programs

Quarter Long Programs

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Quarter-long programs are 10-11 weeks long and line up roughly with our quarter start and end dates. Students on these programs will take three classes (15 credits). For each quarter-long program, we send a faculty member from one of the WCCCSA member colleges on the program to teach two of the classes. A local faculty in the country will teach a language and/or culture class as the third class. Unless you decide to go on a program with a foreign-language component, all classes are taught in English, with the same expectations as your regular Cascadia classes.

Currently we offer quarter-long programs in the following destinations:

Short Term Programs

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Short-term programs typically involve international travel for 2-4 weeks and usually take place during Summer or Pre-Fall. On a short-term program you will take anywhere from one to three classes and earn 5 - 15 credits towards your degree. Some short term programs may include an online class component before you travel overseas. Community college faculty or local faculty in the country will teach your class. In addition to the WCCCSA short-term programs offered each summer, it is very common for different colleges to offer their own short-term programs, and some may be open for Cascadia students to participate.

Contact the Cascadia Study Abroad Coordinator to learn about program possibilities through other community colleges.

Current short-term programs:

program dates

program dates

Testimonials

Devika Ajith
Female students posing after cooking class

rome, italy - spring 2023

Before you went, what did you expect from the experience?

Honestly, I was not sure what to expect from this experience since no one I knew had ever done something like this before. I was nervous about making new friends, but I was also super excited to be in a new environment independently with new people who I was going to spend so much time with. But now looking back at the memories and friends I have made in this experience; I can proudly say that this program was the best decision I have made for myself.

What was the best or most interesting thing you experienced during study abroad?

Being independent and knowing that I was capable of doing things on my own was the best part about studying abroad. But besides that, being in Rome for this experience was amazing. I was living my dream every day and the gorgeous city has taken a huge place in my heart. Seeing the architecture and history around every corner of the street was so astonishing.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

My advice would be to open to new things, ideas, and people, because that’s when you learn the most about the world around you and more about yourself. A side note would also be to not overpack…

How will studying abroad continue to impact your life (academics, career, identity) now that you are back in the U.S.?

Studying abroad will continue to have many lasting impacts in every aspect of my life. I am now so much more culturally aware which will help me better understand people …This experience has also made me more flexible and open minded which can help me in school, career, and life in general.

 

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Ahtziri Serrano
picture of a girl overlooking by the cliff

Barcelona, Spain - Fall 2022

What made you interested to study abroad?

The chance to explore an entirely new city, meet new people and immerse myself in the Spanish culture..

What was the best or most interesting thing you experienced during study abroad?

There are so many memories that I could talk about, but the best thing I experienced while studying abroad in Barcelona was heading over straight to the beach right after class and go swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

Try not to worry about whether you will make friends abroad or not, because you will. Just be yourself! Don’t be afraid to do activities on your own because there’s a high chance that you’re not the only one. There’s nothing else holding you back other than yourself so go for it! When living in a new city, try to think of it as though you’re a part of a new community and everyone and everywhere will most likely love to meet you. If you don’t speak the native language, don’t worry! You can easily learn and write down a few basic phrases to help you connect with the locals.

How will studying abroad continue to impact your life (academics, career, identity) now that you are back in the U.S.?

Studying abroad has opened my eyes to what I’m capable of doing on my own and what fulfills me the most in life. I met all kinds of people from all over the world, so it was an exposure to a whole new side on interacting with people with diverse backgrounds and learning about the history of Catalonia which has all broadened my global perspective.

 

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Lara Benson
picture of smiling girl by the water

Tokyo, Japan – fall 2019

What was the best or most interesting thing you experienced during study abroad?

The best thing I faced during my study abroad was the whole experience. I consciously made a point to go out and meet people, and pushed myself to do and visit as many things as I could in Japan over and above what the school provided. I tried public baths (Sento), I took trains by myself, I met family I had in Japan I never knew before, and I ate foods I never would have eaten at home! On top of all of that, I made very good friends! All of this is what made my best experience during the study abroad.

What did you learn from this trip?

I learned to become more independent and fearless in that I travelled and did a lot of things by myself. On an interpersonal level, I learned what it is like to have roommates and how to try and work together even when there was conflict. On an academic level, I learned I have a great appreciation for photography and I deepen my ability to see and capture images that are relevant and beautiful to me. On a cultural level, I really fell in love with Japan. I never would have dreamt that I would come back to the US and feel such a void in my life for a country I only visited for a few months, such as Japan.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

Do it! Don’t be stressed with your school work, just do the best you can so you can focus on experiencing the country you are in.

 

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Melanie Poch
picture of girl with arms raise up

Australia & New Zealand – Winter 2019


What was the best or most interesting thing you experienced during study abroad?

The trip was INCREDIBLE! I had such a wonderful time! It was hot and sunny and both Melbourne and Auckland were beautiful and friendly cities that offered a lot of culture and entertainment. It's hard for me to pick a favorite part...but I'd probably have to say exploring the city of Melbourne or road tripping around the South Island on my New Zealand break week.

Overall I felt the trip was really well organized and that we got to see and experience a lot more than the average traveler. Bruce and Megan were awesome instructors and were so kind and helpful in getting our group through the experience.

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Sam Kim
picture of 2 boys doing peace sign

Tokyo, Japan – Fall 2018

What made you interested to study abroad?

I always wanted to travel for a long period of time, but as a student, time and money are big constraints. I thought it would be a good opportunity to study abroad because it would inexpensive compared to travelling there on my own and I would be able to earn some credits while on the trip.

What did you learn from this trip?

I learned how to be accountable for myself and time. The culture class we took abroad basically was attendance to class and field trips and doing other things necessary for your time there. Time management was a crucial aspect of the trip and a habit that has just stuck with me since.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

Expect to spend more than you think, so plan accordingly. Expect to write a few papers (around 1800 words a week). Study for quizzes and tests. Make plenty of friends with the students at the institution you will be attending, they know the best spots around the area and its fun learning about the people you’re around. Be friendly with the people in your study abroad group, because they will be the people you spend most of your time and make the greatest memories with.

How will studying abroad continue to impact your life (academics, career, identity) now that you are back in the U.S.?

I just subconsciously know now that there is a just a big world out there and I’ve only experienced one out of an unconceivable amount of cultures around the world. This trip just broadened my view and realized that I have more to experience outside of the U.S.

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Sophia Parker

two girls holding coconut

Costa Rica – Summer/Pre-Fall 2018

What made you interested to study abroad?

I wanted to practice my Spanish in a Spanish speaking country, and I wanted to experience another culture.

How will studying abroad continue to impact your life (academics, career, identity) now that you are back in the U.S.?

I have a different perspective about my culture and its standards after spending some time away, and I’ve become more confident and sure of myself because of that. Spending time in a Spanish speaking country also really helped me to learn the language, and I feel like if my career takes me across borders (which I’m sure it will, as I want to work with people as a doctor or in foreign relations) I will have the advantage of moderate fluency in a second language that is spoken in many countries around the world.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

Do it! In addition to learning the material or language taught in classes there, your perspective about the world and your life in it will widen. You’ll learn things about yourself and your culture that you don’t expect, and your new experiences together with the other students make it easy to make friends.

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Carolina Carrera

head of young lady in japanTokyo, Japan - Fall 2016

What is something that you did not expect or that challenged you during your time abroad?

What I did not expect was loving Japan so much, some people were preparing themselves to leave Japan while I went on as if the program was not going to end because I did not want to face reality. It worked in a way because it made me enjoy every moment with happiness rather than feeling sad because I was leaving. The greater challenge is leaving a place you have grown accustomed to and make it your home.

What was the best or most interesting thing you experienced during study abroad?

The best and most interesting experience was when I got the opportunity to go and do some independent travel. I was able to go with my roommates to Kyoto, and Osaka. Kyoto was beautiful so beautiful but Osaka was a city that I fell in love with and knew I wanted to come back.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

The best advice is to take the extra steps forward and grab the opportunity and never let it go. Be selfish and if you want it that want it more. Do not give up the opportunity for any reason, just by considering it is enough reason to go. Do not think about being able to afford it or not or being in a different country, don’t even think of excuses just apply, submit, and prepare yourself for an interview, do well, and GO!

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Madison Durand
group picture of young people

 

Florence, Italy -  Spring 2017

What did you learn from this trip?

I learned a great deal about Italy and its language and culture from the combination of the immersive experience and from the classes; additionally, I learned an extremely great deal about how to live independently as an adult during the trip. My Italian improved significantly, my understanding of the culture took on more practical, “real” elements.

What was the best or most interesting thing you experienced during study abroad?

When I initially embarked on my study abroad trip, I was planning on pursuing a career based in visual arts and design … However, there was one unexpected experience during this trip that ultimately changed the direction in which I want my schooling and subsequent career path to go. The particularly “life-changing” experience of my study abroad trip came in the form of a cooking class… From the moment we began to put our aprons on, I was bouncing with joy; when we finally went into the kitchen, I could hardly contain my excitement and glee… We were split into groups to prepare different dishes, and I was in the group preparing the dessert, panna cotta… The entire experience- learning, cooking, just being there- sent me completely over the moon. The only thing that slightly unsettled me was that I was quickly coming to the realization that, maybe, I should pursue culinary arts rather than visual arts. As time went on, that evening and in the days following, I became more and more comfortable with switching my intended major. .. In short, I have now come to realize that my time in Florence- particularly beginning with this experience- allowed me to realize what my true “calling” was all along: pursuing a career in the world of baking and culinary arts.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

It is certainly a massive decision to make, but I will always recommend studying abroad at some point in one’s college career…  It truly is life-changing, and a one-of-a-kind experience: you are not vacationing there, you are living there! You go to school, run errands, begin to recognize faces, and ultimately, begin to feel the development of a sense of home on the streets which were formerly so new and unfamiliar.

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Emilie McCormick
Young lady with kangaroo

Australia/New Zealand –
Winter 2016

What made you interested to study abroad?

I knew that I wanted to study abroad at some point in my college career because I love to travel. However, I didn’t realize that the opportunity would be during my community college years.

What did you learn from this trip?

This trip basically taught me that I can accomplish anything even if I am in [an unfamiliar place]… I learned that the world is small, and that I have a need to explore more of it.

How will studying abroad continue to impact your life (academics, career, identity) now that you are back in the U.S.?

Being abroad and being an American was different than I expected. It really changes your perspective on how people see America from the outside…. I always considered myself aware of the world around me but I really think that you can never really be aware until you go out and see it for yourself.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

I literally don’t have any advice other than JUST DO IT. If you’re considering it but are skeptical because you think it’s expensive or it’s not the right time to go. Figure out a way to get the money to go and JUST GO. Now is the right time!! Your first two years of college are the best time because you can go for a quarter, accomplish 15 credits towards your degree … and make some of your best friends while living it up in another country!! All the experiences that you have will change your life and make you see the world like you never did before. Money spent abroad is money spent on experiences you will remember forever. I do not regret a single dollar that I spent abroad because I made memories that are worth so much more.

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