Study Abroad

How long is the program and what is the class schedule?

Short-term study abroad programs range from 2 ½ to 4 weeks in length. Instruction takes place several hours per day and includes visits to sites of historic and cultural interest which complement classroom learning. For example, in previous programs, the participants have visited the Roman site of Pompeii in Italy, the cathedral of Saint Mary in Spain, and the Recoleta cemetery in Argentina.

What classes are taught abroad?

The classes taught abroad vary. Faculty who are interested in teaching their area of expertise abroad submit a program proposal for evaluation by a group of their peers. As a result, subjects taught on these programs can vary greatly. At Mesa College, our programs have included courses in Fashion, Biology, Art, French, Spanish, and there’ll surely be more to come. Field trips, excursions, and visits to sites of cultural and historical interest are also components of the program and will complement/supplement your classroom work. Classes taught abroad meet general education requirements and are transferable to CSU and/or UC.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Eligibility requirements to participate in study abroad programs include being 18 years of age or older by the date of departure, completing 12 college-level units with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, being in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress, and a student conduct review. Program space is limited and spaces will be allotted on a first-come first-serve basis. If you don't meet minimum qualifications, speak with the International Education / Study Abroad Coordinator on your campus.

Where will I live?

The housing options vary depending on the program itself.

• Dorms
• Homestay
• Residence Halls
• Apartments
• Hotel

How much does it cost?

Program costs vary from the low $2,000 range into the $3,000+ range. Registration fees, books and supplies, personal expenses, airfare and airport taxes, and passport fee (if applicable), are not included in the program price.

How can I pay for studying abroad?

Financial aid may be used to pay program expenses when received for the entire year and “banked” for use during the summer. No financial aid is available specifically for short-term programs which do not take place during the fall and spring semesters. You can apply for scholarships. Ex: Gilman Scholarship, Fund For Education Abroad, San Diego Mesa College Scholarships, etc.

How do I enroll in a study abroad program?

• The first thing to do is to meet with the International Education / Study Abroad Coordinator at the college that is sponsoring the program you would like to participate in: Prof. Dora Schoenbrun Fernandez, San Diego Mesa College, Room G-237, Tel: 619-388-2228, E-mail: [email protected].
• Submit the Student Conduct Release Form to the Dean of Student Affairs on your home campus. The Campus Coordinator will provide you with this form.
• If you’d like to know if you have any unused financial aid money, go to the Financial Aid office.
• Submit your enrollment form and deposit after you have determined that the academic program meets your needs, you will be able to finance the opportunity, and you are committed to participating in the program. You will need to follow the instructions provided by each individual program. Make sure to go to their meetings.
• Book your flight and finish your program payment as long as the program is approved.
• Stay in touch with the Program Directors or Campus Coordinator to be apprised of upcoming events such as information meetings, pre-departure orientations, additional documents to complete, etc.

Is it safe to study abroad?

The San Diego Community College District prioritizes your safety and security. All programs are within the level 1 or 2 within U.S. State Department travel warnings. The programs monitors country warnings and all programs have prepared their own emergency response plan, and on contracts with logistical support providers who have a well developed emergency response plan. If a situation arises in the host country that would put your safety or security in jeopardy, we will cancel a program and/or arrange for your transportation back to the U.S. In addition, study abroad program costs include medical insurance. After you review the provided medical insurance, you can decide if you wish to supplement it with additional coverage and/or with trip cancellation, baggage insurance, etc. If you have more questions about safety and security regarding study abroad, please go to www.studentsabroad.com/health.html.