By Jaime Navarro
CIS University is an epitome of how different cultures unite into one rich learning environment. During the Spring 2025 semester, we have students from more than 40 countries who bring unique experiences to our classrooms and campus life. As many as 50% of the student community comprises international students, making it a truly global campus. This is not only a question of numbers; it is a matter of stories, experiences, and views that make our university a truly diverse campus.
One of the international students who picked CIS University due to its multicultural environment is Gian Marco D’Albora, from Italy. Gian Marco joined CIS University to broaden his horizons and see a different perspective on education. “I wanted to study in a place where I could meet people from all over the world. Italy is great, but I felt that I needed a more international environment, and CIS University seemed perfect for that.”
“The thing I love most is how you can learn something new every day, not just from your classes, but from your classmates as well. We all come from different backgrounds, and you are surrounded by a mix of ideas, traditions, and opinions. It really changes the way you see the world,” he shared.
Gian Marco pointed out several cultural differences between himself and other students, notably in their way of communicating. “In Italy, we are quite expressive, and we like to debate and discuss things openly. But here, I’ve noticed that some cultures are more reserved or take a different approach to discussions. It’s fascinating, because you start to adjust and appreciate other ways of interacting,” he stated.
For Jorge Mauricio, a Mexican student who moved to Miami after living in Mexico, CIS University also became an ideal choice for both academic and personal development. “I was expecting a university where I could feel belonging, and the international environment here made me feel at home,” Jorge said. “Having lived in both Mexico and the U.S., I’m used to different cultures, but CIS University has really opened my eyes to even more,” he stated.
Jorge noted that one of the things he values the most about this university is how it brings people together. “There’s a real sense of community here. Everyone is supportive, and it feels like a big family, even though we’re from different parts of the world,” he added.
The main cultural differences Jorge noticed deal with attitudes regarding time and socialization. “In Mexico, things are a bit more relaxed, while in Miami, I noticed that people are more fast-paced. Here, at CIS University, you get a mix of both. Some students are very punctual and focused, while others are more laid-back. It’s interesting to see how those differences play out, especially in group projects and social settings,” he shared.
“You don’t just leave here with a degree; you leave with a new way of thinking and a global perspective that will help you in whatever you do next,” he underlined.
As Gian Marco and Jorge shared, the student body at CIS University is truly a melting pot of cultures. Such diversity provides an environment where national and international students grow not only academically but also personally.
More and more international students come to our campus every year, attracted by its friendly atmosphere and cultural diversity. For this reason, CIS University is being increasingly recognized as an international hub for learning. Our diverse and international atmosphere provides students with an opportunity to experience firsthand how it feels to live and work in a globalized world, and prepares them for success in an increasingly interconnected society.