GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE | Study Abroad Program

DIRECTOR

Kevin Mack

• E-mail: kmack@glendale.edu
• Phone: (818) 240-1000 ext. 5718
• Office: SR 310

STAFF

Tirsa Chavez

• E-mail: tchavez@glendale.edu
• Phone: (818) 240-1000 ext. 3184
• Office: AD 145C

Glendale Community College began running study abroad programs in 1968 and formalized the program in 1992. GCC was one of the first community colleges to offer regular study abroad programs to unique locations such as Prague and Bali. Our students experience personal growth, develop cultural sensitivity and respect, overcome fears, and cultivate personal responsibility.

Programs at GCC are led by faculty who personally know the destinations. They are subject-specific and allow faculty to directly relate their lectures and activities to the locations. Program curricular and locations rotate yearly--reach out to the study abroad director for up-to-date plans!

GCC currently offers short programs during the winter and summer breaks offering transferable credit classes.

Explore the programs offered today and begin creating one of the most valuable, eye-opening, and exciting academic experiences of your life while making life-long friends across the world.

• What types of study abroad programs are available at GCC?
  • GCC offers standard-duration and short-duration programs during the winter and summer breaks.
    • Standard-duration programs are approximately 3-5 weeks long.
    • Short-duration programs are approximately 1-2 weeks long.
  • GCC does not currently offer semester length study abroad programs.
•  What destinations are offered by GCC study abroad?
  • Program destinations are determined through proposals submitted by professors and can vary. Programs with a successful track record may be offered every year or two, but we also value diversity in destination offerings.
  • Past locations include Argentina, Austria and the Czech Republic, Armenia, Bali and Java, England, France, Ghana, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand and Australia, and Spain.
• How much do programs cost for students?
  • Standard-duration programs can range from just under $3,000 to about $4,500.
  • Short-duration programs can range from just under $2,000 to just under $3,000.
  • Not included in the above estimates:
    • international airfare
    • GCC tuition and fees
    • textbooks
    • most meals
    • travel insurance
    • entry to sites not included in itinerary
    • personal spending money.
  • The price of programs is dependent on the location, length, season and other variables. Price is always kept in mind when creating the various programs--our primary goal is to offer programs that are designed to be affordable to GCC students. Some exceptions apply and we encourage you to always check the program you are interested in to see what is included in the program.
• Is there financial aid available for GCC study abroad programs?
  • Yes: if students have qualified for financial aid, they can apply their financial aid to the study abroad program.
  • We highly recommend each student speak with a Financial Aid advisor as soon as possible to discover more about financial aid and to complete the Financial Aid application.
• Are there scholarships available for study abroad?
  • Yes: most programs benefit from generous scholarships from the Glendale College Foundation.
  • In addition to what GCC could offer, there are several other resources that you can apply for scholarships including the Gilman Scholarship (for those receiving a Pell Grant).
  • Please visit the Financial Aid/Scholarship page for more links and descriptions.
• Are there eligibility requirements for study abroad?
  • Students are required to complete a formal application. After the application has been submitted, a meeting is held with the Study Abroad Director to go over the program and answer any questions. If accepted, program participants will be required to sign forms including the “General Release of Liability” and “Assumption of Risk for Participation in Voluntary Activity.”
  • Students are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and no history of disciplinary action at GCC or any other campus. Exceptions may be granted by the Study Abroad Director.
  • Most participants will be 18 years or older. Accommodations can be made for those under 18 with parental permission and recommendation from a counselor. 
  • Students do not need to have a declared major in the classes they are taking abroad, and there are no language prerequisites for the programs (unless a specific course has its own requirement).
• Are the courses in the study abroad programs transferable?
  • Almost always: our regular study abroad programs usually include coursework that is UC/CSU transferable. 
  • It is always best to check with your academic counselor when considering coursework.
• Can students with disability travel?
  • ABSOLUTELY: the Study Abroad Program does not discriminate against students with any level of physical or mental ability.
  • If special accommodations are required for participation in the program, a determination of which services are required and their availability abroad must be made in consultation between student, Study Abroad Director, and DSPS staff.
  • In general, the College will attempt to coordinate services if available through a travel contractor. The program does not provide funding for services that it does not provide for students on campus. This includes living assistance, transportation between school and home, and mobility assistance on field trips.
• Does study abroad benefit my future career?
  • YES! When you study abroad, you gain skills--skills that are extremely applicable to many professional positions that may interest you in the future (Don't believe it? Here's a whole list of skills). Not only will you gain skills, but some courses may be directly related to your future career, and international experience looks fantastic on a resume.
  • Additionally, participation in study abroad is a great application-booster to the transfer institution of your dreams.
  • For tips on how to add your study abroad experience on your resume and make it stand out, click here.