Global Alerts

LATEST UPDATE:

Update on Coronavirus- South Korea and Northern Italy

Feb 25, 2020 9:20 AM

We are aware that the CDC raised the alert level to 3 in South Korea and we are working with spring 2020 participants to discuss options. CIS Abroad has not currently canceled or suspended any programs. There has been no change in northern Italy. We are constantly monitoring the State Department and the CDC for changes in alert levels.

Please see our post from February 14 for a video update to hear more details about CIS Abroad’s Risk Management Team and procedures related to concern around Coronavirus from Joe Debiec, Vice President of Program Operations, and Jessica Jones, Vice President of University Relations.

Also, please see the World Health Organization (WHO) website for extensive information on the virus and tips for staying healthy.

 

PREVIOUS UPDATES:

Video Update: CIS Abroad’s Risk Management Response to Coronavirus

Feb 14, 2020 10:22 AM

For several weeks, CIS Abroad’s response to the novel Coronavirus has been three-fold: Monitoring the spread of the virus and staying current on all ... Read More

Thailand Shooting in Nakhon Ratchasima (also known as Korat)

Feb 8, 2020 9:33 AM

We were made aware of a shooting incident in a town a few hours north of Bangkok, Thailand this morning that involved multiple casualties. Here is an ... Read More

Coronavirus Update

Jan 29, 2020 3:21 PM

CIS Abroad only had one confirmed academic program in China in 2020, and that program has already ended. So, there are no more CIS Abroad academic or ... Read More

Australia Brushfires Update

Jan 2, 2020 7:37 PM

Australia has been suffering from some devastating brushfires recently. CIS Abroad is closely monitoring the situation with our Australian University ... Read More

Stabbing Incident in London

Nov 29, 2019 11:09 AM

There was an incident this morning near the London Bridge at 2 pm local time (9 am EST). It appears an assailant stabbed 5 people before being shot ... Read More

Update: Protests in Ecuador

Oct 12, 2019 9:20 PM

As of October 12 at 3:00 PM, the government of Ecuador has set a curfew for all residents of Quito. All CIS Abroad participants are safe. CIS Abroad ... Read More

Fire at James Cook University dormitory

Apr 4, 2019 9:09 AM

There was a dorm fire early Thursday morning that has displaced around 220 students. Luckily, no students were severely harmed and all of our ... Read More

Gunman Attack in Utrecht, Netherlands

Mar 18, 2019 9:26 AM

 CISabroad is aware of the attack on a tram in Utrecht, Netherlands this morning. We do not currently have any participants in the country. Our ... Read More

Earthquake in Southern Peru

Mar 1, 2019 12:23 PM

The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting that early this morning (around 4 a.m.) a 7.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in Southern Peru. All CISabroad ... Read More

Earthquake in Ecuador

Feb 22, 2019 1:05 PM

Earlier this morning, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake took place in a rural area of eastern Ecuador. Early reports are of little damage and no program ... Read More

Incident and Protests in France

Dec 11, 2018 5:39 PM

We are aware of the following incident in Strasbourg, France (Link: https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/11/europe/gunshots-strasbourg-france-intl/index.html) ... Read More

Melbourne, Australia - Fire & Stabbing Incident

Nov 12, 2018 11:16 AM

All students and staff in Melbourne, Australia were deemed safe after a man lit his vehicle on fire and stabbed three people in the CBD on Friday. ... Read More

Genoa, Italy Bridge Collapse

Aug 14, 2018 4:42 PM

Earlier this morning a bridge collapsed in Genoa, located in the north of Italy and there were multiple fatalities. CISabroad currently has no ... Read More

Athens, Greece Wild Fires Update

Jul 24, 2018 10:39 AM

All students on CISabroad's Athens, Greece program are reported safe as wildfires are raging in and near the city. We will continue to monitor the ... Read More

London Incident Alert - Update

Mar 23, 2017 3:13 PM

At this time, our onsite staff in London have confirmed the safety of all onsite CISabroad participants. Our thoughts continue to be with all ... Read More

Earthquake in Central Italy

Jan 18, 2017 6:06 PM

There was a strong earthquake in Central Italy about early afternoon local time, with several after shocks ensuing. The main affected area is located ... Read More

Truck Attack in Berlin

Dec 19, 2016 6:07 PM

A situation involving a large truck driving through crowds at a Christmas fair in Berlin, Germany is currently unfolding. We are monitoring the ... Read More

Earthquake in Ecuador

Dec 19, 2016 1:10 PM

At approximately 2:00 am local time, an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude struck on the coast of Ecuador, about 20 km from Esmeraldas. Our onsite staff ... Read More

Hurricane in Costa Rica

Nov 28, 2016 6:13 PM

Hurricane Otto hit northern Costa Rica last Thursday/Friday, killing at least 9 individuals and causing an estimated 8 million dollars in damages to ... Read More

Earthquake in New Zealand

Nov 13, 2016 6:14 PM

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the South Island, near Hanmer Springs at 12.02 am local time. Civil Defence has downgraded the tsunami warning to a ... Read More

King of Thailand Dies

Oct 13, 2016 6:17 PM

Today the Thai government announced the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. There is now an official period of mourning of one ... Read More
Hear what students, interns, and alumni have to say
BOLDLY COMMITTED to providing the best experiences abroad
While studying in Tokyo for a semester, I aimed to live by the quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Because of that, I have gotten to experience incredibly fascinating things and meet amazing people. Tokyo almost feels like a second home to me now. I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to have experienced the beauty of Japan and its rich culture.
Kenae Turner
Elizabeth City State University
Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

Based on personal experience from my home university, Australia does not tend to be a popular destination for study abroad, likely due to its distance. However, I am extremely grateful I made the decision to come here. The geographical diversity, numerous cultural representations, and major cities so close to nature make Australia a truly unique and unforgettable country. Spending three and a half months here will be an experience I treasure for the rest of my life.

Joshua Grossman
Coastal Carolina University
Semester on the Gold Coast - Bond University
CIS provided a brilliant network of people so I never felt alone, and everyday was a new adventure. I got to explore a place completely different from anything I could have imagined. It was challenging navigating a new culture, a language I didn't know completely, and a new environment, but that was the beauty of it all. No one goes abroad searching for comfort, but you learn that comfort can be found anywhere, if you know how to look.
Alisa Geise
Virginia Commonwealth University
Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas
Studying abroad has allowed me to grow as a person. I have conquered fears, experienced new things, tried new foods, and met wonderful people who helped make my experience unforgettable. I am more confident in myself and the person that I want to be in the future.
Ashlyn Holmes
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Semester on the Gold Coast - Bond University
Studying abroad in London has been an experience I will never forget. Living in a new country is something I think everyone should experience in their life. I've made so many new life long friendships I never would have unless I came here. I've also grown so much as a person and become more independent. The CIS team has been so supportive during the whole process. From applying to my program to arriving on campus in London. My site directors have been so helpful and supportive answering any questions I have. The social program activities were amazing and helped me see a different side of London than I would have without it. I will never forget this experience; it really has changed me for the better.
Katlynn Orloski
Michigan State University
Semester in London - University of Roehampton
Studying abroad changed my life in all of the best ways and CIS Abroad made it all happen!! Through CIS, I was able to make my first friends and integrate into the culture way easier than I would have on my own.
Amy Zochalski
Valparaiso University
Semester in Newcastle - University of Newcastle
My time abroad has been the most eye opening journey and I’m a more independent person because of it. I’m so grateful for all the experiences, friends, and memories I’ve made along the way!
Casey Ferguson
Kean University
Semester in Scotland - Edinburgh Napier University
Unlike many people on this trip who come with the intention of being a tourist, I feel like I had a different goal. I wanted to rediscover my culture and where I belonged. Being a hafu living in America and not fluent in Japanese, I was never really able to get in touch with my Japanese heritage. This trip completely changed that and I now have a goal of one day living in Japan for the rest of my life.
Dean Handler
University of Central Florida
Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University
The CIS program was truly a one of a kind experience. I was able to meet many students from all across America, attend several events (such as food tours or a trip to Kyoto), and make many friends. I would not trade it for anything. I am thankful I decided to study with CIS Abroad. Before this, I was thinking about just plowing through my degree, getting my master's and PhD, and immediately entering society. However, this experience changed my life. Through meeting many people from many places, and living in a new area for an extended period of time, my view of my own philosophies, culture and place of living, changed. This would not have happened if I stayed in the States. I would say if you are able to go, you should go. There is no time like the present.
Lexington Whalen
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University
Studying abroad in Japan was lifechanging! Embracing a rich culture, forging international friendships, and gaining valuable insights broadened my perspective, fostering personal growth and unforgettable memories.
Bricen Williams
West Texas A&M University
Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University
I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.
Sada Chaudhury
Hunter College
Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University
During my time in Costa Rica, I took Intermediate Conversation and Cultural Photography at Veritas University. I really enjoyed how relaxed the classes were and how the teachers taught us not only Spanish, but also culture and day-to-day life. I was also involved in the biology lab here (BIOMOL) and had fun doing some lab work every week. I got to explore multiple places with my program, such as Manuel Antonio, Curubandé, and Jaco. I went surfing for the first time and got to hike some amazing trails. I highly recommend traveling to Costa Rica for study abroad; it is a beautiful country with beautiful people and memories to make!
Lauren Adams
William Woods University
Summer in Costa Rica
I took Spanish for Healthcare Professionals and Conflict Resolution & Healthcare at Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica. I really enjoyed how interactive my elective class was; the students often led the class by doing presentations on various topics. We also had a field trip to the local school. My favorite part of the study abroad experience was all the weekend trips. It was awesome to see so many different places in the country. My favorite trip was to Tamarindo and Curubande where I got to take a surf lesson and hike to waterfalls.
Faith Johnson
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Summer in Costa Rica
This past month I spent my time studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy with CIS Abroad. The opportunity of being able to study in Italy was a dream come true! From my peers in the program to Frankie and Kayla, everyone has been so open and welcoming. CIS has done any amazing job making sure I felt prepared for my travels and was available to answer my many questions. Without CIS, this opportunity would have seemed like a dream, but they helped me turn it into a reality. I have met some amazing friends and grown into a better person during my time in Sorrento!
Alana Bergin
University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
Summer on the Italian Coast
I’ve always wanted to study abroad, even though I was initially very nervous since I had never been over seas before. But even my imagination could never have dreamed of the amazing things I got to see and experience while abroad. I didn’t get to just see all these new places but studying abroad allowed me to have the time to fully submerge myself into so many different cultures. I’ll never forget my time over here and I will forever be grateful I was able to experience studying abroad!
Mary Claire Vaughan
University of Alabama -Tuscaloosa
Semester in London - University of Roehampton
CIS Abroad planned a trip for our group to Orvieto for a weekend. It was one of my favorite things I have done so far. We got to make pasta dough and fully immerse ourselves in Italian family home culture.
Summer Megnia
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Semester in Rome - American University of Rome
I had the opportunity to work with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Center in Thailand as a veterinary assistant this semester. Their facility here is funded by the royal family of Thailand and is a rehabilitation center for turtles who have become displaced, injured or are in need of surgical procedures (most commonly abscess removals). Thailand is home to 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles: the Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead, and Leatherback! I was lucky enough to perform blood-draws, give injections, restrain, do a series of radiographs, calculate drug doses and assist in an abscess removal during my time here so needless to say I am having a blast and learning lots.
Scout Aulenbach
Berry College
Veterinary Science Semester in Thailand
My Drawing on Location class spends most of our class time outside, learning about local history and drawing our environments, rather than staying in a classroom. My marine biology class took us on a field trip to a turtle rescue center, where we learned about their processes in caring for injured turtles. 
Hannah Chan
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Semester on the Italian Coast - Sant'Anna Institute
CIS Abroad allowed me the opportunity to explore new places and ideas, and make some great friends at the same time! I really enjoyed my time in Japan as it let me explore both new and old aspects of Japanese culture.
Mads Muraoka
Berry College
Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University
This was the experience of a lifetime being able to spend a semester in Rome. I’ve had the opportunity to be exposed to many new things, travel to new places, and make lifelong friends!
Corrine Drew
Kean University
Semester in Rome - American University of Rome