CIS Abroad Semester Programs in England

Name: CIS Abroad Semester Programs in England
Brand: CIS Abroad
SKU: 269317
Rating: 9.47 (19 reviews)

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9.47 Rating

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Location

England
- Bristol
- London

Subject Areas

Art History Business Communications Computer Science Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Dance Design Digital Media Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering English Environmental Studies Fashion Design Film Finance Health Sciences History Information Technology International Relations Liberal Arts Life Sciences Literature Marketing Music Natural Sciences Performing Arts Philosophy Political Science Public Relations Social Sciences Theater Visual Arts +25

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Dormitory

Pricing

Starting Price

$17,191 USD

Price Details

Price may be an estimate, the lower end of a range, or from a previous term. Please see our website for specifics.

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Classes Wifi

What's Included (Extra)

Please visit our website for all that's included.

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2021

Last Reviewed: Jun 29, 2020

About Program

Renowned for its rich history, art, and culture, it’s no wonder England is a top destination for studying abroad! Choose from a wide variety of programs based in London, where you’ll be living among icons such as Buckingham Palace, the Globe Theatre, Notting Hill, Big Ben, and the West End theater district. Or study in Bristol, the “greenest” city in the UK and a great launching pad for students looking for a more affordable alternative to London (just 90 minutes away).

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Program Highlights

Choose from hundreds of courses across all majors, creating a personalized academic program.
Local activities and excursions to help you explore your host city and country.
The University of Bristol, ranked among the UK’s Top 10 universities and among the Top 50 in the world, is a great match for independent, academically committed students who are excited to get out and explore.
University of Westminster is a beautiful, centrally located university setting in London. City living at its best!
University of Roehampton, your Harry Potter dream school (4 colleges with their own mascots and a yearly competition for the class cup!) is tucked away in a lush neighborhood in southwest London.

Scholarships

CISabroad Scholarships and Financial Aid

70% of all CISabroad students receive scholarships, grants, or discounts to study abroad. We're unapologetically committed to increasing access to international education for all students.

Value

$250 - $500

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Popular Programs

Semester in London - University of Roehampton

On the University of Roehampton program you'll select from a large course catalog and study along a diverse international student population. Enjoy a walkable, serene, Harry Potter feeling campus near public transportation. Participate in a wide selection of sports teams and student activities and enjoy program activities and excursions such as trips to Big Ben, Parliament, Oxford Street, the London Eye, and more.

Semester in London - University of Westminster

On our University of Westminster program, take classes right in the heart of London at an internationally recognized institution. Learn to navigate this bustling metropolis (and the Tube!) as you travel between the university’s buildings spread throughout downtown, your residence hall, and all the other places on your bucket list! Bonus: You can also intern at one of the city’s many businesses and organizations, gaining practical experience and boosting your resume.

Semester in Bristol - University of Bristol

Choose rigorous academics in the heart of an authentic British city campus. Bristol is the “greenest” city in the UK and a great launching pad for students looking for a more affordable alternative to London (just 90 minutes away). The University of Bristol, ranked among the UK’s Top 10 universities and among the Top 50 in the world, is a great match for independent, academically committed students who are excited to get out and explore.

Program Reviews

9.47 Rating

based on 19 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

9-10 rating 84.21%
7-8 rating 10.53%
5-6 rating 5.26%
3-4 rating 0%
1-2 rating 0%

Academics 7.1
Support 8.9
Fun 9.1
Housing 8.8
Safety 9.4

Showing 1 - 8 of 19 reviews

This program was amazing! The advisors from CisAbroad and University of Roehampton help you with anything you need! There are many excursions that come with the program, which is also a plus! During my time abroad, I felt very welcomed and made life long friends with not only other study abroad students, but with locals that attended the University. I got to travel to surrounding countries and emerge into the different cultures. Seeking Discomfort was my motto when I embarked on this journey, it was the best thing I ever did. Now I am more outgoing and confident with everything I do! London is a place that will always be special in my heart and I can't wait to return in the near future!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I wouldn't change anything. Even though covid-19 had put an end to my semester abroad earlier than expected, I loved everything about my experience and would not change it one bit. I would totally do it all again!

I cannot say enough good things about this experience and this program! CIS Abroad was the perfect fit for me and what I wanted out of my study abroad experience. I made the decision to study abroad on a bit of a whim, and CIS Abroad was there every step of the way to help me along. First, the staff at CIS Abroad's home office in Northampton, MA is absolutely amazing. The people there who helped me were there for me for the entire thing - beginning the process of applying, getting accepted, and all the steps of preparation up until going to the airport and arriving in London! The on-site CIS Abroad staff were amazing, as well. Everyone at CIS Abroad was there to support me, and they all were so genuinely excited to help me on my journey! They even reached out to me multiple times during my program, and even after my program ended, just to chat and hear all about my experiences and see if I needed anything. The University of Westminster was also amazing. The opportunities I had in my classes there were unlike anything I have at my home university. I actually still keep in contact with some of the professors I had abroad (one is even writing a recommendation letter for me!). I stayed at the Marylebone residence hall, and it was amazing! It couldn't have been more perfect for what I wanted. It was right in the heart of London, within walking distance to all of my classes, and the nearest tube station was right across the street! Not only did I have a great experience due to the CIS Abroad staff and the University of Westminster, I also made amazing life-long friends and made irreplaceable memories - and you will too! I cannot express enough how thankful I am to this study abroad program for shaping me into the person I am today. I always thought I knew who I was as a person pretty well, but studying and living abroad taught me things about myself that I never would have discovered had I not gone abroad! So, get excited!!!! By picking this specific program, or another CIS Abroad program, I can guarantee you will have one of the best experiences of your life. :)

What was your funniest moment?

This is a bit embarrassing, honestly, but this is the story of the time I got locked in a stairwell and had to call for rescue -

It was the first day of one of my classes at the University of Westminster. My class was in a different building than CIS Abroad's welcome orientation was in. I thought I knew where I was going, but turns out I was wrong! The classroom number was in the 300s, so I assumed that meant it would be on the third floor. There was a person at the front desk of the building that I could have asked for help in guiding me to where my class was located, but I assumed I was okay and knew where I was going. I took the elevator to the third floor. It seemed a bit off. It was primarily offices, and I thought it seemed like a weird place for a class. So, I decided I would go back down to the ground floor and ask for help. I decided to take the stairs (which were right by where I was), instead of finding my way back to the elevator. BIG MISTAKE! As it turns out, that was an employee-only stairwell, and you needed to swipe your employee ID in order for the doors to open. I have no idea how I got into the stiarwell, but somehow I did, and I quickly realized I couldnt get out. I walked up and down all the flights of stairs, trying my student ID card at every door, to no avail. I finally realized that I had two options. One, stay in the stairwell and wait for someone to open one of the doors, and sneak out. Two, go out the fire door in the basement, sounding an alarm, and getting out of there! The logic part of my brain kicked in, and I realized neither of these two options were smart. I had two minutes until the class I was trying to go to started, and I didn't want to be late on my first day! So, here was my solution. The building I was stuck in was the place that the University of Westminster's Education Abroad office was located. So, I called their number, and told them my embarassing story, and how I was locked in the stairwell in the building. Sure enough, they rushed to my rescue and found me - LOL! They were so kind and we were all laughing and joking about the whole thing.

Moral of the story - always ask questions when you're unsure of something, it'll save you a lot of time! Also, everyone involved in the study abroad process is there for you!!! They see you at your best, and sometimes your worst, but there are always just a call away for help, even if it is something actually serious (unlike being stuck in the stairwell). LOL!

I am so grateful for my experience studying abroad in London at the University of Roehampton with CISabroad. The CISabroad team was incredibly patient, knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire process. I always felt taken care of, and encouraged in my study abroad endeavor. Onsite accommodations were awesome. I chose standard housing and was placed in Bede House with four other CISabroad students. I had my own room, and was provided with bedding and a kitchen set, making moving into my ew space easy. Classes at Roehampton were eye opening, challenging, and engaging. I took part in two "London Studies" courses that specifically encourage international students to explore the city. My two onsite advisors, Anna Bermani and Linda Hallback were absolute inspirations. Both of them worked very hard to customize our experience, and ensured our interests and concerns were always taken care of. Our excursions ranged from market tours on Southbank to a weekend in Edinbrough. I can easily say that these trips with CISabroad enhanced my experience exponentially. Overall I am forever thankful for this life changing experience, which was so much more achievable with the support of CISabroad.

What would you improve about this program?

The only change I would make is the support and outline of the first few days on campus. I arrived to Roehampton on a Wednesday, where I was handed a packet of information and materials from both the University and Anna from CIS Abroad. Our orientation dinner with Anna would be on the Friday. I wish I had a schedule or guideline of things I needed to do within that time. For example, that Wednesday night I got together with a bunch of international students and Ubered to the local ASDA in a a rush because we realized we would not have any food for breakfast. However, after the dinner with Anna on the Friday night many of my questions and concerned were answered, and after that I was much more comfortable.

This was an incredible journey I embarked on in the Fall of 2018. I headed to London, nervous, excited, and ready for a great experience. What I got was the best 14 weeks of my life, thanks to a great location, school, and CIS abroad. CIS does an amazing job helping you apply, prepare, live abroad, and even return home. The entire experience feels like you're on your own still, and you gain a lot of independence, but its comforting to know CIS staff is always ready to lend a helping hand. Studying abroad should not be a pain, and they understand that and want you to get the best out of your time. Included excursions were some of my favorite memories of studying abroad. Seeing the highlands of Scotland and exploring the U.K including Brighton are times that stick with me looking back. Anytime I had minor problems, with financial aid or in life, the support I received allowed me to feel completely comfortable adjusting into London. It truly is incredible and I am so grateful for CISabroad and the wonderful University of Roehampton, which had a great campus life and international student population. London center is a close distance and something I miss looking back. I am so glad I cherished every moment, the highs and lows, all making for an unforgettable experience.

This experience was one I will never forget! CISabroad was amazing in the application process, and went above and beyond while I was overseas. There were excursions included in the tuition, and the small group of CIS students became a small family. I had the privilege of traveling to 8 different countries in a short 5 month period, and was immersed in culture. I made friends that will last a lifetime, was able to live on my own in a foreign setting, and was constantly pushed out of my comfort zone in the best way possible.

What would you improve about this program?

I know there is always room for improvement, but I cannot think of anything I would change about the program. It was fun, the people were helpful and easy to contact, and the experience was life changing!

My semester in London was probably one of my favorites so far in college. London is a city that you could spend your whole life in and never get bored of it! It's such an international city with so many different vibes and areas, there's truly something for everyone. And no, the weather isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be ;) It's so much more than just big tourist attractions, it's so easy to make a routine and make it your home. CISAbroad was critical in my time there being so awesome! The program coordinators are super cool and plan cultural activities and excursions, like weekend trips to Scotland, afternoon tea, and West End shows! Going to the University of Westminster means you'll be right in the heart of the city, right near shopping and food and the tube, which makes it so easy to get from place to place. London is a big city but it never felt overwhelming, and I would definitely go back again if I could!

This photo shows a girl standing in front of Stonehenge. She is smiling and wearing a black coat, and it's cloudy behind her. The grass around Stonehenge is very green and contrasts nicely with the gray of the rocks.

While I had friends also studying abroad at the University of Westminster who enrolled directly, and it is certainly possible to make do this way, the support from the CIS abroad staff was worth it to me. Students are under the care of two separate advisors throughout the experience, the first being a US based program coordinator who is available (and responds quickly) to any and all questions, and makes sure students are well prepared to navigate traveling/customs/visas and provides valuable information ahead of time. Once you get to London, you are picked up at the airport by the on-site coordinators who give you a walking tour of the neighborhood, and are close-by for the duration of your semester should you need anything.

What would you improve about this program?

If anything, I would have liked more social opportunities early on to get to know the other students in my program. I got to know those that I met initially really well, but there weren't enough opportunities to expand my social circle much.

This was a good experience. The coordinator at Bay Path College wasn't helpful at all. She kept referring me to the CIS program. I was told one month before I was ready to leave and at Christmas time that we owed another $5,000. I was suppose to pay my college and I paid the study abroad program instead. The person at the college should have been more up to date on the program.

I am not sure if I missed this but I was not aware I was going to have to buy so much kitchen items that I had to leave there. I didn't know anyone in the dorm to ask to share pots, pan and storage items. Also people kept eating my food and I was on a budget. That was very stressful to me. I would have went to the dollar store at home and brought more items so I didn't have to spend so much money.

We were told to get a student visa which cost more money and it caused confusion when I was traveling. They old me I didn't need it at the airport

People were very nice, accommodations were also nice. I would recommend this program again

What would you improve about this program?

Inform the person staying that they need pots and pans. Recommend traveling with someone. Much easier to have a friend than try and find someone who has the same interests. It was still a good experience but would have been better if I went with someone

Response from CIS Abroad

We truly appreciate you taking the time to provide such valuable feedback. We're sorry that you weren't aware of the need to provide your own cookware. We're also sorry that you would have enjoyed having a pre-established friend on the program with you. It sounds like you were able to enjoy the company of others and so many other aspects of the program. Thanks, Alexis.

By CIS Abroad on July 17, 2018

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Grace DeRidder

Program

CIS Abroad Semester Programs in England

Grace is a senior at Columbia College Chicago majoring in Photography and minoring in Art History. After a high school trip to Italy and Greece, she knew living out of a suitcase and learning from experience was the only way she wanted to live her life. Since then, she has been fortunate enough to do two study abroad programs to build her portfolio and travel experience: a summer in the Australian Outback and a semester at the University of Westminster.

Why did you choose this program?

I choose the Semester at the University of Westminster for two reasons: academics and location. Academics, because it was one of the few schools that offered photography courses. And location because the school was in the heart of London.

It offered easy access to transportation around the city and out of the city. Whether it was to the countryside, trains, or the airport. There wasn't going to be a question of "how will we get there?" or "how expensive will it be?". I knew any trip I wanted to plan once I got there was going to be doable.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I did an independent program, CIS abroad, and they assisted me with the academics courses and getting the courses approved for academic credit, the financial process, transition into the program, and just about every question that I could think of they answered.

They have an amazing staff that help you through the stages of applying and getting you abroad, and their on site staff go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and at home abroad.

While I was abroad and ran into some trouble in another country (my passport was pick-pocketed), my on-site coordinator contacted the on-site coordinator in that country and she was able to meet up with me and help through. They are an amazing team and I am truly grateful for all they do.

I organized my credits and classes to make sure I would come back to school with everything in line for graduation, flights, finances and expenses while abroad, learning about my new "home", and pre-planning potential trips.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Never go a day without going out into the city to explore. Even if you aren't feeling well, the weather sucks, or you're just tired. Get out there. You are only living abroad for so long, so take advantage of every precious day and explore.

You don't even have to go far to find something you have never seen before. Trust me, in no time you will know the city like a local and will have a little pride to be able to say you wandered the city everyday.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day at Westminster is your normal rise and shine for classes. Depending on your campus, you can either walk to class or hop on the tube.

When the "study" part of studying abroad is done for the day, the fun begins and the daily adventures around Regent & Oxford Street, to Big Ben, or jump on the Tube to find a new part of the city to wander around for the day.

At the end of the day, if you are not making a mess with friends in the tiny on-campus kitchens as everyone tries to make dinner, you will probably be at a pub (okay, the pub thing is a once, twice a week thing,not everyday!).

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

I think my biggest fear going into my program was I wasn't going to meet people who wanted to travel as much and as far as I wanted to. I wasn't afraid to do one or two solo day or weekend trips, but I didn't want to get to a point where I was always traveling on my own because I couldn't find anyone to travel with.

When the time came, I rarely ever traveled alone when I planned a trip and asked friends if they wanted to come. From my experience, everyone that studies abroad wants to get the most out of their time there, have a very hard time saying no to a new adventure, and are always up for exploring something new.

I think that vibe, putting a bunch of traveling souls together, is the most amazing part of studying abroad and what makes the bond between the friends you make abroad so strong: you are constantly on the move, in cramped quarters, making mistakes and learning as you go, and laughing and having fun along the way (all while taking in the best culture and experiences the world has to offer).

What did you learn about yourself from studying abroad?

I have done two studies abroad, and looking back I have learned five lessons from my journey:

I am not afraid to be myself anymore.
I am fiercely independent.
I can laugh even in the darkest of times.
With a little planning, and a lot of scheming, nothing is impossible.
The best addiction in life is travel: it feeds your soul

Courtney Swanson

2014 Alum

About CIS Abroad

At CIS Abroad, we're committed to providing the best overall value in study and internship abroad opportunities for every student! CIS Abroad programs are affordable and specialize in providing quality education and support throughout your study or internship abroad experience. Experiences are innovative and focused on cultural immersion through...

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