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Studying abroad is the adventure of a lifetime, allowing students to explore different countries and cultures, learn new languages, make lifelong friends, and broaden their perspectives. With the post-pandemic resurgence of interest in study abroad programs, colleges across the United States are providing more opportunities for students to learn and explore internationally. According to Open Doors, over 14,000 American college students studied abroad for academic credit during the 2020-21 academic year, with Europe hosting more than half of all students participating in study abroad programs.
The Maricopa Community Colleges offer exciting and affordable study abroad opportunities for students attending one of our ten colleges to earn up to six academic credits. The 2024 summer program destinations are expected to include Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Namibia. Let's explore the life-changing experiences and benefits of participating in a study abroad program.
Experience Cultural Immersion
One of the primary benefits of participating in a study abroad program is becoming immersed in a new culture. Traveling internationally exposes you to different foods, customs, cultures, languages, and beliefs. Cultural immersion allows you to learn from a different perspective and challenges your preconceived notions about life.
"Studying abroad is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I don't believe I would have learned nearly as much if I was only ever reading about it in a textbook. Talking with locals will teach you so much more than reading material sometimes cannot. My worldview has expanded, and I have gained an even more appreciation for my own culture and the society I live in," – Testimonial from a Maricopa Community Colleges student who participated in the Study Abroad program to Japan, Summer 2023.
Through the Maricopa Community Colleges Study Abroad Program, students have the unique opportunity of exploring intercultural communication and art history in Italy, discovering Europe at its crossroads while studying the European Union in the Czech Republic, exploring the history, diverse culture, and heritage of Ireland, exploring the beauty, food, language, and culture of Japan that also includes a homestay with a local family, or getting introduced to marine biology at the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. These are just a few of the destinations Maricopa Community Colleges students can travel to.
Strengthen Your Language Skills
Studying abroad is an excellent way to improve your language skills. Whether taking language courses or traveling to a country that speaks a different language, you can practice your skills and gain confidence in speaking a new language.
You can learn a new language at one of our ten colleges before traveling internationally. You can choose from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Navajo, Russian, and Spanish and increase your cultural awareness before you travel. There's even an option to earn World Languages associate's degrees and certificates for committed students. Learn more about the program at www.maricopa.edu/degrees-certificates/languages.
While learning a new language is not a requirement for participating in a study abroad program, you may want to learn and practice a few simple phrases before your trip, such as hello, thank you, do you speak English, where is…, or I don't understand. Learning these expressions will make traveling internationally much easier. Whether it's ciao, hola, Guten Tag, salut, nei-ho, olá, konnichi ha, or hej, native speakers will appreciate your efforts.
Personal Growth
Study abroad programs help you experience personal growth and boost your self-confidence and self-awareness. This experience allows you to explore new countries and cities and embrace the opportunity to challenge yourself and expand your horizons. Stepping outside your comfort zone makes you more independent, improves your problem-solving and decision-making skills, and helps you deal with unfamiliar situations. Furthermore, communicating and interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds will broaden your perspective.
"The most rewarding part was getting out of my comfort zone to talk to people. I was around them daily, so it helped me grow more confident in holding conversations. If you have the opportunity to be a part of a study abroad program, take advantage of it. The impact of learning in a different country is so valuable. I will incorporate my experiences from this trip into my daily life." – Testimonial from a Maricopa Community Colleges student who participated in the Study Abroad program to Prague, Summer 2023.
Enhance Your Career Opportunities
If you want to enhance your career prospects, consider a study abroad program, especially if you are thinking about seeking a career that will involve traveling internationally, living abroad, or working for an international company. Employers often seek candidates with a broader perspective, cultural sensitivity, and global awareness. Add your study abroad experience to your resume under the "Education" or "Experience" sections to highlight your achievements and differentiate yourself from the competition. Read our blog on how to write your best resume for tips. During your job interview, take a few minutes to explain the experiential learning you gained from your time abroad.
"I had the best experience with the study abroad program, and it has impacted my life in the most greatest way possible. I am now more driven toward my career path. I am deeply excited to see what the future holds now that I have a set of different lenses to help me go out into the world." – Testimonial from a Paradise Valley Community College student who participated in the Study Abroad program to Italy, Summer 2023.
Develop Lifelong Friendships
Participating in a study abroad program is an excellent opportunity to make lifelong friendships. You're immersed in a new culture with like-minded individuals who share your passion for exploring and learning. From studying together to visiting different cities, your study abroad experience will result in bonding over unforgettable experiences. When you return home, you'll have a global perspective and friendships that can last a lifetime.
"If you ever wanted to get an experience full of culture and historical emergence, then studying abroad is the best thing to do. You meet new people and form lasting bonds. An experience that won't be the same if you were to go to the country by yourself." – Testimonial from a South Mountain Community College and Mesa Community College student who participated in a Study Abroad program to Ireland, Summer 2023.
Paying for Your Study Abroad Experience
Before jetting off on your study abroad journey, you'll need to weigh the pros and cons of the expense associated with the program. The cost of study abroad programs varies depending on the destination and length of the program. It's important to know that the estimated study abroad program fees do not cover tuition, airfare, additional transportation, and some or all of the meals.
Interested students have several options available to assist with the costs, including Financial Aid, Federal Pell Grants, student loans, and scholarships through Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (there are two application deadlines for summer programs: first Thursday in October and first Thursday in March), and the Gilman-McCain Scholarship for undergraduate dependents (child or spouse) of active or activated military personnel. Before applying for a study abroad program, speak with a financial aid advisor to know which option is best for you.
There are also creative cost-saving tips to help you pay for your study abroad program; the key is planning ahead! While the Maricopa Community Colleges does not endorse any of these ideas, some examples of ways students have paid for their experience include asking for money instead of gifts for birthdays, graduation, and other special occasions, asking businesses, churches, and civic organizations you or your family may be part of if they have a scholarship program or would make a donation, or establish a FundMyTravel account.
Preparing for Your Study Abroad Trip
Before packing your bags for an international learning adventure, you'll want to check the following off your important to-do list:
Passport – Apply for a passport now if you do not already have one. Some students may be eligible for a grant to help them obtain a passport in order to study abroad. Learn if you qualify. If your passport expires within six months of travel, renew it immediately. The turnaround time may be longer than expected, so apply early. Learn how to apply for a passport.
European Visa – Starting in 2024, European countries will require certain travelers to obtain a visa through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before travel. Learn more about the travel requirements.
Medical Preparations – Visit your primary care physician to ensure you have refills of necessary prescriptions and are up-to-date on vaccinations.
Currency and Banking – Order a small amount of foreign currency from your bank before you leave. Also, check with your financial institution about any additional fees you may incur when withdrawing cash from an ATM.
International Mobile Plans – Contact your cell phone provider to set up an international mobile plan if you already don't have one for seamless communication.
Charging Electronics – Purchase a travel adapter specific to the country you are traveling to. Since wall outlets and sockets are shaped differently in other countries, you'll need an adapter to charge your electronics and use any styling tools you are packing.
Stay Connected – Research and install a chat app to easily connect with friends and family.
Capture Memories – Pack a small notebook and digital camera (with extra memory cards) to document all of your memorable travel adventures.
Studying abroad gives you the chance to have unique and unforgettable experiences that stay with you for a lifetime. In addition, studying abroad is an excellent opportunity for you to grow personally and academically and gain cultural understanding. Maricopa Community Colleges Study Abroad Programs offered through our ten colleges are a fantastic opportunity to achieve these goals. Discover where your international learning adventure can take you, and explore study abroad opportunities today.