Studying abroad can be a deeply enriching experience for students in any department. It not only creates opportunities for students to receive college credits but a chance of a lifetime of studying in another country and applying what is learned in the classroom to global life.
Patti Van Vleet, coordinator of International Education for State Center Community College District, who is also an instructor of Linguistics/ESL, is the person making studying abroad possible for students.
Van Vleet said the system is fairly simple but requires at least 18 months of planning. While Van Vleet oversees the programs and is responsible for piecing it all together, she does not choose the destinations or course material relating to the trip. That is left to the instructors.
“I do coordinate everything but it is up to the instructors to choose the destination. They know best which destination applies to their course,” Van Vleet said.
An instructor’s proposal for a study abroad trip undergoes an extensive process. First, the instructors must propose their destinations and course information to Van Vleet and she presents it to a district committee for approval.
Once the proposals meet the approval of the committee, Van Vleet gives the go ahead to the instructors. Within the 18-month preparation period, details such as where students will stay and the official itinerary are decided. As these details are discussed, Van Vleet and the instructors hold informational meetings for students wishing to study abroad.
Van Vleet advises students to go to information meetings if they are interested in attending a study abroad course. She said that the sessions provide opportunities for students to ask the questions that can address or clarify concerns they may have.
Though the destinations of the study abroad trips are specific to courses, anyone may sign up to go. This option is even open to the public, but anyone who signs up for a study abroad course, becomes a Fresno City College student. When enrollment is taken care of, the concern shifts to financing.
Each trip is priced differently depending on the destination. Van Vleet said scholarships and grants are available to students if they qualify. They must first apply for financial aid and complete FAFSA forms.
“Any financial aid that a student already has in place will transfer over to the study abroad course,” said Van Vleet.
Students have also been known to fundraise for their costs. Van Vleet said students are more than willing to get creative in finding ways to pay for studying abroad. That is part of the reason the 18-month preparation period. It gives students time to acquire needed funds.
Debbie Ockey, another instructor of ESL and Linguistics, led a study abroad trip to China. She said that the experiences are enriching and provide students with a new sense of understanding and possibly change their outlook.
“Students will also learn to be more independent and develop new skills as they navigate new cities, problem solve and adapt to new environments and expectations,” said Ockey.
Ockey also describes the study abroad experience to be a chance to meet people, experience new food and cultures, practice a language and to just immerse themselves in the cultures. It is also a way for them to understand and apply concepts that they’ve learned in their classes but it adds a deeper meaning to the way in which they learn.
Leah Edwards, a secretary in the district offices of the North Centers for Student Services, has experienced studying abroad through Fresno City College first hand. She defines being able to study in London and earn college credit as a “double bonus”.
“As part of our program the Criminology students visited the local jail, the local courthouse, Old Bailey, and the Jack the Ripper tour. We were also given the amazing opportunity to visit the Scotland Yard and shown how fingerprints are calculated. We were also taken to see “Wicked” and “Phantom of the Opera.” It was incredible,” said Edwards.
As part of her study abroad experience, Edwards went to visit the Stone Henge and to see “Les Miserable”. She explains that this is possible for students who aim to stick to a budget and plan their free time wisely. Students are allotted free time on their trips and it is up to them to make the most of it.
“It is one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. However, you need to be mature about it. Don’t go on a Study Abroad trip if all you want to do is party. You can have fun but you also want to remember the experience. Personally, I would far rather tour the jail than end up in it,” Edwards said.
Edwards was also able to talk about how the trip changed and broadened her perspective of the world. She also explained that there were things that made her realize just what is taken for granted here in America. When asked if she would participate in a study abroad program again, she gave an enthusiastic answer.
“Absolutely. It taught me so much about our history and the differences between England and America. I learned to appreciate the culture of England and to recognize things that we take granted in America. I truly felt it was an amazing adventure and would love to return to London. I would also like to visit Italy one day,” said Edwards.
To learn more about the study abroad programs, students may contact Patti Van Vleet or attend the next informational meeting. Emails are sent out periodically to give students a date, time and location for the meetings.
