Study abroad program connects students to life-changing experiences
From visiting the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, the Citrus College Study Abroad program has helped hundreds of students in the past year achieve their dream of studying internationally.
Coordinated on campus by John Morris, study abroad specialist, the program engages interested students and guides them through the application process. To help lessen the cost, the program also connects students to financial aid and scholarship resources.
During the study abroad programs, students earn college credits while taking classes from instructors, many of whom are full-time faculty members at Citrus College.
For example, forestry faculty member Robert Goodman led students on an experience to Costa Rica earlier this year, where they studied plants and animals as part of BIOL 145 Environmental Science.
"This program was unique as they traveled to various biological centers instead of being based in one city," Morris said.
In addition, Citrus College faculty members Denise Kaisler, Ph.D. (astronomy), and Gailynn White, Ph.D. (sociology), taught courses over the summer in Prague, Czech Republic. While in the historic city, students learned how to read the world's oldest astronomical clock with Dr. Kaisler.
Looking ahead, students will travel to Paris and Seville, Spain, in the winter and spring, respectively. Though not approved yet, the program is hoping to add Osaka, Japan, and Florence, Italy, as the next destinations.
The benefits to studying abroad are numerous, according to Morris. In addition to learning about different cultures, students often experience personal growth.
"Students gain independence and self-confidence by navigating new environments and overcoming various challenges," Morris said. "Most importantly, students make lifelong friends and share the adventure of a lifetime together."
To learn more about study abroad, visit www.citruscollege.edu/studyabroad.
This article originally appeared in the November 2024 edition of the Citrus View.