Study Abroad Options for Technical Colleges

Contributor: Alyssa Zasada
Affiliation: University of Georgia
Topic: Study Abroad Options for Technical Colleges
 
The words “study abroad” and “technical colleges” are not often found in a sentence together, but that is beginning to change.  Study abroad used to be viewed as a facet of four-year institutions, however, there has been an increasing focus on international education within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) as part of its mission to build a “globally competitive workforce.” [i]  The following institutions have found a way to develop study abroad programs that fit the needs of TCSG students.  If you are looking to establish study abroad at your institution, their programs can serve as examples and guides. 
 
Additionaly, students at any TCSG institution can apply to participate in these study abroad trips and receive credit towards their program of study because of standardized curriculum across the state.  Below I give an overview of three existing opportunities within TCSG as well as a USG program through which individuals can study abroad as transient students.  All four programs remove barriers to international education, allowing technical college students in Georgia the opportunity to develop global competencies through study abroad.
 
Gwinnett Technical College
http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/programs/study-abroad/
 
For several years, Gwinnett Tech has offered an annual spring break program to countries such as Spain, Italy, and Scotland.  In 2017, students will have the opportunity to study abroad for two weeks or a full year at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.  The two-week program will take place during the summer and will be designed around participating students’ programs of study.  Estimated cost is $3,500, which includes airfare, housing on campus, most meals, ground transportation, and entrance fees to museums and sites.  The year-long program is designed for TCSG students who already have an associate’s degree in computer science or business to earn a bachelor’s degree during the one year in Scotland.
 
For more information, contact Dr. Penny Joyner Waddell at pwaddell@gwinnetttech.edu.
 
Chattahoochee Technical College
http://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/study-abroad-and-student-exchange/
 
Chattahoochee Tech offers study abroad programs to Europe, with previous locations including Spain, England, France, Italy, and Ireland.  The trips range in length from 7 to 10 days and take place at various times each year, such as during spring break or at the end of a semester.  They are part of semester-long courses that vary between in-person, online, and hybrid instruction.  Course offerings change annually and can include 1101-level courses such as Spanish, World Literature, and Humanities.  Students are required to attend three pre-departure meetings in-person or via Skype as well as participate in a garage-sale fundraiser to help defray costs for additional itinerary excursions.  In 2016 the program was $2,970, which included airfare, housing, some meals, ground transportation, and entrance fees to museums and sites.  Tuition and fees not included.
 
For more information, contact study.abroad@chattahoocheetech.edu.
 
Central Georgia Technical College
http://www.centralgatech.edu/studserv/global/
 
Central Georgia Tech runs a two-week study abroad program each July to Robert Gordon University in Scotland.  The program is part of credit-bearing courses, with students on the 2016 trip being able to choose between HUMN 1101: Introduction to Humanities or MGMT 2500: Introduction to International Business Principles.  Two pre-departure meetings are required, which can be attended in-person or via Skype.  After the program, students must complete a writing assignment as part of their course.  The program cost in 2016 was $3,400, which included airfare, housing, some meals, ground transportation, entrance fees to museums and sites, and tuition and fees for three credit hours.
 
For more information, contact Rick Hutto at rhutto@centralgatech.edu.
 
European Council
http://www.ecstudyabroad.net/
 
European Council is a consortium of the University System of Georgia (USG) offering summer study abroad programs to Germany, England, France, Spain, Scotland, Russia, and Ireland.  Programs range in length from two weeks to one month and offer a wide selection of courses.  All participants attend a pre-departure meeting, typically held in Macon, GA.  Programs range in price from $2,995 for shorter trips to $5,500 for longer trips.  Price includes airfare, housing, meal plans, ground transportation, group excursions, and health insurance.  Tuition and fees not included.  Students at technical colleges receive course credit as transient students through a partner USG institution or Valdosta State University.
 
For more information, contact Beverly Vantine at bbreeland@valdosta.edu.