Students interested in taking their academic career overseas may look into taking advantage of one of Contra Costa Community College study abroad opportunities.

Study Abroad for Fall 2013 is going to take place in London, England.

The Northern California Study Abroad Consortium (NCSAC) is made up of colleges from San Mateo, Santa Rosa, and the Contra Costa district. Approximately 30 students from schools of the NCSAC will be able to participate in the program to study at the University of London Union.

“It can benefit students in so many ways,” explained LMC English Professor Joanne Hobbs who will be teaching in London for the study abroad program during the Fall 2013 semester. “You get a different perspective being in a differet country. You learn a lot about yourself.”

There are requirements interested applicants must meet in order to participate such as having successfully completed 12 units prior, maintaining at least a 2.25 GPA and students must be at least 18 years old by the date of departure.One of the benefits of studying abroad at junior college is that it is much more affordable then one taken at a 4-year university. Sponsoring the program is the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS).

Four professors from the NCSAC will be attending. Biographies on each professor are provided on the AIFS website.

The four professors will teach courses including Psychology, English, Communication, Anthropology and a mandatory British Life and Culture class. All courses being taught are transferable with the exception of British Life and Culture.
“The classes involve London,” explained Hobbs. “So you are going to learn about something, then you are going to go and see it and experience it.”

The classes will be taught at the University of London Union and will take place Monday through Thursday. Along with classes, student will also attend field trips to museums and plays performed in London at historical venues such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Student applicants will be required to be full-time while participating in the study abroad.

There will also be a mid semester break, where applicants will have a chance to spend a week in Scotland. AIFS will provide a professional bus tour, round trip train fare from London to Edinburg, 4-night accommodation in hostels, two group meals, continental breakfast and entrance to Edinburg Castle.

There will also be a week long pre-trip to Paris with one day and night spent in Belgium. Students will also be permitted to travel around and out of the scountry during the weekends and will be given advice and tips on local traveling options.

There will be plenty of sponsored tours to participate in for students who are more hesitant on independent European travel.

“When you come back, you see the world through a different lens,” said Hoobs.

There will be a meeting lead by Professor Hobbs in the Library, room L-106, Tuesday Jan. 29 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
All interested and potential applicants are highly encouraged to attend and get information on costs, financial aid opportunities and scholarships that are provided. Hobbs will hold meetings throughout the remainder of the semester and says that she really looks forward to it.

For those unable to make the first meeting, Hobbs has opened her office doors to inquiring students. Her office is room 286 in the English dept, or she can be reached at 439-2181 ext. 3373. Students can also get more information at: www.aifspartnerships.com or [email protected]. The Study Abroad Office is located at Diablo Valley College and can be contacted at 685-1230 ext. 2735.