs. This gave me the opportunity to get to know people outside of just the school I was studying at. The apartment I stayed in was in an amazing location and we had everything we needed (washing machine, dishes, bedding, towels). Our apartment was very close to a metro stop however most days I walked about 15 minutes to class to get to know my way around the city better. The CIS on site coordinators were available 24/7 through a cell phone in case of any emergency. I never felt unsafe in my apartment or walking around the city. I also purchased the international health insurance both through my home university and through CIS. I never thought I would need it but when I got sick while traveling outside of Spain, I was happy that I had insurance. The appointments, tests, and medication I received were completely free of charge and I visited a private travelers clinic where they spoke english and I had absolutely no wait time. Overall I think the CIS School for International Studies program in Barcelona is amazing for anyone who wants to travel a ton and get the most out of what you pay for. The only suggestion I would make is that about 2-3 times throughout the semester we had class on Friday. I had wished that our overnight trips were on the weeks where we had class on Friday because it was kind of difficult to travel out of the country on those weekends with Friday class. I ended up staying in Barcelona those weekends though which was a great decision so that I could take some time to get to know the city I was staying in and experience the weekend night life in Barna.

Best think I have ever done in my life I have learned so many new things the people the places the school it was all so amazing. From waking up in the morning to 25 other random people from around the world with the biggest smiles on their faces was so awesome. This made me realize what I want to do with my life and it was the best thing I’ve ever done

This was the best thing that I have ever done in my life opened my eyes to a whole new world that I am obsessed with now. I would do anything to go back right now. From the lifestyle of waking up early morning yo a boat filled with smiles to the long passages going crazy together I miss this lifestyle. If you do this trip you will not regret it at all This made me switch up the way I lived it showed me to appreciate everything so much more. From my mindset to my new unrest this trip really changed my life I love everything that we did with the trip. I love every single person I met and we all still talk just about everyday. This creates connections with people from all around the world Best thing in my life so far hopefully I’m coming back to work for you guys :)

Costa Rica was truly the experience of a lifetime for me. As someone who is an environmental science major, this country spoke so near and dear to my heart as they are very environmentally oriented overall and really are striving to keep their forests thriving. I had the sweetest host mom, an absolutely amazing site director, great university staff and I made some of the greatest friends on my trip, not to mention the vast number of breathtaking places I got to visit during my summer in Costa Rica. I have gained such an appreciation for the Spanish language and can speak more now than I ever could before! And I truly fell in love with the Costa Rican culture - Pura Vida!

I went to Thailand during the pandemic in Spring 2021 and I will never forget this amazing experience. I met incredible people from all over the world and learned all about the local community and cuisine. I got to meet ethically kept elephants and go to an amazing cooking course for Thai food. I would go back in a heartbeat if it was possible and I can't wait to travel the world again.

I had the privilege of attending Sea|mester in Spring 2019 for the Antigua Yacht Regatta voyage on S/Y Ocean Star. I am now a graduating senior and recently was accepted into graduate school to study great white sharks-a dream of mine for many years. During the time I was at sea exploring the Caribbean, learning to sail, and becoming a Divemaster, I wrote a collection of personal essays, interweaving the area’s biology and ecology with personal introspection about how these ideas related to my growth, and I watercolored scientific illustrations of fish and invertebrates which resulted in winning my college’s Outstanding Honors Thesis Award. My time on Ocean Star was instrumental to my achievements. Onboard, I gained confidence in myself and my passions, and came away knowing that the ocean was what I wanted to devote my life to and that I had the ability to make a difference. So thank you, Sea|mester. Thank you for giving me, along with every other student who gets to be involved in this program, opportunities that can change lives.