CIS Abroad and CEA CAPA Join Forces

Jul 8, 2025 6:39 PM

Dear Colleagues,

We have some big news to share about the future of CIS Abroad. We are merging with CEA CAPA. This is a strategic move, allowing both companies to integrate programs and staff and make the best of CIS Abroad’s direct enroll model and considerable strengths in Asia, and CEA CAPA’s strong academic study center model. Both companies will be able to grow and remain vital players in international education, even with the headwinds our field currently faces. 

Below is CEA CAPA’s official press release: 

CEA CAPA Welcomes CIS Abroad, CISaustralia, and Barcelona SAE Into Its Global Portfolio 

[Phoenix, Arizona] — CEA CAPA Education Abroad is announcing that CIS Abroad, CISaustralia, and Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (Barcelona SAE) will be joining the CEA CAPA global portfolio. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in CEA CAPA's ongoing efforts to expand access to transformative global experiences for students, and to offer even more value and support to higher education partners.  

For colleges and universities, the integration of the three respected organizations (which all fall under the parent company Global Educators) brings a host of advantages, including access to a larger and more diverse set of study abroad opportunities across Europe, Asia, and Australia, and ultimately the ability to meet the individual needs of more students—particularly students in high-demand majors such as business, engineering, psychology, health sciences, and more. Universities will benefit from more consistent service delivery through standardized models across an expanded global footprint, and continued assurance of high-quality academics, student support, and rigorous health and safety protocols across the world. 

“This integration brings together some of the best partnerships, programs, locations, talent, and experience in the field of education abroad. It allows us to reach more students with more variety, quality, and care,” said Beth Stiller, Chief Executive Officer of CEA CAPA. “Our desire is to not only bring our strengths and assets together, but to introduce new classes, Study Centers, and personalized pathways to help students achieve their academic and career goals.” 

Specifically, the joining together of CEA CAPA, CIS, and Barcelona SAE will enable:  

  • A broader range of global destinations, including new and expanded programs in Asia, Australia, and Europe 

  • Expanded academic offerings, internships, and career-focused experiences around the globe, as well as a wider network of partner institutions  

  • Enhanced support networks with strengthened health, safety, and student care resources 

  • Streamlined operations and greater efficiencies for colleges and universities  

“We share so much in common in our core values and our student-centered approach," said Kris Holloway, President & CEO of CIS Abroad. "Together, I believe we will be a powerful force at this critical time for our beloved international education field." 

“In our 13 years of operation, I cannot recall a more exciting time for myself, CISaustralia, and our partner Australian universities and their students. We are thrilled to be part of CEA CAPA and the opportunities it will present for our students, staff, Australian universities, and overseas partners,” said Brad Dorahy, CISaustralia Founder and Executive Director. 

“Since founding Barcelona SAE in 2009, I’ve been incredibly proud of what our team has built,” said Rich Kurtzman, Barcelona SAE Founder and CEO. “I’m thrilled to bring our values into the broader CEA CAPA global family and expand our impact, enriching even more student lives around the world.” 

As study abroad plays an increasingly important role in students’ overall success and career readiness across the global job market, colleges and universities have sought partners that are able to meet a broader array of student needs. Over the last several years, CEA CAPA has invested and innovated to expand access to education abroad to the widest possible range of students, including many whose chosen field previously precluded them from studying abroad. In September 2024, CEA CAPA announced it was joining together with Atlantis to better serve two important student segments: pre-health/pre-med and pre-law students. Today’s announcement furthers this commitment to expanding access to global experiences and meeting the needs of more students. 

For more information on CIS Abroad, visit cisabroad.com.  For more information on CISaustralia, visit cisaustralia.com.au. For more information on Barcelona SAE, visit barcelonasae.com.  

About CEA CAPA 

CEA CAPA Education Abroad is a leading provider of study abroad programs, international internships, and career development opportunities designed to meet the needs of students from a wide range of majors and career interests. CEA CAPA students earn credits toward their degree while learning to embrace different cultures, become better communicators, gain independence, and grow both personally and professionally. We are committed to increasing equitable access to education abroad. Our mission is to empower students to become thoughtful and thriving leaders through living and learning abroad. Through our Study Centers and university partner programs, CEA CAPA offers a broad depth and breadth of curricular options in 53 cities across 18 countries in Europe, Latin America, and Australia. In addition to our standard programming, we offer custom and faculty-led programs at each of our locations. Visit ceacapa.com for more information. 

Media Contact:  

mediainquiries@ceacapa.com  
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