Study Abroad

Explore the World

Sunset on a beach in Costa Rica

Why study abroad?

Almost anyone who has spent time studying in another country will say that it was one of the most impactful experiences of their life. SPSCC is passionate about offering many ways to explore the world while also focusing on your education. By studying abroad, you can gain:

  • An increased sense of independence, confidence, courage, and personal strength
  • Cultural sensitivity and global awareness
  • Better communication skills
  • Opportunities to increase career outlooks through communications across cultures and to network internationally

Short-Term Programs

For more information about our short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs, contact the instructor listed for each program.

The Washington State Community College Consortium for Study Abroad (WCCCSA) consists of over 16 two-year colleges in Washington State that have joined efforts to design study abroad programs specifically for community college students with the goal of offering programs that fit their degree programs and schedules at a lower cost than they might find at a four-year institution.

Visit the WCCCSA website to apply and for more information.

Note: Program fee may vary slightly due to the exchange rate and number of students. Dates and other details are based on last year’s program, which are subject to change.

IIE Generation Study Abroad Commitment Partner

Marissa Studies in Costa Rica

Person with yellow life jacket and snorkle gear in blue-green water by small green and rocky islands

Need a passport?

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Additional Information

Study Abroad Application

Medical insurance is included in the program costs and is required for all program participants.

A deposit must be paid once you are accepted into the program (see Study Abroad program information for amount and deadline). Payments can be made by cash, personal check, cashier’s check, money order, Visa or MasterCard to the SPSCC Cashier’s Office. Checks should include: name, ctcLink ID number, and the program you are applying for.

Payment Deadlines

You are responsible for making payments by the appropriate deadlines. To avoid late fees, payments must be received on or before the payment deadline indicated in the program information.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellations can only be accepted in writing and the effective cancellation date is the date received by the International Education Office. In the event of a student cancellation, payments will be refunded less the $300 deposit, plus all non-recoverable costs. Non-recoverable costs include but may not be limited to fixed costs (for example: prepaid sightseeing excursions, accommodations, included group meals if the withdrawal sets the enrollment below the budgeted number) and any financial commitments (such as airfare if included, housing deposits, field trip prepayments, etc.) made on behalf of the students. These costs vary by program and typically increase closer to the departure date. Tuition refund policies follow the policies of the college as stated in the college catalog.

Returned Checks

A $25 processing fee will be charged for any check returned to SPSCC; a hold will be placed on student records; interest and collection charges may apply. If your check is returned and your replacement check is not received by the deadline you will incur any applicable program fee increases or you may be denied participation in the program. Checks will not be re-deposited to the bank.

SPSCC reserves the right to make the following changes which will not constitute grounds for a full refund:

  • Changes in itinerary, including departure dates.
  • Omissions of sights or services described in the itinerary due to closures, holidays, or strikes. Where possible, suitable alternatives will be provided.
  • If a program is canceled by SPSCC due to insufficient enrollment, applicants will receive a full refund.

Some programs may require supplemental application materials or an interview and instructor approval for students under the age of 18. If you are under 18 at the time of application, the application must be signed by your parent or legal guardian. The Agreement and Release are integral parts of the terms and conditions you accept when you travel with South Puget Sound Community College and are governed by the laws of the State of Washington.

SPSCC Study Abroad Grant

Who can apply: Any currently enrolled SPSCC student who has already enrolled in one of the short-term faculty-led programs can apply.
Deadline: Varies by program.
More information: studyabroad@spscc.edu

Study Abroad Video Contest

Who can apply: Students who want to study abroad or international students studying in the U.S.
Deadline: Check website.
More information: Create and submit an original video about the country that you are hoping to study abroad in, and win a $4000 grand prize to help you fund the study abroad trip. Visit the International Student Travel Video Contest website.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Who can apply: U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university.
Deadline: Spring Programs: First Tuesday of October; Summer and Fall Programs: First Tuesday of March.
More information: Visit the Gilman Scholarship Program website.

Boren Awards

Who can apply: Any U.S. citizen enrolled as an undergraduate in an accredited U.S. institution may apply. Boren Scholars must complete their programs before graduation.

Deadline: Check website.
More information: There is a limitation to program locations. For a list of locations, please visit the Boren Awards website.

Critical Language Scholarship

Who can apply: The Critical Language Scholarship Program seeks participants from a variety of fields, backgrounds, and career paths, with the goal of building a cadre of Americans who speak critical languages at high levels in government, business, arts and culture, science and engineering, health and medicine, education, research, and other fields. The CLS Program is a nationally-competed award competed and open to all eligible U.S. undergraduate and graduate students in every field.
Deadline: Mid-November for the next year.
More information: Visit the CLS website.

Freeman-ASIA

Who can apply: Freeman-ASIA accepts applications from U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying at the undergraduate level at a two-year or four-year college or university who demonstrate financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
Deadline: Summer applications will open in mid-January, with a late February/early March deadline. The fall and academic year application generally opens in mid-February, with an early April deadline.
More information: Visit the Freeman-ASIA website.

Fund for Education Abroad

Who can apply: U.S. citizens or permanent resident of the U.S. (as of May 2015, we welcome applications from DACA students); Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. (graduate students are not eligible); Study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s educational institution; Study abroad program must include at least 4 weeks (30 days) in country/countries.
Deadline: Check website.
More information: Visit the FEA website.

GoEuro Scholarship

Who can apply: There are 10 individual €2000 scholarships for students planning to study abroad in Europe. Students also have the opportunity to enter the Instagram competition by posting a video/image which represents the European country they’re hoping to study in. There are two €500 Instagram prizes available.
Deadline: Check website.
More information: Visit the GoEuro website.

IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants

Who can apply: IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants offers $2000 to SPSCC students who are studying abroad for academic purposes. This grant will apply to all current SPSCC and WCCCSA programs.
Deadline: October for Winter and Spring programs; March for Summer and Fall programs. Application opens in January. Check website.
More information: Visit the IIE website.

Mobility International Disability Scholarship Search

Who can apply: MIUSA (Mobility International USA) has a listing of dozens of funding opportunities for study abroad students with a disability of any kind.
More information: Visit the MIUSA website.