Study Abroad
Immerse yourself in another culture and discover the world! Elgin Community College offers a wide range of study abroad opportunities, from tailored institutional programs and service learning to those offered through a consortium. You can earn credits towards your degree of study without postponing graduation and develop skills necessary to succeed in a globalized society. Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
Reasons to Study Abroad
- Knowledge - living and studying in another culture teaches valuable lessons about the world and its people.
- World view - gain a new perspective on your own life as you better understand individuals and communities in other parts of the world.
- Independence - learn about adjusting to new study and living environments and how to adapt to a new culture.
- Career enhancement - today’s workplace demands global knowledge and perspective, and employers want to see international interest and motivation on your resume.
- Window of opportunity - cultural immersion is rare and harder to come by the longer you wait.
Semester Programs
AUSTRIA - Salzburg, Austria
Nestled in the Alpine foothills, Salzburg offers the ideal setting for study of Europe, liberal and applied arts.
When: Fall and Spring semesters
Application deadline: May 1 for Fall; October 1 for Spring | Learn more»
CHINA - Chongqing, China
Spend the semester at Chongqing Technology and Business University. Students earn general education credits while exploring ancient Chinese arts, history, culture and language.
When: Fall and Spring semesters
Application deadline: May 1 for Fall; October 1 for Spring | Learn more»
CHINA - Xi’an, China
Explore exciting Xi’an, China! The College of Lake County administers the program, and students can explore Chinese language, liberal arts and sciences.
When: Fall semester only
Application deadline: May 1 for Fall | Learn more»
ENGLAND - Canterbury, England
Spend the semester at beautiful Canterbury Christ Church University! The program provides a lovely setting for British and liberal arts studies in one of England's oldest and most historic cities, still surrounded by medieval walls.
When: Fall and Spring semesters
Application deadline: May 1 for Fall; October 1 for Spring | Learn more»
IRELAND - Carlow, Ireland
Study history, social sciences and culture in beautiful Ireland. Located on the banks of the scenic River Barrow about 50 miles south of Dublin, the Irish experience in Carlow is designed to offer students a semester of degree relevant courses abroad.
When: Fall and Spring semesters
Application deadline: May 1 for Fall; October 1 for Spring | Learn more»
MEXICO - Cuernavaca, Mexico
Spanish Immersion
Spend the semester in Cuernavaca, Mexico and experience total Spanish language immersion. This program is available to students with an intermediate to high level command of the Spanish language. Students will study Spanish language, history, culture and social movements.
When: Fall and Spring semesters
Application deadline: May 1 for Fall; October 1 for Spring | Learn more»
SPAIN - Seville, Spain
Located in the heart of Andalucia, a semester in Seville offers intensive study of Spanish language and culture. This popular program features a wide choice of courses and a lively, vibrant city to explore.
When: Fall and Spring semesters
Application deadline: May 1 for Fall; October 1 for Spring | Learn more»
College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) Study Abroad Programs
The College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) is one of the premiere study abroad consortiums in the country. CCIS has 128 member colleges and offers 96 study abroad programs in 31 countries.
As a member CCIS, students at ECC have the option of participating in the consortium’s study abroad programs. ECC students will enroll in a program sponsored by a US partner college; program requirements, deadlines and costs vary. Credit is transferable back to an ECC transcript. Students are encouraged to apply early and pay close attention to all program requirements. Students MUST apply through the International Student Services Office to be eligible for CCIS study abroad programs.
Programs are available in the following countries:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belize
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Costa Rica
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- England
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Northern Ireland
- Peru
- Russia
- Scotland
- Spain
- Switzerland
Learn more»
Troika Study Abroad Programs
As a member of Community Colleges for International Development (CCID), students at ECC have the option of participating in the consortium’s Troika study abroad programs. ECC students enroll in a partner college and earn credit through that college; credit is then transferred back to ECC. Interested students must apply through the International Student Services Office to participate in programs.
Programs are available in:
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
- Ukraine
Learn more»