International Education and the CIS Membership Community
What this domain tests
This domain checks whether you can distinguish CIS membership from CIS accreditation and explain the values that bind the community. CIS is a not-for-profit organization connecting schools, higher education institutions, and individuals. Its purpose is to promote international education, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship.
Core rules
- Membership is voluntary and institutional; it is not a quality mark such as accreditation. Members commit to the CIS Code of Ethics and to values including internationalism, ethical action, and responsible leadership.
- CIS does not prescribe a single curriculum. International education in the CIS sense is an approach that prepares students for a diverse, interconnected world through intercultural learning, academic challenge, and ethical participation.
- The membership community offers professional learning, networking, and a pathway to CIS International Accreditation. Accreditation remains a separate, evidence-based process.
- Members are expected to contribute to the community, not only consume services.
Worked example
A school writes: “We are CIS members, so we are CIS accredited.” The statement is wrong. Membership is a commitment to the community and its ethics; accreditation requires a self-study, a team visit, and a decision against CIS standards. The correct advice is to join, engage with the community, and apply for accreditation when the school can evidence alignment.
Traps
Do not equate membership with accreditation. Do not assume CIS requires the IB or any specific curriculum. Do not reduce international education to teaching in English or celebrating cultural festivals.