COVID-19 Help and Support - The Global Engagement Center Is ready to answer any questions and provide support. Please email us at occinternational@cccd.edu.
Study abroad to Europe and beyond! OCC study abroad students receive transferrable GE college credits, are immersed in a new culture or language, learn in new ways, and can distinguish themselves from the pack as a job applicant. Students who study abroad report an increase in passion and deeper understanding of what they studied and also report developing "soft skills" that will benefit them for life. Alumni report feeling more confident, mature & independent upon their return. Study abroad is one of the most transformative experiences you can have in college and has real benefits on your future, including documented increases in GPA, degree completion, and graduation rates.
OCC faculty led programs are open enrollment, so even if you are new to OCC, already graduated, or are attending a different school you can still join us!
Additional programs to other destinations and longer programs are available through study abroad provider companies, or additional individual universities. Contact the Study Abroad Advisor in the OCC Global Engagement Center if you have questions.
We are planning to have faculty led programs in Summer 2022 but all programs are subject to the COVID-19 conditions in each country/region and there is a possiblity of cancellation.
OCC Faculty Led Study Abroad Programs Planned for Summer 2022
Paris, France - French Language classes of all levels with Paris native OCC Professor Lia Raileanu. This program is planned for the month of July. For four weeks you'll take classes with Ms. Raileanu and at the Sorbonne, live in university housing with other French students and take part in sight seeing and excursions designed to increase fluency and cultural understanding. Program website. Attend an information session (listed on the workshop page) to learn more.
Rome, Italy - See, sketch and shoot your way around Rome while you study art and photography! This team taught, 4 week program with Chris Kerins and Jonathan Fletcher will stimulate your creative development with hands on activities, excursions and exploration of the museums and galleries containing works of the masters. Program website, Program details website. Attend an information session (listed on the workshop page) to learn more.
Florence, Italy - Learn Italian with Franca Hamber. Florence becomes an extension of your classroom as you explore Florentine cathedrals, monuments, churches, museums and galleries while attending language classes at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci or at the Accent Study Center with CCCD faculty. Program website. Attend an information session (listed on the workshop page) to learn more.
Madrid, Spain - Explore the vibrant city of Madrid, learn it's cultural and historical value while you improve your Spanish. Professor Sherman-Falcioni is passionate about the Spanish language and study abroad, and instills in her students a love of both. Program Website. Attend an information session (listed on the workshop page) to learn more.
All OCC faculty led program classes are CSU/UC transferrable general education classes (GE's)
Additional programs are available through study abroad provider companies, or additional individual universities (see funding page). There are also virtual study abroad programs. Some virtual study abroad programs may qualify for scholarships. - Google, or contact the Study Abroad Advisor in the Global Engagement Center or join the study abroad interest list, for more information. Classes through study abroad providers may or may not be accepted for degree credits to OCC or transfer to other universities. It is up to students to do their due diligence regarding transferability, by contacting the OCC graduation office and/or the university they wish to transfer to. You will need to know the exact class name and number and which institution will issue the transcript for your coursework abroad.
Follow OCC's Study Abroad Instagram: @occ_study_abroad_ambassadors
More Helpful Links
Study Abroad Information by the US Department Of State
Scholarship and Funding Tips
Info on how to study abroad as a person with a disability
CDC's Guide to travelling with a chronic illness
Sexual Orientation Laws in the World map from The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
Transgender and non-binary students abroad by Brandeis University
How to apply for a passport. You can go to a post office or a store like CVS, Costco, Rite-aid for photos (about $13.00) or do them yourself using a passport photo app/online service.
Information for Parents
The benefits of Study Abroad are many. Education research has proven study abroad to be a High Impact Practice with positive effects on GPA and degree completion among others. The world is more connected than ever before and knowing cross-cultural communication skills is considered necessary for advancement in many fields. Experiences like study abroad help prepare students for working on diverse teams. This is an opportunity to gain an understanding of different business, leadership and management styles you won't see in your home country. Students and parents report positive impacts on personal development like the ability to negotiate uncertainty and increased confidence.
A parent's guide to study abroad- By the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the American Institute for Foreign Study.
