Far from being a time out from their degree, study abroad is now considered an essential component to a well-rounded college education. Graduate schools and employers understand and look for the knowledge, personal growth, and tangible skills that students gain during their time abroad.
To help you support your student, we are providing you with important information and resources to navigate the process. We encourage you to also review the Student section of the website for additional student support and resources.
The College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) is a 501(c)(3) education non-profit dedicated to providing students with quality, affordable, and academic education abroad programs for over 30 years. CCIS was founded by a group of colleges and universities that believe all students should have access and opportunity to study abroad.
CCIS programs are developed and administered by accredited U.S. institutions, called program sponsors, that are members of the consortium. Programs are vetted and approved by the Academic Programs Committee and the Board of Directors and then undergo an ongoing, rigorous peer-preview process to ensure academic and program quality as well as safety and security. CCIS programs are overseen by the CCIS Governance Committees and Board of Directors.
Read about the CCIS Mission & Values
Meet our Governance Team
Meet our Members
CCIS works closely with the U.S. colleges and universities that administer the study abroad programs, the overseas hosts, and leading security advisory councils to assess the safety and security of each program, prepare students for in-country health and safety management, and provide emergency response.
Being well informed and prepared will help your student maximize the study abroad experience while minimizing health and safety risks. Work with your student to research cultural norms, local laws, and the medical system at their destination. Review the Student Health and Safety information together.
Before heading overseas, develop a communication plan with your student. Identify a preferred method of communicating, consider Skype, cell phone, e-mail, and plan for how to communicate in an emergency. Work with your student to develop a method for keeping in-country emergency contact information with them at all times, including the local number for 911.
CCIS has partnered with CISI Insurance to provide our students with an international insurance plan specifically designed to cover the needs of students studying abroad. CISI is the leading provider of study abroad and international student insurance coverage and provides medical insurance and health and security evacuation.
Support your student by helping to develop a budget and strategy considering tuition, room and board, travel, and other expenses. Explore scholarship options, and review financial aid offerings to understand how to help build a plan for your student’s time abroad.
Things to consider:
The program cost and cost of living in a country can vary substantially from one program to another. Students can search for programs that fit their needs, review the program costs, and research cost of living details online.
The Higher Education Act ensures that students can apply federal aid to any approved study abroad program. How programs are approved can vary by institution. Don’t wait, have your student meet with their study abroad advisor and financial aid office to learn more.
Each program provides detailed information on the program cost and what is and is not included. Take into consideration the cost of living in the host country, round-trip flights, entertainment, and any additional travel.
There are many scholarships available for study abroad, but finding them and applying for them can be challenging. Encourage your student to meet with their study abroad advisor, review the resources on this site, and plan ahead to allow for enough time to prepare the applications.
Visit the student section on financial aid for more information and resources on funding study abroad, financial aid, and scholarships.
Financing Your Study Abroad