CIS Abroad - Center for International Studies

Headed to The Forum on Education Abroad Annual Conference in Toronto next week? Come say hi! We're a proud exhibitor and silver sponsor at #ForumEA25. You can also join our very own Kris Holloway, Scott Tayloe, and Kayla Weiss as they present on a variety of crucial topics in the field: ?? Data Analysis for International Educators: A Hard Skill That's Easy to Learn Thursday, March 20, 8:45 a.m. ?? Innovate! Strategies for Reduce Staff Burnout and Improve Retention Thursday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. ?? Sustainability at Work - Sparking Hope, Action, and Community Thursday, March 20, 3:45 p.m. We can't wait to see you in Toronto! Stop by Table 114 to chat, grab some freebies, and learn how we can support your international education initiatives. #EducationAbroad #InternationalEducation

At CIS Abroad, we believe in the power of rest and rejuvenation. That's why we offer sabbatical opportunities to our team. Ginny E. Garzón's recent sabbatical experience is a testament to the transformative impact of taking time to disconnect and recharge. Check out her sabbatical experience about how "doing nothing" led to unexpected productivity and a renewed perspective! ?? https://lnkd.in/gUzJz2Yz #CISAbroad #EmployeeWellbeing #Sabbatical #CompanyCulture

Today we're celebrating Brianna Rice, our impeccable University Relations Director. We're so lucky to have had you on our team for the past 3 years! #staffanniversary #loveyourwork #internationaleducator

Heading to #AIEA2025 next week? Say hello to Kris and Scott! Kris Holloway, President & CEO, will be presenting at the upcoming annual conference of the AIEA - Association of International Education Administrators in Houston, TX, March 2-5, 2025. Drawing nearly a thousand participants, the AIEA Annual Conference brings together institutional leaders from over forty countries to foster dialogue surrounding the latest challenges and opportunities in international higher education. Join Kris for her session titled "Managing Talent: Innovations for SIOs to Reduce Burnout and Improve Retention" with co-presenters Susan M. Popko, Orlina Boteva, Mark Eckman, and Mark Lenhart.

Woohoo! We're celebrating 2 amazing years with Adrian Jackson, our Staff Accountant. We're so lucky to have you on our team! #loveyourwork #internationaleducator #staffanniversary

Meet Thomas, a University of Massachusetts Amherst?alum who participated in our Semester in Rome program in 2018, and now works for CIS Abroad as an assistant site director for our Italy programs. We’re so lucky to have you on the team, Thomas! Reflecting on his time in Rome, Thomas explains how the program shaped his career path: "Studying abroad in Rome with CIS Abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone, making me more adaptable, independent, and globally aware. Living in such a dynamic city taught me resilience—whether navigating public transport, engaging with locals, or balancing academics with cultural immersion. CIS provided invaluable support, from cultural activities to career-building opportunities, helping me develop cross-cultural communication skills that are essential in today’s workforce. One pivotal moment was when I took a trip to my Nonno's small town where he grew up with one of my relatives, navigating everything in Italian—a language I am now fluent in. At first, I felt uneasy, but by the end, I realized how much I had grown and learned through that day. That experience, along with CIS Abroad’s cultural immersion programs, helped me become more confident, independent, and open to new experiences." #StudyAbroad #InternationalEducation #25YearsofCISAbroad

What's it like being Black abroad? Let's talk about it! Come and hear firsthand experiences from our amazing Black CIS Abroad staff members and program alumni who have traveled to various countries. It's going to be a fun and open conversation, so feel free to bring any questions you may have. Save your spot at https://lnkd.in/ghr8cCaD #BeingBlackAbroad #StudyAbroad #GlobalOpportunities #CISAbroad #DiversityAbroad #BlackHistoryMonth

In times of uncertainty, community matters! President & CEO Kris Holloway shares insights on navigating our current challenges in international education and our commitment to support partners and students. Let's stay resilient and focused! Head over to https://lnkd.in/g5zeARiZ to view the full recording of our latest webinar, "What's New at CIS Abroad?" and get updates on: ?? How we’re celebrating 25 years in operation and what it means for you ?? New program options in Italy, Costa Rica, Japan, and South Korea ?? Scholarships & grants ?? Sustainability ?? New and updated resources & support

What's new at CIS Abroad? Join us for lots of exciting updates as we celebrate 25 years of sparking growth! This webinar is designed for our valued study abroad partners and will cover key updates, including: ?? How we’re celebrating 25 years in operation and what it means for you. ?? New program options in Italy, Costa Rica, Japan, and South Korea. ?? New Palm Entrepreneurship Scholarship for students and our new EDI scholarships to support study abroad offices. ?? Sustainability at CIS Abroad and how we're leading the way. ?? Resources & Support: Get a sneak peek of student guides, custom program sample proposals, and more tools to help you support students. Hope to see you there! Save your spot at https://lnkd.in/g5zeARiZ

Our next alumni highlight features Abbey, who spent a semester in Florence with us in 2018. Now a successful higher education professional, Abbey credits her time abroad for giving her the confidence and perspective to now empower her own students to participate in high-impact practices like she did! "Shortly after my time abroad, I decided to pursue a career in higher education. My time abroad affirmed my love for helping students and empowering them to do activities during their undergraduate years that pushed them out of their comfort zones. This experience gave me a new story and a different version of a college experience than many individuals from my undergraduate institution. I grew into an entirely new and confident version of myself during my study abroad experience. I learned how to connect with people from all over the world, navigate situations that were entirely out of my comfort zone, and see parts of the world that many people dream of getting to do in their lifetime. I created friendships that have lasted over 6 years in different states and time zones. I explored parts of the world I never even knew existed. I also found the confidence in myself to go on new adventures entirely on my own. During my first week, I remember being extremely nervous that I would not make any friends. I ended up sharing a room with four women who would ultimately teach me about friendship and make Italy feel less scary and more like home. I quickly grew close with friends who I have traveled around the country to visit and celebrate over the last 6 years. Those 5 days on a bus in a new country, navigating limited food and hot temperatures, created a bond that I will cherish forever." Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Abbey! #StudyAbroad #25yearsofCISAbroad