2027 Summer Study Abroad Programs
Study Abroad and Redefine Your Horizon
Study abroad to Europe and beyond! OCC study abroad students receive transferable 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. Study abroad is one of the most transformation experiences you can have in college and has real benefits on your future, including documented increases in GPA, degree completion, and graduation rates! Students who study abroad report an increase in passion and deeper understanding of what they studied. Alumni report feeling more confident, mature & independent upon their return. Improving these "soft skills" now will benefit you for life!
OCC faculty led programs are about a month long and taught during the summer term. They are "open enrollment", which means even if you are new to OCC, already graduated, or are attending a different school you can still join us, as long as you are over 18 years old. We welcome non-traditional students, first generation college students, minority students, lifelong learners & first time travelers. You can use your FAFSA financial aid and many scholarships are available.
Additional destinations and longer programs are available through other colleges or universities or Provider Led Programs (see below).
Check out our programs and some funding sources on this site. If you have any further questions you can email us or complete the interest form if you'd like to schedule a meeting with the study abroad advisor. Please join the study abroad mailing list or our Instagram to keep in touch and get our announcements! We look forward to helping you go abroad!
Madrid, Spain - Spanish
July 1 - July 30, 2027
Discover the vibrant culture of Madrid, Spain, with Orange Coast College! Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture, explore historic plazas and world-class museums, savor authentic Spanish cuisine, and experience the energy of daily life in Spain’s lively capital. Earn college credit while improving your Spanish skills, expanding your global perspective, and creating unforgettable memories. Participants on the Summer Spanish Language in Madrid program live in student apartments or in homestays located throughout the city.
Coming Soon!
Florence, Italy - Italian
June 3 - July 3, 2027
Spend a month in Florence with the Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College) and Accent. Florence becomes an extension of your classroom as you explore Florentine cathedrals, monuments, churches, museums and galleries while attending Italian language classes at the Accent Florence Study Center with CCCD faculty. Participants on the Summer in Florence Program live in student apartments or in homestays (with supplement) located throughout the city. The Accent Florence Study Center also provides support and guidance to students on each of its programs.
In Person Meetings:
November 9, 2026 @ 4:45 pm – LLSS 152, 1st floor
November 20, 2026 @ 7:00 pm – LLSS 152, 1st floor
November 30, 2026 @ 4:30 pm – LLSS 152, 1st floor
December 4, 2026 @ 6:45 pm – LLSS 152, 1st floor
December 9, 2026 @ 4:30 pm – LLSS 152, 1st floor
Please contact fhamber@cccd.edu for a link if you would rather set up a Zoom meeting on a day (M-F) and at a time that works with your schedule
Seoul, South Korea - Psychology
June 7- July 5, 2027
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Seoul, South Korea, through Orange Coast College’s Study Abroad Program! This exciting opportunity allows students to step beyond the classroom and experience the rich history, vibrant culture, and modern innovations of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. From exploring historic palaces and traditional neighborhoods to discovering bustling markets, contemporary attractions, and world-famous Korean pop culture, students will experience the unique blend of tradition and modern life that makes Seoul so special.
Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Korean culture, discover new perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether exploring cultural landmarks, sampling Korean cuisine, or experiencing everyday life in a new environment, students can develop greater independence, strengthen cross-cultural awareness, and create lasting memories.
Coming Soon!
Paris, France - Art & Architecture
Coming Soon!
Say bonjour to an unforgettable adventure in Paris! Discover the city’s extraordinary art and architecture, from the masterpieces of the Louvre to the Gothic beauty of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Along the way, uncover the stories and artistic movements that have shaped Paris for centuries.
Savor delicious French pastries, experience the charm of Parisian cafés, and soak up the city’s vibrant culture. Stroll along the Seine, admire the intricate details of historic buildings, and discover the hidden gems in Paris’s neighborhoods.
Earn college credit in both Art and Architecture while bringing your studies to life beyond the classroom. Explore the connections between history, culture, and design as you experience these remarkable works firsthand. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, or eager to experience a new culture, Paris offers endless opportunities to learn and explore.
Coming Soon!
Scotland, Australia & Mexico - Marine Science
- Main Page
- Gray Whale Ecology in Baja 2028
- Survey of Coastal Scotland 2028
- James Cook University (Australia) Transfer Pathway
If you are a Marine Science Major check out the amazing opportunities the Marine Science Department offers! They offer a summer study abroad program to Scotland, an excursion to Mexico in Spring semester, and an innovative transfer opportunity to study near the Great Barrier Reef and earn a Bachelors degree at James Cook University in Australia!
Scotland Study Abroad Interest Form
James Cook University Partnership -Start at OCC, Finish in Australia.
Have you ever seen whales in the wild? Brace yourself! This opportunity is unrivaled when it comes to whale watching. The Gray Whale Ecology field course is a unique opportunity to learn about one of the longest migrations of any mammal ever recorded. This course has two components, including (1) a lecture course to learn about the natural history of gray whales and (2) a field component to visit gray whales in the shallow lagoons of Baja.
Scotland is a country of dramatic coastal features that is steeped in a long history of marine research. Join us as we explore some of the most amazing coastal towns and learn from researchers associated with the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St Andrews, the Lighthouse Field Station from the University of Aberdeen, and the Scottish Association for Marine Sciences affiliated with the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Three OCC Marine Science courses for a total of 5 units are offered as part of this study abroad experience: Coastal Oceanography (MRSC A185, 3 units), Coastal Oceanography Lab (MRSC A185L, 1 unit), and Marine Mammal Field Studies (MRSC A188, 1 unit).
James Cook University is one of the world’s most highly-ranked universities for studying marine sciences. Located in Queensland, Australia, its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef allows students to access amazing natural laboratories and have the ability to take a wide range of coursework to further their education and exposure to unique ocean environments. Students can develop professional skills at JCU’s Orpheus Island Research Station, or on-site at various coral reef, island, seagrass, and mangrove environments in the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.
When transferring from OCC with this program, students can complete a Bachelor’s degree from JCU in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Zoology, or Environmental Science in 2 years. Qualifying students will also receive a 25% discount of their tuition fees as part of this program. In many cases, costs are comparable or less than attending a university in California, and the tuition is FAFSA eligible for student loans.
Student Eligibility
If you're seeking additional locations or longer study abroad programs, students can explore opportunities through study abroad provider companies, foreign universities, NGOs, or other educational institutions.
Please be aware that classes taken through provider-led programs will not automatically count for degree credit at OCC nor may they be transferable to other universities. It’s important to do your research by contacting the OCC Graduation Office or the university you wish to transfer credits to. Make sure you know the exact course name, number, and the institution issuing the transcript.
To find programs, try Googling your major, a destination and a semester/length. Some provider companies students in the past have used are: AIFS, CIEE, GoAbroad, Semester at Sea, TEAN. The Embassy of France has two-week bootcamps designed for community college students. There are also virtual study abroad programs.
Each company sets their own eligibility rules. Please contact them directly for requirements.
If you register to attend a provider company led study abroad program, please complete the Provider Company Study Abroad Participant form to let us know. You can also use this form to submit any documentation the provider requires OCC to complete.
More Helpful Links
The benefits of Study Abroad are many. Education research has shown study abroad to be a "High Impact Practice" in higher education, 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 critical for advancement in many fields. Experiences like study abroad help prepare students for working on diverse teams, develop language and intercultural communication skills, & tolerance for ambiguity. This is an opportunity to gain an understanding of different business, leadership, management, and communication 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 & maturity.
- US Department Of State Study Abroad Info
- Scholarship and Funding Tips
- Info on how to study abroad as a person with a disability
- CDC's Guide to traveling with a chronic illness
- Worldwide Laws about sexual orientation map from The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
- Transgender and non-binary students abroad by Brandeis University
Got Questions?
You can make an appointment to meet with the Study Abroad Advisor. Please complete this Intake Form.