For many college students, studying abroad is a life-changing experience that broadens their worldview, builds confidence and opens doors to new opportunities. But for community college students who may be the first in their families to attend college or who are juggling jobs, family responsibilities and financial challenges, studying abroad can seem out of reach or an opportunity they never considered for themselves.
Miramar College is helping more students see what's possible.
In Summer 2027, Miramar plans to launch its first Study Abroad Program in Seoul, South Korea, with an immersive educational experience that combines classroom learning with cultural exploration. Miramar will join City and Mesa Colleges, which have offered study abroad programs for years, in expanding international learning opportunities for students throughout the San Diego Community College District.
Led by Professor of Anthropology and International Education Coordinator Laura T. Gonzalez and Professor of Physics and Astronomy Jae Calanog, the program will offer courses in Cultural Anthropology and Descriptive Astronomy, giving students the chance to immerse themselves in another culture, develop critical thinking and other valuable life skills, and earn transferable college credits. The courses are open to everyone, including those not currently enrolled at the college.
The professors are weaving together themes of culture and space across the two courses, from ancient Korean interpretations of the stars to the country's role in human space exploration today. Students are invited to enroll in one or both courses.
During the program, students will explore Korean history, traditions and contemporary culture through classroom time, exchanges with Korean students and local guest speakers, and visits to museums and historical, scientific and cultural sites.
But some of the most valuable lessons extend beyond the classroom.
According to Gonzalez, studying abroad helps students develop qualities that four-year universities and employers increasingly value, including adaptability, resilience, cultural awareness and the ability to navigate unfamiliar situations.
"It's a process of cultural humility that they go through, which leads, I think, to personal growth, and can also lead to professional growth," Gonzalez said.
Opening Doors to New Possibilities
For Gonzalez, expanding access to international education is about more than helping students travel abroad. It's about encouraging them to see themselves as worthy of these types of opportunities.
"Most of my students don't think that they are study abroad material," Gonzalez said. "They think, 'What do you mean? I can't do that. That's not for me.'"
Gonzalez believes these experiences should not be reserved for students with greater financial resources or privileged backgrounds. For first-generation college students and those from historically underserved communities, studying abroad can be especially transformative, building confidence, encouraging new perspectives and expanding their sense of what's possible.
"But, without support, these students may not ever have the opportunity to do this," Gonzalez said.
The experience can have a lasting impact, influencing students’ future academic and career paths and helping them see themselves as global citizens.
“This literally affects the opportunities they have for the rest of their lives,” she added.
How Community Support Can Make a Difference
Although students pay the same tuition for their study abroad courses as they would at Miramar College, they must also cover program fees, international airfare and other expenses, which can be as much as $5,000.
For students facing financial challenges, these costs can put the experience out of reach, even when they are highly motivated to participate. Students are encouraged to pursue outside scholarships, including the federally funded Gilman International Scholarship, which supports eligible students studying abroad.
For students who might otherwise miss out on this incredible opportunity, financial assistance can make the difference between dreaming of studying abroad and making that dream a reality.
That’s why the Miramar College Foundation has established a Study Abroad Fund to help students overcome financial barriers and take advantage of international learning opportunities.
Contributions to the fund will help make experiences like the South Korea program in Summer 2027 possible for more Miramar students.
To make a gift of support, visit the Miramar College Foundation website and choose “Study Abroad Fund” from the dropdown menu.
To learn more about the Summer 2027 Study Aboard Program in Seoul, South Korea, visit: https://sites.google.com/view/south-korea-program-sdccd/home?pli=1&authuser=0
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