ACIS Educational Tours Reviews 977

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.7

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 170 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their dedication, knowledge, and ability to create engaging and memorable experiences. The service provided is frequently highlighted as exceptional, with many appreciating the meticulous planning, attention to detail, and seamless execution of trips. Reviewers often note the high quality of the holidays, including well-chosen locations, comfortable hotels, and authentic dining experiences. Many people appreciate the balance of planned activities and free time, allowing for both exploration and relaxation. However, some customers also noted that certain tours felt rushed, with insufficient time at important sites. A few other people also felt that the amount of time spent on coaches was too long, and some wished for more commentary during bus journeys. There were also occasional mentions of a lack of porter service.

What people talk about most

Staff

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of staff, consistently praising tour guides and managers for being... See more

Service

Users describe positive interactions with service, highlighting that everything was perfect during their... See more

Holidays

Customers consistently note positive experiences with holidays, with many describing their trips as amazing,... See more

Location

People report positive experiences with location, often praising the centrally located hotels that save... See more

Quality

Customers had positive experiences with quality, consistently praising the hotels as wonderful, comfortable,... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing first visit to France! So glad I went with ACIS, the options were amazing and the tour guide was hands down the best! Thank you, Fabien, for all your hard work and dedication to making out e... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I chaperoned a group of students on a Costa Rica trip involving half-day Spanish classes followed by planned, cultural activities such as zip-lining, surfing, and salsa dancing. It was the perfect bal... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Just met the amazing, kind, gracious, conscientious and meticulous staff behind the scenes of all of the fantasitc trips. The Global Conference is such a wonderful way to connect to the people who car... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve been home for a week and I’m still glowing from our trip to Spain. I was very pleased with the organization and advertising for each venue. We had a full house every night! I was most impresse... See more


Company details

  1. Tour Agent

Written by the company

Since 1978 ACIS, the American Council for International Studies, has been a leader in quality educational travel for middle and high school students and their teachers. We believe in the power of travel to open students' eyes and change their lives—and every detail of our educational tours is carefully crafted to help make it happen.


Contact info

4.7

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

977 reviews

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Asks customers to review

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Hasn’t replied to negative reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The best educational travel company

ACIS is the best educational travel company! I traveled with them as a student many years ago, and I knew it was the only company I would consider as a teacher. ACIS is constantly improving to deliver the best travel experience for students and teachers. Their tours offer the perfect balance of planned activities and free time. The quality of the centrally located, clean, and safe hotels, direct flights on major airlines, and high-quality and fresh meals truly enhance the travel experience. The tour managers are so personable and fun and have an excellent rapport with teenagers and adults. The program consultants make the planning process a breeze. I have led 4 trips with them and and planning my 5th. Many of my students have enjoyed their travel experience with ACIS so much that they have gone on a 2nd or 3rd trip with us even after they have graduated from high school! If you are looking for an educational travel company that will make your travel dreams come true, ACIS is the company for you.

3 October 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

HI Samantha,
We love hearing stories of ACIS travelers that become teachers and then become group leaders. We always say "travel changes lives" and we are so proud to be such a long-term part of your life.
Hope to see you out there soon!
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have gone on four trips with ACIS

I have gone on four trips with ACIS. If you are looking for the best company to use for student travel. Look no further! They have the best hotels, meals, and tour managers! Your adults, and student will have the time of their lives!

23 June 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Andrew,
So happy to have repeat group leaders. We strive to be the best and make sure you and your travelers are taken care of, hope to plan trip number five soon!

Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Top Notch Experiences!

I've done four trips with ACIS and am currently planning a fifth. The tour managers are always top notch and take great care of you. The hotels are central and clean. The food is tasty, and they are good at accommodating dietary restrictions. I always feel very safe traveling with ACIS and have recommended them to numerous friends and colleagues.

3 October 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Jessica,
We appreciate your recommendation. This is always the highest compliment.

Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend ACIS!

I’ll be taking my first trip with ACIS this summer and my experience to get this organized, recruit students, and prepare for traveling has been amazing! My rep has been quick to respond to emails and has been wonderfully patient! I had no idea how to do this but their website and resources have been perfect. I can’t speak highly enough about ACIS.

1 October 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Kimberly,
Thank you for writing such a nice review. I am sure your overseas experience will be incredible!

Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A+ wonderful

A wonderful, fabulous company to work with - from start to finish, you and your group are in the best of hands! If you are looking for a beyond excellent travel experience for your students as well as yourself - this is the one and only company to use! EVERYTHING is taken care of for you with the most careful attention - Flights, hotels, activities and exceptional tour managers and guides. Your students will benefit from the singular experience of absorbing different cultures with fresh eyes to educational opportunities and fun activities! Their parents will be impressed and thankful for the opportunity given to their child. I have been traveling with ACIS since 2016 and have returned each time anticipating where I will take my students next! If you have concerns that something may go amiss, I can wholeheartedly assure you that whatever situation arises, you will be quickly and competently cared for. I can attest to the extraordinary service we received when faced with a medical emergency on our last trip. The response from the travel team in both Europe and the US was immediate, and we were on our way home in less than 20 hours. Our deepest thanks and appreciation to Michele in London, Suzie and Jessica in Boston. Definitely looking forward to the next adventure!

3 July 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Paris, Provence and Barcelona Tour

Our school attended the Paris, Provence, and Barcelona tour, and from start to finish, it was an absolute success.

We especially loved being in the city centers, which allowed our students to truly experience the culture and energy of each location. The accommodations, meals, and tour schedule were all top-notch, well-organized, and thoughtfully planned.

Our tour manager, Servane, was phenomenal—her knowledge, professionalism, and warmth made a lasting impression on everyone. As a French native, she brought a personal touch and deep insight to our experience in France.

I would highly recommend ACIS to any school considering an educational tour. They exceeded our expectations and created memories our students will never forget.

19 June 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our Bell' Italia Trip - June '25

Our Bell' Italia trip was very well planned. From start to finish we did and saw so much - a great experience for my students. Our tour manager, Lara Corner, who has much experience in her role, was truly phenomenal in marshaling our group through the trip: dealing with all the logistics of getting museum tickets, negotiating at restaurants and hotels, speaking Italian to the bus driver, and more. Lara even helped me plan an impromptu trip to Trastevere after dinner one night. Lara alleviated any concerns I had during the trip.
I thought the hotels were well located near the main destinations in Rome, Florence and Venice. And the hotels were very comfortable and provided hearty breakfasts. I wish that we had had about an hour or so more in Pompeii, but otherwise the itinerary was a good balance of sight-seeing and free time. Can't wait to plan the next adventure!

16 June 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Thank you so much for writing such a nice review. I will let Lara know about your praise!!

Sincerely,
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The only company to travel with!

I just got back from the Greeks and Romans trip with 22 students and two other assistant group leaders. Our flight from Rome to Chicago was delayed, then cancelled, then delayed again. There was no way we would make any connecting flights from Chicago to Green Bay. I had a contact in the Rome office and one in the US office who helped me every step of the way and did everything humanly possible to get us back. There was another group traveling with a different company who got limited support and had to organize transportation on their own. This experience solidified my choice in ACIS. I will never travel with another company!!!

The hiccups aside, this company plans out everything and asks for input before, during, and after the trip. Everything is tailored to the group's needs as much as possible. It's so worth the money for peace of mind!

17 June 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Lauren,
So sorry you had problems on your return, it can be so stressful! I am glad that our dedicated team where there to support you. We are all travelers so understand the frustration of getting stuck .. Thank you so much for choosing ACIS and we can't wait to plan another trip for you!

Sincerely,
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Spanish Vistas Tour

I can't imagine traveling with a better company! So happy we chose ACIS! Our travel consultant, Beth, is fantastic. She was very knowledgeable, responded quickly to any questions, and worked with me to offer the best experience to my students. The entire trip was amazing from beginning to end: nice centrally-located hotels with a great variety of choices for breakfast, authentic food for dinner, very organized visits, and of course, an exceptional tour manager. Our tour manager, Philip, made our experience more enjoyable than we could have ever imagined. My students loved traveling with him!

16 June 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Nicole,
Thank you for writing this lovely review. I will definitely let Beth and Phillip know how much you appreciated them!

Sincerely,
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wouldn't travel with anyone else

I have now led three school trips through ACIS and have been consistently delighted with the service. Hotels are all centrally located, tour leaders have been very flexible and responsive, and the itineraries have been perfect. Would not consider leading one of these trips with another company.

9 June 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Sean,
Thank you so much for your nice review!! We can't wait to plan trip number four!

Sincerely,
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Costa Rico lancaster trip

Miguel, our driver, and Armando, our tour guide, made the trip very memorable! Can't say enough about these 2 extraordinary men. Armando is beyond knowledgeable about everything and he presents it in a way that is understandable and you retain it. I have found myself recalling and telling friends and family things I learned. Both men felt like family and were absolutely wonderful with our students. We all were very sad to leave them. Your company is blessed to have 2 such amazing men working for your company. The only complaint I have is the animal sanctuary. What a total disappointment! I would never recommend that to anyone. The people running it seemed very disinterested in us being there. One day, they sent us to clean for a couple hours and they would come and get us afterward to help build something. No one ever came and got our group. Very, very disappointing place. Felt that it was a waste of time and money being there.

9 June 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Dear Tammy,
Thank you for your insight. I am happy that Armando and Miguel were great. We are speaking with them to get more details about the experience and will speak to our contacts at the Animal Sanctuary to make sure this doesn't happen and evaluate our partnership with them. We do know this sanctuary does need help so we truly appreciate everything your group did there and apologize that you had a bad experience. Again, thank you for bringing this to my attention and we are on it!
Thank you,
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

1st Time ACIS Traveler

I just completed my first trip with ACIS Educational Tours to Costa Rica. Everyone was professional and everything was well organized. All flight and hotel details were in place and communicated in advance of the trip. We had an excellent Tour Manager who was very knowledgeable of the country, culture, language, and wildlife. He also was funny and related well with the students. We always felt safe and enjoyed each activity. I highly recommend ACIS to educators leading student group travel.

9 June 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Amy,
Thanks for taking the time to write a nice review. I love Costa Rica too and am so happy you and your group had a great experience and enjoyed Tico hospitality.
Pura Vida,
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Terrific Hotels in great locations

Terrific Hotels in great locations. An extremely knowledgeable guide with the ability to relate to our group. Local guides with great knowledge. Comfortable transportation. ACIS was easily contacted when needed and worked well with our group travel challenges.

10 June 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Gordon,
Thanks for writing such a nice review. We appreciate you! Hope you can travel with us again in the future!

Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

London SHOWTIME tour

My students and I just returned from the SHOWTIME trip with ACIS. Our tour manager, Sara, was incredible. This is the third trip I've taken with ACIS, and this company feels like a family. They truly care about every aspect of our trip, and at times it seem as if we are the only group they are handling. Beth is an ally, working hard to provide everything necessary for a successful trip. Our hotel on the SHOWTIME trip was one of the nicest I've ever stayed in, either with ACIS or personally. Each meal was thoughtfully planned, each stop on our itenerary was exciting, and the shows we saw were breathtaking. ACIS is the only company I will use for student travel.

11 June 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Clint,
Thank you for taking the time to write this review! I will pass on your praise to Sara and Beth. So happy you love the hotel... hope you got to see some great shows! We can't wait to plan your next educational tour.

Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Spectacular!!

Our guide, Christina, was the so friendly and on top of things at all times. I would love to do another tour with her. I have been on a tour with another company and you surpass them in every way. I would highly recommed ACIS in the future.

31 May 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Kathy,
Thanks for writing such a nice review. I will make sure the Tour Manager departments knows how much you appreciated Christina!
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

ACIS cancelled our trip & delayed refund

My son's Spanish teacher invited us and other students to join a trip to Spain and Portugal with ACIS called the Iberian Voyage. I have been making payments of $1,300 every other week for several months, totaling approximately $13,000 out of the $15,000 trip cost. Last week, ACIS canceled the trip, citing insufficient participants—despite assuring my son's teacher that they would connect our group with others to ensure the trip proceeded.

At no point during the payment process were we informed of the possibility of cancellation, which makes this situation all the more frustrating. When ACIS canceled the trip, they promised a full refund. However, upon requesting the refund, I was informed it would be issued as a check and mailed within 45 days. This delay prevents us from having the necessary funds to arrange another trip for my son’s high school graduation, which was the purpose of this journey. His brother and I were planning to join him, alongside his teacher and fellow students.

Now, due to this unacceptable situation, we may not be able to travel at all, as my son begins summer school for college on July 1. The behavior displayed by ACIS is atrocious. They have shown complete disregard for the inconvenience and stress caused by their decision, and they seem to have no intention of rectifying the matter quickly or appropriately. I would strongly advise against using this company, especially if you are a fiduciary, such as a teacher, recruiting others to join their trip.

29 March 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Suzanne,
I know the cancellation of your trip is a huge frustration. We did try to match your group with another group however I understand the options given did not fit into the date restrictions. I wish we had more options during your time period and do offer a full refund if we are not able to find an acceptable trip for the smaller group.

It is "standard" to say it can take up to 45 days for a refund just in case a check has not been process through our bank or some other issue, but this is not normally the case as we do send out checks weekly. We received definite notification that trip offers were not accepted on Friday.
We will be sending out the check to your family on Wednesday. I did attempt to call your cellphone to explain this to you but unfortunately, I received a message that your mailbox was full. I have sent you an email also.

Our goal is to have people travel so I am so sorry this did not work out and I hope that you and your sons can find another trip for his graduation.

Sincerely,
Laura Smart

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brigham and Tom have been extremely…

Brigham and Tom have been extremely helpful! Looking forward to a great trip to Germany.

14 March 2025
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Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Thank you for taking the time to write a review!!
I am glad they are taking such good care of you and I know you will love your trip!

Thanks,
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First time w a tour company in over 25 years.....

I hadn't used a tour company since the late 90s, and I was a bit hesitant heading into our trip to Costa Rica. However, so many things eased my mind along the way, and our guide was the absolute best. We went w the 3 star hotel package, and they were beyond my expectations as well. I love the ability to adjust the itinerary, and I have already recommended ACIS to our other teachers. The other thing that perhaps I didn't appreciate until recently was how all of the liability is out of your hands as a teacher. Consistent contact and honest answers made this a really positive experience for me.

17 March 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

Hi Jack,
Thanks for writing such a great review. One of the great benefits of traveling with ACIS is the support so I am glad you felt that. Costa Rica is such a wonderful place to travel with students. I hope you will be going back soon!

Pura Vida,
Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

ACIS Personnel Continue to Impress

From the operations team to the tour managers, it is the amazing care and attention of the ACIS personnel that makes this group so special!

8 March 2025
Unprompted review
ACIS Educational Tours logo

Reply from ACIS Educational Tours

We appreciate your review. Thank you for mentioning the operations team, we work behind the scenes, so it is nice to be mentioned. :) Our tour managers really bring the magic!

We hope to see you again overseas soon!

Laura Smart
SVP Customer Experience

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