2026 Summer Study Abroad Programs
Study Abroad and Redefine Your Horizon
Study abroad to Europe and beyond! OCC study abroad students receive transferable GE college credits, are immersed in a new culture or language, learn in new ways, and can distinguish themselves from the pack as a job applicant. Study abroad is one of the most transformation experiences you can have in college and has real benefits on your future, including documented increases in GPA, degree completion, and graduation rates! Students who study abroad report an increase in passion and deeper understanding of what they studied. Alumni report feeling more confident, mature & independent upon their return. Improving these "soft skills" now will benefit you for life!
OCC faculty led programs are about a month long and taught during the summer term. They are "open enrollment", which means even if you are new to OCC, already graduated, or are attending a different school you can still join us, as long as you are over 18 years old. We welcome non-traditional students, first generation college students, minority students, lifelong learners & first time travelers. You can use your financial aid and many scholarships are available.
Additional destinations and longer programs are available through other colleges or universities or Provider Led Programs (see below).
Check out our programs and funding sources on this site. If you have any further questions you can email us or complete the interest form if you'd like to schedule a meeting with the study abroad advisor. Please join the study abroad mailing list or our Instagram to keep in touch and get our announcements! We look forward to helping you go abroad!
Student Eligibility
Madrid, Spain
Dates: July 1 - July 31, 2026
Spend the Summer in Madrid with the Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College) and Accent. Explore the vibrant city of Madrid and learn about its cultural and historical value while you improve your Spanish.
Participants on the Summer Spanish Language in Madrid program live in student apartments or in homestays located throughout the city.
Professor Jeffrey Brown is passionate about the Spanish language and study abroad and instills in his students a love of both.
Dates: June 4 - July 3, 2026 - Program Closed
You will begin your study abroad experience by attending two days of classes at OCC before departing for Madrid, Spain where you will finish the remaining 4 weeks of coursework. Outside of class, you will have ample free time to explore the vibrant city of Madrid, venture to various destinations across Spain, and experience the wonders of other European countries!
Led by OCC Psychology professor, Dr. Jarren Gonzales. Jarren has extensive experience and expertise in the area of study abroad. This will be Jarren’s sixth time leading students to Europe. With Jarren as your course leader, you can expect an abundance of passion and enthusiasm for both the course material and the cultural experience of living and studying in Madrid!
About Accent - Service Provider
Seoul, South Korea - Psychology
DATES: JUNE 1 - 29, 2026
Courses:
- PSYC A130 (Lifespan Development) - 3 units
- PSYC A190 (Cross-cultural Psychology) - 3 units
- Application Deadline: March 06, 2026
- Final Payment Deadline: April 03, 2026
Program Fee: $4635
(excluding airfare and Orange Coast College tuition & fee)
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One-time airport transfer from Seoul (ICN) airport to accommodation and return on program arrival and end dates. Accommodation in a student residence in single or double studio rooms with small kitchen and laundry facilities. Bed linens, towels & Wi-Fi provided. Meals: self-catering facilities at student accommodation, a welcome event, a farewell dinner, and occasional meals on excursions. Travel pass: a smart card pre-loaded with funds valid for travel on all trains and trams, subways and buses in the Seoul metropolitan area. Orientation and local-area tour. Guided sightseeing tour of Seoul. |
One-time airport transfer from Seoul (ICN) airport to accommodation and return on program arrival and end dates. Accommodation in a student residence in single or double studio rooms with small kitchen and laundry facilities. Bed linens, towels & Wi-Fi provided. Meals: self-catering facilities at student accommodation, a welcome event, a farewell dinner, and occasional meals on excursions. Travel pass: a smart card pre-loaded with funds valid for travel on all trains and trams, subways and buses in the Seoul metropolitan area. Orientation and local-area tour. Guided sightseeing tour of Seoul. |
In partnership with 
Scotland, Australia & Mexico - Marine Science
If you are a Marine Science Major check out the amazing opportunities the Marine Science Department offers! They offer a summer study abroad program to Scotland, an excursion to Mexico in Spring semester, and an innovative transfer opportunity to study near the Great Barrier Reef and earn a Bachelors degree at James Cook University in Australia!
Scotland Study Abroad Interest Form
James Cook University Partnership -Start at OCC, Finish in Australia.
Have you ever seen whales in the wild? Brace yourself! This opportunity is unrivaled when it comes to whale watching. The Gray Whale Ecology field course is a unique opportunity to learn about one of the longest migrations of any mammal ever recorded. This course has two components, including (1) a lecture course to learn about the natural history of gray whales and (2) a field component to visit gray whales in the shallow lagoons of Baja.
Scotland is a country of dramatic coastal features that is steeped in a long history of marine research. Join us as we explore some of the most amazing coastal towns and learn from researchers associated with the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St Andrews, the Lighthouse Field Station from the University of Aberdeen, and the Scottish Association for Marine Sciences affiliated with the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Three OCC Marine Science courses for a total of 5 units are offered as part of this study abroad experience: Coastal Oceanography (MRSC A185, 3 units), Coastal Oceanography Lab (MRSC A185L, 1 unit), and Marine Mammal Field Studies (MRSC A188, 1 unit).
James Cook University is one of the world’s most highly-ranked universities for studying marine sciences. Located in Queensland, Australia, its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef allows students to access amazing natural laboratories and have the ability to take a wide range of coursework to further their education and exposure to unique ocean environments. Students can develop professional skills at JCU’s Orpheus Island Research Station, or on-site at various coral reef, island, seagrass, and mangrove environments in the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.
When transferring from OCC with this program, students can complete a Bachelor’s degree from JCU in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Zoology, or Environmental Science in 2 years. Qualifying students will also receive a 25% discount of their tuition fees as part of this program. In many cases, costs are comparable or less than attending a university in California, and the tuition is FAFSA eligible for student loans.
Rome, Italy - Art & Architecture
Program Info - Closed
Spend your summer in the rich culture of Rome, Italy, while studying Art and Architecture with Orange Coast College and AIFS. Experience dynamic courses led by OCC faculty, enhanced by visits and lectures that bring the city’s architectural wonders to life.
Discover Italy’s historical and cultural landmarks—monuments, museums, and galleries—as Rome itself becomes an extension of your classroom.
More Helpful Links
The benefits of Study Abroad are many. Education research has shown study abroad to be a "High Impact Practice" in higher education, with positive effects on GPA and degree completion among others. The world is more connected than ever before and knowing cross-cultural communication skills is considered critical for advancement in many fields. Experiences like study abroad help prepare students for working on diverse teams, develop language and intercultural communication skills, & tolerance for ambiguity. This is an opportunity to gain an understanding of different business, leadership, management, and communication styles, you won't see in your home country. Students and parents report positive impacts on personal development like the ability to negotiate uncertainty and increased confidence & maturity.
- US Department Of State Study Abroad Info
- Scholarship and Funding Tips
- Info on how to study abroad as a person with a disability
- CDC's Guide to traveling with a chronic illness
- Worldwide Laws about sexual orientation map from The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
- Transgender and non-binary students abroad by Brandeis University
Got Questions?
You can make an appointment to meet with the Study Abroad Advisor. Please complete this intake form.
Provider Company Led Programs
If you're seeking additional locations or longer study abroad programs, students can explore opportunities through study abroad provider companies, foreign universities, NGOs, or other educational institutions.
Please be aware that classes taken through provider-led programs will not automatically count for degree credit at OCC nor may they be transferable to other universities. It’s important to do your research by contacting the OCC Graduation Office or the university you wish to transfer credits to. Make sure you know the exact course name, number, and the institution issuing the transcript.
To find programs, try Googling your major, a destination and a semester/length. Some provider companies students in the past have used are: AIFS, CIEE, GoAbroad, Semester at Sea, TEAN. The Embassy of France has two-week bootcamps designed for community college students. There are also virtual study abroad programs.
If you register to attend a provider company led study abroad program, please complete the Provider Company Study Abroad Participant form. You can also use this form to submit any documentation the provider requires OCC to complete.