Architecture Professor Ana Sterner gives music freshman Tyler Grams information about the Study Abroad Program September 2014 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. The deadline for summer 2016 applications is Dec. 4. File
Students receiving Pell grant may get up to $5,000 from a scholarship to study abroad.
By Daniel Carde
dcarde@student.alamo.edu
Applications to participate in the summer 2016 study abroad program must be submitted by Dec. 4 to the office of study abroad, Room 7 of Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan St.
Study abroad provides faculty and students the opportunity to take college courses while learning about the local culture of the nation they visit, international programs Coordinator Maria Rivera said.
She said foreign study enhances a student’s résumé.
“We are living in a global world so you should want to know how to interact with people who speak a different language,” Rivera said. “Employers value prospective candidates with an international experience, foreign language skills and the ability to communicate across cultures.”
Christopher Vasquez, Palo Alto College communications sophomore, participated in study abroad summer 2015. He encourages students to do a semester abroad to broaden their world views. He studied in Spain.
“It challenges students from America to look at the world from a different lens and immerse themselves in a new culture, discover the way of the people and to integrate themselves in their society,” Vasquez said.
Countries participating in summer 2016 include China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hungary, Italy, Japan, London, Spain, South Korea and Turkey.
Program fees range from $3,883 to 5,800 for the cost of admissions, lodging, airline tickets, in-country transportation and breakfasts.
Some countries, such as Spain, allow students to stay with a host family who will provide them with meals, Rivera said.
Rivera recommends bringing an additional $200-500 to pay expenses not covered by the fee.
Financial aid is available and program fees may be covered by scholarships and student loans.
According to a program flier, students may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 through the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship if they are receiving a Pell grant.
Vasquez was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Alamo Colleges, which he used for spending money in Spain, he said.
“It was a great help,” he said.
For more information, visit www.alamo.edu/international/study-abroad, or call the office of study abroad at 210-485-0172.
