CIS Abroad Blog

Professional Development Series

Background about the series

We understand how deeply our field has been and will continue to be impacted by COVID-19.
At CIS Abroad, we had big plans for this summer; we planned to take our entire company to Greece to celebrate our 20th anniversary, to experience one of our program locations, have fun, and provide our staff with an opportunity for professional development through knowledge and skill building. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that we have pivoted. We have found other opportunities and ways to develop our remaining staff.

We imagine you and your offices are also facing similar challenges:

  • Potential staffing shifts
  • The need to upskill quickly on new topics
  • The desire to keep campus allies engaged in internationalization efforts

We have partnered with IEP, an organization we have worked closely with for many years, to help our U.S. partners address these challenges. Led by a dear colleague and friend, Scott Tayloe, IEP launched their new series of professional development workshops at the Forum on Education Abroad’s virtual conference last week. They have trained some our staff, and our own Dr. Jennifer Engel will offer a CIS Abroad-hosted seminar on student learning and faculty-led programs as part of the IEP workshop series.

If you or your colleagues are losing out on professional development opportunities due to COVID-19, need to pivot like we have, and/or perhaps have some budget remaining before the end of the fiscal year, we wanted to make you aware of this opportunity.

We feel confident in recommending IEP’s services to our partners, and if you are interested in participating, CIS Abroad Affiliate Partners will receive 25% off the IEP workshop series.

Who is the series designed for?

Whether you are an office that is faced with furloughing team members, heading into a hiring freeze, or drastically reducing your next fiscal year’s budget, now is the time to prepare for the road ahead. This series is for anyone wanting to take this unprecedented time and turn it into an opportunity to reinvigorate, strengthen and equip their team and campus stakeholders for the challenges ahead.

How does it work?

Select up to 3 sessions from the options listed to customize training to best suit the needs of your team. One full day of interactive training is 6 hours, done remotely.

Session Options:

Creative Capacity: Working With What You’ve Got

Budget cuts, layoffs and hiring freezes – we are hearing these words frequently. How can you possibly do the same work (or more) with less funding or staffing? Meet these challenges head on, by developing a plan to evaluate current office processes, identify inefficiencies, and discover practical solutions to help your team weather the current storm.

So…What Would You Say You Do Here? Showcasing Your Value

You know the strengths of your team, but do others? Learn how to create opportunities to showcase the value of your office and team to key stakeholders when it matters most.

How to Market Study Abroad When You Can’t Go Abroad

With so much uncertainty about when the world will open back up, it can be a challenge to keep your students and faculty engaged. Explore strategies for marketing in the current climate, as well as best practices for outreach and recruitment.

What To Do When the Unexpected Happens: Lessons Learned During a Pandemic

International Educators understand the importance of risk management and the need to have plans in place for all the what ifs that go hand and hand with our industry. But what happens when our best laid plans aren’t enough? Hear from university and partner organization professionals about strategies that work and help prepare your team to respond to the unexpected.

Fear and Loathing in Data

Data informed decisions are best, but let’s face it – data can be scary and frustrating. Explore simple tools that will allow you to let go of your fear and learn to love data.

The Database that Solves All Your Problems…..Doesn’t Exist

Databases and CRMs are incredible tools – when they are set up and implemented correctly. Discover helpful tips to get the most out of your database.

Infusing Student Learning into Faculty-Led Programming

CIS Abroad’s VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jenn Engel, guides potential, new, and seasoned faculty leaders through a workshop focused on methods for developing faculty-led programs that center on student learning outcomes, incorporate critical reflection, and engage students in truly immersive learning experiences.

Pricing

CIS Abroad Affiliate Partners will receive a 25% discount for the three-part professional development series (Regular rate: $1,250); CIS Affiliate Partner Rate for Unlimited Participants – $937.50.

Participants

Anyone can join! We highly recommend including any colleagues who share space or goals with your office. Include your ISS colleagues and anyone who plays a role within international education in your office.

Book Your Dates

Book by May 15, 2020 and receive complimentary templates and tools, customized for your office. Let us know which sessions you’re interested in via this form, and we will be in touch with you.

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

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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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