Courtesy
Students can choose from Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand for summer program.
By Alison Graef
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The Alamo Colleges Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program gives students the opportunity to experience other countries while earning college credits in classes such as Introduction to Humanities, Physical Geography and Digital Photography.
The Summer 2017 program features nine locations: China, Japan, South Korea, France, London, New Zealand, Australia, Spain and Italy.
Maria Rivera, international programs coordinator for the Alamo Colleges office of international programs, said students should consider study abroad as a chance to explore other counties and their cultures and expand their worldview.
“It’s a great opportunity for them to grow and enhance their global perspective,” Rivera said.
The first deadline for Study Abroad applications is Nov. 18. Students must submit a completed application form, a typed 200-300 word essay and a $200 application fee. Applications must be submitted to the office of international programs at 201 W. Sheridan, Building C, Room C7, San Antonio, 78204.
Applications can be found at https://www.alamo.edu/main.aspx?id=17378.
For students who want to study abroad but are hesitant to apply because of financial constraints, Rivera advises that they go ahead and apply.
“My advice is to not think too much about it — just do it,” Rivera said. “There are a lot of scholarships available to students to offset the cost.”
The program cost is between $4,300 and $5,800, including the initial $200 deposit.
Students who receive financial aid for classes or Pell Grants can apply any excess funding toward study abroad.
“A lot of students receive more than they need, so students can have leftover funds to use after tuition and books,” Rivera said.
Students also can apply for the Alamo Colleges Foundation scholarship for study abroad. The deadline is Jan. 20.
Rivera said the application process is easy and nothing to be intimidated by. To be qualified for study abroad, a student must be enrolled in one of the Alamo Colleges, have at least 12 credit hours, be at least 18 years old and have a 2.0 GPA or higher. If a student does not have 12 credit hours at the time of application, but expects to have them by the time of the trip, Rivera said they should start the application process and note that they’ll have the credits later on.
Each program has a minimum of 10 students and caps at 20. The applications are evaluated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rivera said in the past they have not had issues with programs filling up early, but encourages students to apply soon because students from previous years have been sharing their experiences with friends and spreading the word about the program.
“A lot of students have been talking about their experiences abroad so there is more interest,” Rivera said.
For students who are accepted, faculty leaders who will be teaching in the study abroad programs will give several spring orientations for their respective programs. The faculty leaders for the programs have been abroad before and will share their experiences to help students to prepare academically and mentally to make the most out of theirs.
Rivera said housing, transportation and some meals are covered by the program. Housing varies depending on the program, but host families, hotels and hostels are common. Rivera said meals usually covered by the program include breakfasts, the welcome and farewell dinners and a few group meals. Students should bring enough money abroad to cover all other personal food costs and any unexpected expenses. Spain is the only program that provides all meals.
While abroad, students should expect to be doing classroom and cultural activities for their courses. Some courses have no classroom assignments, but instead focus entirely on the cultural experiences. After returning to the states, students will complete the courses’ presentations and finals.
For more information, call 210-485-0084 or email dst-studyabroad@alamo.edu.
Locations and classes for summer 2017 study abroad
China
- Introduction to Chinese
- Business and Professional Communication
France
- Introduction to Human Sexuality
- Art Appreciation
Australia
- Composition 1
- Introduction to Humanities
Italy
- Art Appreciation
- Digital Photography
- Photography 2
Japan:
- Elementary Japanese 1
- Art Appreciation
London
- History of Theater
- Photography 1
- Photography 2
Spain
- Elementary Spanish 1
- Elementary Spanish 2
- Intermediate Spanish
- Art Appreciation
- Texas Government
South Korea
- Psychology of Death and Dying
- Introduction to Humanities 1
New Zealand
- Composition 2
- Physical Geography
