Announcements
Study abroad at MiraCosta during Summer 2023! Program details available at MiraCosta Study Abroad Engage:
- Samara, Costa Rica from June 25-July 23, 2023. Offering Spanish 101 and Communications 215
- Florence, Italy estimated dates are early June to early July. Offering Italian 121 and Design 107
Plan for Fall 2023 in Rome! Complete an Fall 2023 Interest Form online! Program hosted by Citrus College, a California community college in Los Angeles. For semester-length programs, send your Financial Aid report to federal school code 001166. Participants must have completed 12 academic units with a GPA of 2.5 or higher prior to start of study abroad program. Visit the International Office when you are ready to sign up!
Bon Voyage to students spending 2023 in Madrid, Spain! See the program brochure with the classes offered and watch the Madrid Information Meeting online
Find money to study abroad!
- Do you receive a Pell Grant as part of the official Financial Aid award? Consider the Gilman Scholarship for Study Abroad! Learn how to create a compelling application by viewing the How to Apply for the Gilman Scholarship presentation
- New! Study abroad scholarship for child dependents of active duty service members
- Find more scholarships to help you study abroad: MiraCosta Scholarship Office, StudyAbroad.com, and Fund for Education Abroad
- Financial aid an apply to study abroad as you enroll for full-time community college classes while you travel.
What Is Study Abroad?
Study abroad is an opportunity to travel outside the United States with California community college professors and fellow California students for the purpose of earning academic credit related to your educational goals. MiraCosta College professors design summer study abroad programs. MiraCosta students can also chose to participate in semester-length study abroad each fall and spring semesters organized by a consortium of community colleges.
Where Can I Study?
- London, England in Fall 2022
- Madrid, Spain in Spring 2023
- Samara, Costa Rica in Summer 2023
- Rome, Italy in Fall 2023
Who Is Eligible To Participate In Study Abroad Programs?
All study abroad participants must be over 18 years old by the date of departure. For students attending short-term study abroad (i.e. 4-week summer programs), there is no requirement for previous college attendance, but all participants must enroll for study abroad classes during the summer program. To attend semester-length study abroad through the Southern California Consortium, students must have completed 12 units prior to departure with a cumulative grade point average 2.5 or higher .Classes are taught by California community college professors. There is no language requirement to participate in study abroad.
How Much Does Study Abroad Cost?
Students pay tuition fees to a California community college at the same rate as if you were taking courses on campus. Program fees are paid to a study abroad company that arranges in-country support for students and professors. Students pay program fees to cover expense such as housing, support services, travel insurance, and group excursions. Program fees vary based upon the length and location of the program. S aid is available to qualified students. Scholarships are also available.
Why Study Abroad?
Study abroad can be a life changing experience that gives students the opportunities to learn about another culture first-hand and improve or learn a new foreign language in an environment that can't be replicated in a classroom. Students have the chance to travel and make connections around the world, expanding their world views, all while earning transfer-level coursework at reasonable prices. Study abroad builds personal and professional skills that will distinguish you in the job market.
Are There Scholarships For Study Abroad?
YES! To learn about scholarship opportunities, visit the MiraCosta Scholarship Office and check the list in the Announcement at the top of this page.
Can I Use Financial Aid To Pay For Study Abroad?
Students interested in study abroad should apply for Federal financial aid through the FAFSA application. Before you submit your FAFSA form, contact the International Office for instructions on which schools are awarding financial aid to study abroad participants. Also, set an appointment with the Financial Aid Office that can analyze your situation and help you in the process.
Do I Need A Visa To Travel On A MiraCosta Study Abroad Program?
We design the length of our programs to be less than 90 days, so U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a visa. If students choose to stay longer than 90 days, or if you travel with a passport other than U.S. passport, you will need to investigate what visa obligation you may have.
