Trimester Study Abroad Programs

I spent two months studying Mandarin at Fudan University in Shanghai through GAC, and it was an unforgettable experience. My homestay family welcomed me like their own — we cooked together, watched Chinese dramas, and they patiently helped me practice every day. My teacher was engaging and focused on real conversation rather than just textbooks. By the end, I could confidently order food, ask for directions, and chat with locals. The GAC team also organized weekend trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou. I came home with real fluency and a deep love for Chinese culture.

In the program, myself and fellow students at my university really connected with the hosts of the program- both when they were professors for teaching us Darija and culture and guides in new cities. It would not have been the same for me in Morocco without them, and they have set me up on a good track for the entirety of my experience since and in the future. And this was all in 2024! They have had years to improve and refine their skills.

The MD Pre-Clinical programme at New Anglia University has been a very valuable part of my medical education so far. They do whatever is necessary to build a proper understanding of the basic medical sciences before moving further into clinical training. What I like is that the subjects are not treated as completely separate areas of study. As you progress it becomes easier to see how the different topics relate to each other and how they contribute to understanding the human body and disease. Another aspect I have found useful is the introduction to clinical reasoning and medical concepts at an early stage. It gives more context to the scientific material and makes studying it feel more relevant. Instead of only focusing on remembering information for exams, there is more emphasis on understanding the concepts and being able to apply what you have learned to medical situations. The programme has also required me to become much more organised with my studying. Keeping up with the material takes consistency and independent work, which I think is good preparation for the demands of the later stages of medical school. Although there have been difficult topics and periods where the workload felt quite intense, I have noticed a real improvement in both my understanding and confidence since starting. Overall, I feel that the MD Pre-Clinical programme is giving me a solid academic base and a better idea of what to expect as I continue my medical training.

I’ve been enjoying the MD Pre-Clinical programme at New Anglia University so far. The workload can be a lot sometimes, but I feel like I am getting a much better understanding of the subjects rather than just memorising everything. I also like that we are introduced to clinical topics early on because it makes the science more interesting and easier to relate to medicine.

Starting the MD Pre-Clinical programme at NAU has made me feel much more confident about continuing into medicine. The workload is definitely demanding, but I feel like I am learning a lot from it. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to have a thorough knowledge of medicine and wants to become a certified doctor.

I had the best time in Morocco. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Marwane and his team played a major role in that. They have the kindest hearts and truly want you to learn and understand the place they call home and why it is so special to them. I could not have asked for a better experience and team to do this with. I will cherish this time in Morocco eternally. I highly recommend Marwane and his team. Cheers!

Lingua Compass left a Rabat shaped hole in my heart and was an experience that will always stay with me. Marwan and the rest of the team place you right in the heart of Moroccan hospitality, in which guests are treated with the same warmth as a long lost friend. I also had a thoroughly immersive cultural experience, not stopping at the surface of Moroccan culture, but exploring the history, geography, and complex aspects of the country. This is all coupled with really experienced language teachers who use a skills-based, speaking-first model - which is very refreshing for anyone who has ever suffered through Arabic grammar. Thank you Lingua Compass! ❤️🩵

Overall I loved my time in Costa Rica but the unfortunate part about it was I was there for 2 months and the 2nd month we did not have any excursions or cultural events even though we paid so much money to be there and I feel like we were lied to on what everything would cost to travel individually. I think I loved my time in Costa Rica because me and my roommates made the most out of it even though we felt separated from the rest of the program because we were the only ones who lived away from everyone and we could not walk to our other friends home stays because our homestay mother would make us Uber once it was already dark we did not have the money to continuously do that if we just wanted to hangout with our friends. Also we were mislead about the internship transportation luckily I was in a group of 4 for my internship and we could split Ubers but even then I was struggling financially towards the end of the trip and had no idea that we would have to figure out our own transportation to our internships if I had known that before I would have never done the internship it was totally misleading. Lastly, I enjoyed my homestay but I hated having the same meals from lunch and dinner and when I told my homestay mother that we all did not like that she did not change it she continued to do it.

Hola a todos, estuve una estancia muy bonita aquí en Arequipa y en las clases de Máximo Nivel. Sobre todo la clases de Dyana. Antes, tenía muchos profesores de español, pero, como ella da sus clases . . . ¡Era la mejorar de todas! Siempre alegre y sonriendo. El clima En la clase siempre era más familiar o como con amigos buenos. Así, nunca me senti como en una clase de escuela. Hacer las conversaciones y la gramatica no era trabajo . Pero tambien muy detallado Y muy bien explicado. Eran tres semanas que ya me hacen falta. Y tambien las clases de cocina con Nora. No solo la comida me gustó mucho. Ella lo hace de una manera. muy buena. Quizá, se podría dar a las estudiante estudiantes de cocina tambien dar un pequeño certificado que dice, que ahora tienen experiencias en la cocina peruana :-)

Dayana made learning Spanish fun. We laughed a lot and learned a lot. She was always encouraging and supportive. Dayana did a good job focusing on our errors with supplementary materials. Our group was very cohesive, in large part because Dayana brought us together. Best Spanish teacher ever!

I was pleasantly surprised with this whole experience! You all have been incredible. Maximo's culture is very welcoming + easy to connect with other people. I so so appreciate all of the support you've provided. Also, Pamela is fantastic!! I wish I could learn from her for longer. She is warm and a great, relatable teacher who has made me feel proud + confident in my Spanish level. My only regret is not staying longer!

Nely was a great teacher. We discussed many debatable topics and I learned a lot of new vocabulary. Everyone at Maximo was great from Patrick, Maia, Gabby and many others. Maximo really takes great care of all their students. I can´t say enough good things about Maximo.

Leaving to study abroad in Barcelona was my first time ever leaving the country and exploring a new culture. I could not be more grateful for choosing CIS Abroad for such an amazing experience. From the very beginning, the CIS Abroad staff helped me prepare for the experience of a lifetime with genuine care, guidance, and support. That support continued throughout my time abroad. CIS Abroad made me feel safe by providing comprehensive resources for students, including access to therapy, medical care, and additional support whenever we were sick or needed assistance. Barcelona quickly became my second home, and studying abroad was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I grew personally and professionally, and created memories that I will carry with me forever.

The classes have been really enjoyable and engaging. Doing my MD pre-clinical now! The content is interesting, and the way everything is presented makes it much easier to stay focused and involved throughout the programme.

I studied Mandarin at BLCU in Beijing for 4 months, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. My homestay family was so kind — they spoke only Chinese, so I had to practice every single day. My teacher was patient and always encouraged me to speak more. By the end of the program, I could comfortably order food, take the subway, and even have simple conversations with locals. The GAC team organized a weekend trip to the Great Wall and a traditional Chinese painting class. I left Beijing with real language skills and friends from all over the world. Highly recommend!

My experience with New Anglia University has been very positive so far. From the beginning, I have been impressed by the level of organisation and the clarity of the information provided throughout the process. As a student, I value having clear expectations and a well-structured programme, and I feel that the university has done a good job of providing both. I have also found the academic content engaging and appropriately structured, which has made it easier to stay focused and motivated. The communication from the university has been professional and timely, and I have always felt that support is available when I need it. Overall, I appreciate the combination of organisation, accessibility and academic focus that the university provides. My experience so far has given me confidence in my decision, and I am looking forward to progressing further with my studies at New Anglia University.

My experience with New Anglia University has been lovely so far. The team has been kind, helpful and always willing to provide clear information whenever I need it. Super excited to continue my studies!

I spent three months studying Mandarin at Peking University through GAC, and it completely transformed my confidence with the language. My homestay family was incredibly welcoming — they spoke only Chinese at home, so I had to practice daily. My teacher made grammar and tones easy to understand with interactive lessons. By week eight, I could order food, take the metro, and even bargain at the markets. The GAC team organized a trip to the Great Wall and a traditional tea ceremony, which made the cultural side unforgettable. I returned to Spain with real fluency and a second family in Beijing.

I have had a very positive experience with New Anglia University so far. What I appreciate most is how clear and organised everything has been, from the programme information to the communication and support provided. As a pre-med student, I like having a clear understanding of what to expect and how the programme is structured. The process has been straightforward, and I am very much looking forward to getting started and making the most of my studies.

I've been with Maximo a little over two months into my 6 month stay doing Spanish immersion. The locals, staff, and friends I have met here have been nothing short of incredible! Learning Spanish from native speakers and immersing yourself in the culture is the best way to do it. Cusco, Peru is such an amazing city full of history and wonderful nature. I cannot recommend it enough!