World Travel + College Credit
Maricopa Community Colleges strives to offer diverse learning experiences, which is why we encourage students to take part in our study abroad programs. Fun and transformative, our programs provide students with the opportunity to travel internationally, discover new cultures, and experience personal growth in the process.
Students can earn up to 6 academic credits while studying in cities like London, Paris, and Prague. All study abroad program courses are taught by our instructors and are open to students from any of the Maricopa Community Colleges (18+ years of age) as well as community members.
Live in a Foreign City
Take in the art, food, and architecture of some of the world’s most exciting cities.
Experience Other Cultures
Immerse yourself in other cultures and languages while giving your resume a major boost.
Earn College Credit
Continue working toward your degree while enjoying a life-changing experience.
Study Abroad
Our colleges offer opportunities to travel to unique and important destinations, including:
Costa Rica
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Costa Rica, where the captivating landscapes and vibrant culture provide an enriching backdrop for a two-week immersion into the world of economics and international business.
Czech Republic
Discover Europe at its crossroads while studying the European Union in Prague, one of the world’s most beloved cities.
England
For two weeks, live as a college student on a British university campus. Study theory and literature while experiencing the modern and historical wonders of Canterbury and London.
England and France
Spend over 3 weeks exploring the history and modernity of some of the world’s greatest cities, including London, England and Paris, France.
Florence, Italy (PVCC) (Pending)
Study abroad in Florence, Italy! This is a “cannot miss” opportunity to spend a month in Florence, following in the footsteps of such artists as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and so many more!
Florence, Italy (MCC) (Not offered in 2025)
Explore art history and intercultural communication in Italy--a global center for art, fashion, food and design!
France (Not offered in 2025)
Learn the history, language, culture, and marine habitats of the French Riviera. Experience the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean and the grandeur of the French Alps.
Ireland
Spend the summer immersing yourself in the striking beauty, diverse culture, history, and heritage of the Emerald Isle.
Japan
Explore the beauty, food, language, and culture of Japan, including a weekend homestay with a local family.
Mexico
This introduction to Marine Biology will take you to Puerto Peñasco and the Sea of Cortez (our nearest ocean experience), home to one of the best intertidal environments in the world!
Namibia
A trek through the wilds of Africa will probably be the single most adventurous and exciting thing that you will ever do!
Perugia, Italy
Visit the heart of Italy and immerse yourself in slow living, a mindset for a meaningful and conscious lifestyle that aligns with what you value most. From the peaceful hills of Umbria to the historic streets of Rome, you'll explore elements of Italian culture, psychology, history, economy, and lifestyle that promote a deeper connection with oneself, others, and the environment.
- Review the study abroad programs listed above.
- To learn more about the program, contact the study abroad office or instructor leading the program.
- Attend an information session (study abroad office or program director can provide times and dates).
- Apply for the program of your choice.
- Attend the mandatory pre-departure meetings and orientations.
Financial Aid
Financial aid can be used to help cover the cost of a study abroad program. Because the amount of financial aid available for programs varies, we recommend contacting your college’s Financial Aid office to begin filling out your FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see how you might qualify.
Note: In order to receive study abroad financial aid, you must be pursuing an eligible degree at your home community college. Financial aid does not transfer across Maricopa Community Colleges.
For financial aid purposes, summer terms are considered trailers—defined as the last term of the academic year (fall/spring/summer). Because summer sessions are considered trailers, financial aid received during the academic year will be considered in determining remaining financial aid eligibility for the summer term.
Explore Financial Aid Resources
Federal Pell Grants
In order to obtain a Pell Grant, students must have remaining Pell eligibility funds from the fall/spring term for required courses in your degree program and must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress. Check with your college’s Financial Aid office for specifics.
A course must be required for a student's program/degree plan in order for federal financial aid to pay for it. View information on course applicability.
Financial aid does not transfer amongst Maricopa Community Colleges unless a consortium agreement is on file.
Student Loans
In order to obtain a student loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time in courses required for your degree program and must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress. Check with your college’s Financial Aid office for specifics.
Scholarships
Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation
Complete just one application and apply for hundreds of scholarships administered by the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. Application cycles are in both fall and spring semesters, and students may apply more than once.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables American undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding to study and intern abroad through scholarships of up to $5,000. Students studying critical need languages are eligible for scholarships of up to $8,000.
Review March and October application cycles. It is recommended that you apply by the October deadline in order to secure funds prior to the program fee deadline. Also, if you don't receive an October deadline award, you can strengthen your essay and resubmit for a March deadline award.
Applications are reviewed holistically, with consideration of the following selection criteria. For helpful information, view the Gilman Presentation.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel during the time of application to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.
Military personnel include Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps.
A congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, the Gilman-McCain Scholarship is named after the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona.
Applicants must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid (e.g., Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Perkins Loan, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans) during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship.
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship application process is nearly identical to the Gilman Scholarship. For specific details, visit gilmanscholarship.org.
How to Apply for a U.S. Passport
U.S. students requiring a passport should not wait until the last minute; ordering and processing your passport can take up to 10-13 weeks. Watch a video on how to apply for a passport in person.
Below is a list of the things you will need for a new passport:
- Passport Application (DS-11 form)
- Proof of Citizenship (birth certificate, proof of naturalization, consular report of birth abroad or certificate of citizenship)
- Original and photocopy of Proof of Citizenship
- Current identification (drivers license or government issued identification card)
- Original and photocopy of current identification
- Passport photo (can be obtained from a number of local facilities)
- $165 for routine service—price changes for expedited service
Go here for detailed information on what you need to provide to apply for a U.S. passport.
Study abroad programs play a key role in creating a global network of competent individuals who value and respect cultural differences. Students who participate in our short-term study abroad programs (1-4 weeks) consistently count their international experience as one of the most rewarding aspects of their college careers.
Our study abroad programs provide students with the opportunity to:
- Improve foreign language skills
- Increase competitiveness for jobs and scholarship awards
- Expand global and historical awareness and understanding of cultural perspectives
- Develop intercultural competencies that enhance employment opportunities
- Enhance academic learning and knowledge diversity
- Gain international work and service experience
- Boost self-confidence and self-awareness