If you have had the opportunity to travel or study abroad, we are sure you are very excited for your student to take part in this incredible experience. And, if you haven’t studied abroad yourself, you might have some questions and perhaps even some anxiety. No matter what your travel or study abroad experience, please know that we are here to help both your student and you.

Throughout this section you’ll find useful information that has been cultivated over the years in sending more than 26,000 students abroad. We’ve “been there, done that” and want to make sure that you not only feel comfortable but that you also understand the critical role that you can play in making this experience the most valuable it can be. Many staff here at CIS Abroad are parents; we know the investment and the trust that you are placing in us. Thank you for letting us be a part of your student’s journey!

Read more about how study abroad helps students increase interpersonal skills and competencies that modern employers crave.

2023 Webinars

Our webinars are designed to provide you with a more personalized opportunity to learn about CIS Abroad programming and have your questions answered before key decision making deadlines. See below for the webinars that we are offering in 2023 to anyone who is supporting a student looking to study abroad.

Welcome to CIS Abroad: A Guide for Parents and Guardians

We’re excited your student has decided to study or intern abroad with us this academic year. It’s the experience of a lifetime! We’ve been sending students abroad around the world for over twenty years and understand that students and parents come to us with many questions, and perhaps even some anxiety. We are here to support you every step of the way! In this brief, live presentation, you will:

  •  Get to know our organization and what you can expect when you work with us
  •  Learn how study abroad can help to propel your student academically and professionally
  •  Understand the different stages and steps that your student will take as they get ready to study abroad
  • Understand what we do to keep your participant safe and successful abroad
  • Get excited about how you can be our partner in helping them have a meaningful experience
  • Have your questions answered!

Presenters

Kris Holloway, MPH, President and CEO
Joe Debiec, MA, Vice President of International Operations

Dates

Wednesday, March 8

  • Time: 1-2pm EST
  • All are welcome but there will be a special focus on Summer and Fall 2023 programs.
  • View recording here

Tuesday, September 26

  • Time: 1-2pm EST
  • All are welcome but there will be a special focus on Spring 2024 programs.
  • View Recording Here

 

CIS Abroad Parents and Guardians: Preparing to Travel

It’s almost time for your student to go abroad! Before they touchdown in their host country, there are a few things left to cover. Please join us for a webinar geared specifically to you – a parent, guardian, or close contact of one of our participants getting ready to study or intern abroad in the new year.

During this pre-departure webinar, we will cover:
  • How we are mitigating your financial, academic, and health and safety risk during the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Program preparation (packing, budget, flights, and more)
  • Communication while abroad
  • Your role in your student’s journey
  • Q&A

Presenters

Joe Debiec, MA, Vice President of International Operations
Alexandra Woolner, Administrative Director 

Dates

Tuesday, June 13

  • Time: 12-1pm EST
  • All are welcome but there will be a special focus on students that have applied for Fall 2023 programs.
  • View recording here

Wednesday, November 8

  • Time: 1-2pm EST
  • All are welcome but there will be a special focus on students that have applied for Spring 2024 programs.
  • Register here

Looking for More Resources?

 

Parent Testimonials

Here are a few thoughts from parents of our alumni that you might find helpful.

“My advice would be to support your son or daughter throughout the process of going abroad. Engage in the process as much as you can so you can learn as much information as you can about the company, the process, the country, the university or college abroad, and so on.”

“CIS Abroad is a very fast-paced well-organized program that certainly is worth the value. Amanda toured Ireland, spent time in Scotland, spent a few weeks in England and in Spain. Don’t be afraid to give your child wings to enjoy such a wonderful experience.”

“1. Be sure and pick a program where your student will be forced to make friends or interact with students from other colleges, programs, and countries. 2. Have a couple of different options regarding staying in touch – mobile voice plans seem never to work out as planned so utilize applications that allow voice internet connections (Viber, etc.) 3. Counsel your student to really get to know the countries they visit. This may mean limiting the number of countries visited but instead more immersion in the host country’s culture.”