Global Alerts

LATEST UPDATE:

Update on COVID Vaccine policy, effective Summer 2023 term

Dec 2, 2022 3:26 PM

For the Summer 2023 and beyond, CIS Abroad strongly recommends that participants receive the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters but will not require it. The WHO and US CDC agree that the vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious illness and helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.

CIS Abroad strongly recommends all participants receive the vaccination and boosters because it:

    • Reduces the health risk of:
      • Spreading COVID-19 and its variants to other parts of the world, including CIS staff, international partners and the communities where we have programs.
      • Contracting COVID-19 while abroad, which could lead to serious illness and death, missed classes and excursions, and mandatory isolation.
    • Reduces the financial risk of:
      • Being denied entry abroad if a country requires vaccination for entry.
      • Being denied acceptance to one of our international universities, housing, host families, or other local venues.
      • Having to isolate for longer periods of time if COVID positive
    • Reduces the academic risk of:
      • Missing important classes due to illness or mandatory isolation, due to changing regulations.
      • Missing out on amazing cultural experiences due to decreased access.

International rules and regulations change rapidly. We abide by the local, regional and foreign government regulations governing COVID-19 and other vaccinations. CDC guidelines are here. We also abide by US sending institution rules and regulations re: sending students abroad. Host country and airline rules around vaccination can change at any time; participants are responsible for all related expenses that are incurred due to these changes and are subject to regular withdrawal policies if participation is not possible. This is why we strongly recommend vaccination; not only does it protect one’s health and those around them, but it protects against changing vaccination rules and regulations around the world.

PREVIOUS UPDATES:

CIS Abroad Return to Travel Plan: February 2021 Update

Feb 4, 2021 11:30 AM

Dear Colleagues, The Center for International Studies (CIS Abroad) continues to proactively prepare for the lifting of University, state, national ... Read More

Guidelines for Restarting International Programming

Dec 1, 2020 8:00 AM

Dear Partners, We are proud to be a part of this amazing community of International Educators, committed to principles of diversity, action, ... Read More

CIS Abroad Return to Travel Plan: September 2020 Update

Sep 15, 2020 12:46 PM

The Center for International Studies (CIS Abroad) is proactively preparing for the lifting of University, state, national and international travel ... Read More

COVID-19 Statement from CIS Abroad President

Jun 4, 2020 11:53 AM

Dear partners, parents, and friends of the international education community, We know the plans that students had for traveling abroad with us this ... Read More

CIS Abroad Global Update

Mar 23, 2020 11:25 AM

On March 19, the State Department issued a new Global Level 4 Health Advisory. The Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory "advises U.S. citizens to avoid ... Read More

U.S. State Department Global Level 4 Health Advisory

Mar 19, 2020 10:20 AM

We are aware that the State Department issued a new Global Level 4 Health Advisory. The Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory” advises U.S. citizens to ... Read More

Program Cancellation in Thailand

Mar 19, 2020 10:19 AM

CIS Abroad has cancelled spring programs in Thailand. The situation around the world relating to the spread of Coronavirus, and the COVID-19 Disease, ... Read More

Program Cancellation in Australia

Mar 17, 2020 10:18 AM

The situation around the world relating to the spread of Coronavirus, and the COVID-19 Disease, is rapidly changing. Today, the Australian government ... Read More

Program Cancellation in Argentina

Mar 16, 2020 10:17 AM

The situation around the world, relating to the spread of Coronavirus, and the COVID-19 Disease is rapidly changing. We are in an unprecedented time, ... Read More

Program Cancellations in England, Scotland and Ireland

Mar 15, 2020 10:17 AM

The below email was sent to all students and their emergency contacts who are enrolled in programs in the UK and Ireland for spring. Dear Students ... Read More

Remote learning resources for students in canceled programs

Mar 13, 2020 10:14 AM

We are actively working with all of our overseas partners on their remote learning opportunities, prioritizing the following countries: France, The ... Read More

Program Cancellations in Czech Republic, France, Greece, and Spain

Mar 12, 2020 10:13 AM

The situation around the world, relating to the spread of Coronavirus, and the COVID-19 Disease is rapidly changing. The CDC has raised its alert ... Read More

U.S. travel restrictions from EU announced

Mar 11, 2020 10:11 AM

As reported by the Department of Homeland Security, “Today President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation, which suspends the entry of ... Read More

Update on Coronavirus - Spain

Mar 9, 2020 10:09 AM

Earlier this afternoon, CIS Abroad learned that Spain’s Health Minister confirmed that the region of Madrid would suspend all school and university ... Read More

Updated CDC Guidelines for Travelers Returning from Italy

Mar 4, 2020 10:08 AM

The CDC has recently added to their level 3 Italy alert to include the following key point: Travelers should stay home and monitor their health ... Read More

CIS Abroad Coronavirus Update

Mar 2, 2020 10:06 AM

On March 1, 2020 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a public statement encouraging U.S. institutions of higher education to ... Read More

For Students on CIS Abroad’s Spring 2020 Programs (outside of Italy): Reasons why we ask that you do not travel to Italy this spring

Mar 1, 2020 10:04 AM

Dear Students and Families, As you may know, we have suspended our programs in Italy for spring 2020 due to the US State Department and CDC alert ... Read More

Suspension of Spring 2020 Programs in Italy

Feb 29, 2020 7:37 PM

CIS Abroad has made the difficult decision to suspend all onsite operations in Italy for Spring 2020 programs. We are asking that all students make ... Read More

Italy Spring Program Update

Feb 29, 2020 10:16 AM

Our partner programs in Rome, Florence, Perugia, and Sorrento have not cancelled their programs. The Italian Government warnings remain unchanged as ... Read More

Italy Spring Program Update

Feb 28, 2020 6:48 AM

Italy was recently upgraded to level 3 by the CDC and US State Department. The Italian Government and our Italian University partners have not yet ... Read More

South Korea Spring Program Cancellation

Feb 26, 2020 4:17 PM

CIS Abroad has made the difficult decision to cancel the Spring 2020 CIS Abroad Semester in South Korea Program. This decision was made after careful ... Read More

Australia Bushfires Update

Jan 7, 2020 1:37 PM

CIS Abroad is closely monitoring the fire situation in Australia. We are communicating frequently with Australian University partners and with our ... Read More

Peaceful Protests Continue in Barcelona

Oct 24, 2019 1:19 PM

Protests have continued peacefully in Barcelona. There are scheduled protests for this upcoming weekend, but they are smaller than last week. All CIS ... Read More

Update: Barcelona protests

Oct 18, 2019 9:09 PM

Protests continued today in what was scheduled as the biggest day for the Barcelona protests this week. In addition to a general strike, people from ... Read More

Barcelona protests continue

Oct 16, 2019 9:31 AM

Protests in Barcelona are scheduled to continue through Friday, the day of the general strike. Peaceful marches from 6 major Catalan cities have ... Read More

Protests in Ecuador

Oct 10, 2019 1:59 PM

Protesters have gathered in the historical center of Quito and other cities as a result of recent government policy changes that affect the price of ... Read More

Arson Attack in Kyoto, Japan

Jul 18, 2019 2:58 PM

CIS Abroad was informed of a terrible event today in the usually peaceful city of Kyoto, Japan. A fire, likely the result of an arson attack, has ... Read More

"Yellow Vests" Demonstrations in Paris

Dec 6, 2018 3:55 PM

CISabroad is aware of and monitoring unfolding protests across France, and particularly focused in the capital city of Paris. These protests are in ... Read More

Volcanic Activity on Hawai'i Island

May 4, 2018 1:53 PM

Recently the island of Hawai'i has experienced volcanic activity. All students on CISabroad programs have been contacted and accounted for, and all ... Read More

Update: South Africa Water Crisis

Mar 9, 2018 2:56 PM

In the news recently are reports that the Western Cape of South Africa is experiencing a severe drought due to poor rainfall during the 2016 and 2017 ... Read More

London Incident Update

Sep 15, 2017 9:10 AM

At this time it has been confirmed that all our London based program participants are safe. We are continuing to monitor the situation carefully, and ... Read More

London Incident - September 15, 2017

Sep 15, 2017 8:07 AM

We are aware of an incident that took place at a London Underground earlier this morning and are currently in communications with all onsite staff in ... Read More

Update: Barcelona Incident

Aug 17, 2017 5:49 PM

All of us at CISAbroad offer our thoughts to our colleagues, the people of Barcelona and others affected by the terrible incident at Las Ramblas ... Read More

Incident in Barcelona

Aug 17, 2017 12:03 PM

By now you may have seen the news about the van that hit a group of people on Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Las Ramblas is a popular tourist spot in the ... Read More

Update: Barcelona Train Incident

Jul 28, 2017 4:58 PM

Our thoughts are with the people affected by this incident but we are pleased to report that there were no CISabroad program participants or onsite ... Read More

Barcelona Train Incident

Jul 28, 2017 9:45 AM

This morning a Renfe train that was coming from Sant Vicenç de Calders (Tarragona) was unable to fully stop as it was arriving at the Barcelona ... Read More

Moderate Earthquake in Fukushima

Jul 21, 2017 12:27 PM

A moderate earthquake struck in Fukushima yesterday at 9.11 am local time. There have been no reports of damage, nor tsunami. Our participants who ... Read More

Turkey and Greece hit by Earthquake

Jul 21, 2017 10:19 AM

A strong earthquake in the Aegan Sea shook the island of Kos and parts of Turkey this morning at 1:30 am local time. More information regarding this ... Read More

Incident in North London June 19, 2017

Jun 19, 2017 5:25 AM

We are aware of a vehicular incident that took place last night shortly after midnight, local time where a van struck a group of worshipers departing ... Read More

To Our Community and Partners

Jun 5, 2017 4:55 PM

Dear CISabroad Community and Partners, The senseless violence in London this weekend reminded us all that it takes grit (passion and perseverance) to ... Read More

Update: London Bridge Incident

Jun 4, 2017 9:27 AM

At this time all CISabroad participants have been confirmed safe in the London Bridge attacks, occurring on Saturday evening, June 3rd. Our thoughts ... Read More

Update: London Incident

Jun 3, 2017 10:20 PM

At this time it has been confirmed that all our London based program participants are safe. We are continuing to monitor the situation carefully, and ... Read More

London Bridge Incident: June 3, 2017

Jun 3, 2017 7:16 PM

We are closely monitoring the development of various incidents occurring this evening near the London Bridge in London, England. We are currently in ... Read More

CISabroad response to the incident in Manchester, England

May 24, 2017 4:57 PM

We were all very saddened by the terrible incident that took place on the evening of May 22, in Manchester, England. Events of this kind are rare; ... Read More

Explosion in Manchester, England

May 22, 2017 9:24 PM

We are closely monitoring the development of a suspected terrorist attack that happened in Manchester, England this evening at approximately 10:35 pm ... Read More

Small Hospital Bombing in Bangkok, Thailand

May 22, 2017 10:45 AM

Bangkok, Thailand: On Monday May 22 local time, a bomb exploded at Phramongkutklao Hospital, a military hospital in the capital of Bangkok. There ... Read More

US and EU decided against an expansion on in-flight electronics

May 18, 2017 10:56 AM

After considering an expansion of the ban on in-flight electronics, the US Department of Homeland Security and the European counterparts have decided ... Read More

Possible Expansion of Ban on In-Flight Electronics

May 17, 2017 6:41 PM

We have been made aware of, and are carefully monitoring the consideration by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and their European ... Read More

Our Response to the Recently Issued Travel Alert for Europe

May 3, 2017 4:46 PM

On May 1st the US State Department issued a travel alert for Europe. The alert is in response to recent attacks in Europe, and in anticipation of ... Read More

Paris Incident: Update

Apr 21, 2017 9:18 AM

We have been informed by our onsite staff that the safety situation in Paris is normal this morning, and that our program participants both in Paris ... Read More

Paris: Incident on Champs Elysees

Apr 20, 2017 4:46 PM

There are reports of a shooting having taken place in central Paris at approximately 9:00 pm local time. A security officer and one of the assailants ... Read More

London Incident Alert

Mar 22, 2017 4:06 PM

Earlier, on the grounds of the UK Parliament in London, England a person rammed their car into crowds of people before stabbling a police officer. At ... Read More

No Visa Required for US Passport Holders to Travel in Europe

Mar 6, 2017 7:29 PM

Currently a visa is not required for US passport holders who are traveling in Europe for less than 90 days. Recently, there have been talks about a ... Read More

Heidelberg, Germany

Feb 28, 2017 11:56 AM

On Saturday, February 25, in Heidelberg, Germany a man drove a car into a pedestrian area and killed one person, injuring two others. There are ... Read More

A letter from the CISabroad President

Feb 1, 2017 10:34 PM

Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Friends, We are aware that President Donald Trump signed three Executive Orders this week that will affect some ... Read More

Southern Thailand Bombings

Aug 12, 2016 1:22 PM

This morning CISabroad was made aware of several explosions from small bombs in Southern Thailand. At the moment authorities are uncertain of the ... Read More

Advocating for Student Travel

Jul 25, 2016 1:20 PM

In light of recent, horrific events around the Globe, although we cannot prevent them from happening, nor even predict them, CISabroad continues to ... Read More

Munich, Germany Shooting

Jul 22, 2016 1:19 PM

News emerging from Germany report of a shooting at a shopping center in Munich. We are saddened to hear of yet another incident where civilians are ... Read More

Nice Attack Update

Jul 15, 2016 1:18 PM

Last night, a man rammed his large truck through crowds of pedestrians along Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France during Bastille Day celebrations. ... Read More

Attack in Nice

Jul 14, 2016 1:14 PM

We are saddened about the news of an attack in the city of Nice, in the southern part of France and our hearts go out to the people of Nice, the ... Read More

Zika Virus Update

Jul 13, 2016 1:10 PM

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus a global health emergency on January 28, 2016, making extra resources available to combat ... 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