By Adriana Puig González
Situated in the heart of Madrid, CIS University differentiates itself from other institutions by providing students with an international learning environment that emphasizes global diversity. “This spring semester, the university welcomed a total of 187 international students of more than 40 different nationalities,” according to Niki De Palo, CIS University’s Registrar and International Student Coordinator.
Our university stands out as an American higher education institution in Madrid that seeks to provide students with a global education based on liberal and humanistic principles. Its mission is to offer students an international education grounded in interdisciplinary and humanistic ideals so that students can grow and have a positive impact on a society that is more committed to equality.
Founded in 1981, CIS University is based on humanistic and wide-ranging principles. It offers a more innovative and practical alternative to the Spanish university system. CIS University’s curriculum is modeled after the American educational system, which fosters an entrepreneurial spirit that makes it simpler for graduates to enter the workforce in any modern setting. The university provides extensive training designed to promote critical thinking, speaking skills, and personal awareness, essential pillars for functioning in a global context.
What makes CIS University exceptional in the American higher education sector?
The primary focus of the American higher education system is the student. Classroom assignments are varied, and professors use different methodologies to meet students’ needs. At our campus, critical and creative thinking forms the foundation for any growth students wish to develop on personal and professional fronts.
What unique courses or specializations does CIS University offer?
CIS University offers various bachelor’s degree programs, including Business Management, which covers business fundamentals and accounting; Marketing Communication, and Advertising, which concentrates on media and campaign planning; and International Relations, which includes international institutions and international conflicts.
In addition to degree-specific subjects, CIS University offers general education courses that will equip students with a comprehensive knowledge base. These courses examine a wide range of areas and fields, including global cultures, people, and society, as well as technology and society, moral principles, and ethics.
CIS University demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility through its academic programs. The university offers courses designed to promote ethical and social values in collaboration with organizations linked to its corporate social responsibility efforts: the International Studies Foundation, the NGO Cruzada por los Niños, and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Spain Foundation. Among these courses are Human Rights in Society; the Mozambique Service Project, which includes a trip to participate directly in a Cruzada por los Niños project in Africa; and the Camino de Santiago, which provides students with a deeply transformative personal experience.
What specific skills and knowledge does the program aim to develop?
A key competitive advantage for graduates of CIS University is their expertise in public speaking. Students are trained to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, as well as in individual and group settings. Our students develop excellent “power skills” including debating, public speaking, and conflict resolution.
As Bosco Kiessling Buerbaum, a marketing communication undergraduate student, explained: “During my time at CIS University, I have learned how to manage multiple tasks and to speak effectively in public.”
What opportunities does CIS University offer for students in terms of internships and projects?
One of the advantages of CIS University is that it has an Internship program that helps each student find internships that fit their unique profiles. All CIS University students who seek a bachelor’s or associate’s degree must do two internships. A short one during their second year and a semester internship when they are seniors, in their fourth year. Additionally, there is a course called “Internship Strategies” that prepares them to enter the labor market. Beyond acquiring practical experience, these internships create opportunities for students to grow, mature, and adapt to professional conditions and expectations.
What are the goals for the CIS University going forward?
CIS University’s goal is to provide the degrees and courses that businesses and society require. CIS University never loses sight of the fact that many of our students will eventually take on leadership roles in building a better society. This is one of the reasons why CIS University aims to provide unique classes targeted at improving its societal function.
What type of students will thrive at CIS University?
CIS University welcomes students who wish to learn in an environment that prioritizes continuous evaluation and learning. Teamwork is a crucial component of their educational process, so students who enjoy working hard and collaborating will also thrive at our institution.
CIS University creates a dynamic, multicultural atmosphere that equips students for global engagement in addition to providing a strong academic program based on forward-thinking and humanistic ideas. The university is distinguished for its dedication to both personal development and social responsibility.
As Facundo Mar, an undergraduate student in business management, stated: “CIS University has a welcoming and cosy atmosphere in which students and professors from different cultural backgrounds get to interact. Classes are taught by experienced and committed professors and offer a mix of theoretical and practical learning, which makes them more dynamic. It’s a fantastic place to learn and develop as a person.”