CIS Abroad Blog

Top programs in the Humanities

CIS Abroad is able to offer a wide range of programs in specialized fields that cater to students studying the humanities. We are committed to matching each student with the program that best accommodates their specific field of interest, as well as a setting and culture that nurtures a well-rounded and full abroad learning experience.

Top semester programs for the Humanities

The programs that cover fields in the humanities vary widely, with the most common areas to find courses being in History, International Studies, Art History, Literature & Creative Writing, Religious Studies, and Philosophy. Here is a list of some of the best semester programs that offer a large selection of Humanities courses:

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

Spend a semester at one of the top liberal arts universities in South Korea! Located in Seoul, students have the chance to explore the 9th most visited city in the world and its five UNESCO World Heritage sites while they take fascinating courses in Korean literature, history, philosophy, and more! Don’t miss out on immersing yourself in Korean culture during the numerous festivals that take place throughout the year.

Semester in Barcelona - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Study at one of Spain’s most prestigious universities for the liberal arts and humanities! Nestled just outside the vibrant city of Barcelona, you’ll find endless opportunities to discover the city’s world-famous architecture, iconic art museums, sunny beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine. Take engaging courses in Spanish language, Catalan culture, art history, literature, philosophy, and more—all while soaking up the creative energy that makes Barcelona a global cultural hub.

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

Experience an unforgettable semester at the American University of Rome, where ancient history meets modern student life in Italy’s captivating capital. Study with breathtaking views over Rome’s timeless skyline and iconic landmarks. Dive into coursework that explores art, history, philosophy, creative writing, media, and more—all enriched by the city’s living legacy of culture and civilization. 

Semester on the Italian Cinque Terre Riviera - Florence University of the Arts 

Study in La Spezia, a picturesque seaside city that provides the perfect balance of modern amenities and historic allure, serving as the ideal base to explore the colorful cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre. You'll study at a branch campus of Florence University of the Arts, with hands-on learning in a setting that inspires creativity and curiosity. From walking the scenic coastal trails to enjoying authentic Italian cuisine in local trattorias, every day is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and natural beauty of Italy’s coastline. With easy access to the Mediterranean, cultural landmarks, and vibrant communities, La Spezia offers a study abroad experience like no other.

Semester in Japan - Meiji Gakuin University

Want to study in a quieter campus setting but with easy access to bustling Tokyo? Choose from a Around campus, enjoy spa-like vibes, wooded paths, views of Mt. Fuji, and free access to the full health center. Dive into immersive courses in Japanese literature, philosophy, history, and the humanities, gaining rich insights into one of the world’s most fascinating cultures. Outside class, recharge in the campus health center or explore festivals, traditional temples, local cafes, and art galleries both on campus and in nearby neighborhoods.

Semester in London - University of Roehampton

University of Roehampton is a friendly, cozy campus tucked away in southwest London. With the “Growhampton” sustainability program, the campus is a lively, eco-friendly, and stimulating environment in which to socialize and learn. For Humanities studies, there are many options for courses in history, literature & creative writing, philosophy & ethics, as well as religious studies and theology.

Semester on the Gold Coast - Bond University

Bond University is one of Australia’s newest and most innovative schools. As one of the country’s few private universities, students are able to get a more intimate campus experience, as well as flexibility in creating a US-compatible semester schedule. Courses offered in the Humanities for this semester program include international studies, law & legal Studies, literature & creative writing, and philosophy & ethics.

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

Spend a semester in the heart of the world’s largest metropolis at Toyo University in Tokyo—a dynamic gateway to Japanese culture, innovation, and tradition. Here, you can dive into a diverse assortment of humanities courses, from Japanese literature and international relations to art history, media studies, and philosophy, all while learning alongside students from across the globe. The university’s modern campuses are spread throughout Tokyo, giving you effortless access to buzzing cultural districts, tranquil parks, historic temples, and dazzling nightlife.

Other semester programs to consider

Top summer programs for the Humanities

The humanities tends to be an easy set of subjects for students to find summer programs for, ranging across a diverse selection of regions and universities. Here are just a few of the top programs that partner universities offer in the summer:

Top January term programs for the Humanities

This is just a taste of the wide range of opportunities offered through our partner universities around the world for students seeking engaging, immersive study abroad experiences in the Humanities. If you would like to look more in-depth at the courses available within a particular program, take a look at the program pages that you are interested in, and scroll down to Academics. There, under “Choose your courses” you will find information about course offerings and availability. We are also always happy to answer questions about individuals’ specific needs.

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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