Option A: Education Abroad Opportunities
Education abroad is a transformative experience. By thoughtfully immersing yourself
in the process of global learning through preparation, on the ground experience, and
debriefing after your trip, you WILL be forever changed for the better. You will have the opportunity to grapple with
complex questions that embrace our interconnectedness. Engaging in reflection throughout
the process will help you develop the skills that will give you a head start on your
next step in education, work, and life!
There are many education abroad opportunities available. Below are a list of options
with local universities and colleges, third party providers, and databases where you
can search for just the right program. To satisfy the GLE Global Life Experience category,
you will need to travel abroad for a minimum of one week. Before you go, work with
your coach to identify meaningful learning objectives whether you take a class for
credit, intern with a company, or volunteer with a nonprofit organization.
Worried about the cost? Education abroad does NOT have to break the bank. There are
many scholarships available to help you fund your dream. Scroll down for funding opportunities
related to traveling abroad.
Local Colleges and Universities
Third Party Providers
Education Abroad Databases
Option B: Local Experiences with a Global Focus
There are many opportunities to get involved locally with global and intercultural
experiences. Remember that you'll need to complete a minimum of two (2) experiences
in order to complete Option 2 in this category. Be sure to track your hours of engagement
as you'll need a total of 40 hours to satisfy the requirements of the GLE Global Life
Experience. There are many ways to satisfy this requirement including volunteer, service
learning, co-op, or internship opportunities that have a global focus. The following
lists are far from exhaustive and you should work with your coach and the Office of
Global Education to pursue opportunities that are a good fit for you.
OCC Sponsored Experiences
- Serve as an AH Campus International Student Club leader. Contact Sarah Lemelin for more information.
- Serve as an RO Campus Global Student Club leader. Contact Dave McRoberts or Monika Oery for more information.
- Serve as an OR Campus Hispanic/Latinx Student Organization leader. Contact the HLSO for more information.
- Participate for a full semester - a 10+ hour commitment - in the Conversation Partner Program (CPP). Apply today!
- Serve as a "Book" in the Human Library. Contact Allison McFadden-Keesling for more information.
- Design and implement an academic/creative project with a global focus in consultation
with your coach. Scholarship money may be available to help fund your project.
Community-Based Opportunities
- Global Ties Detroit Fall Internship
- Each year, Global Ties Detroit coordinates exchange programs for hundreds of international visitors in every field
--
from the arts, business, media, politics, religion, youth activism, and more -- introducing
them to our
unique city, its citizens and the metro area’s vast resources through meetings with
counterparts, as well
as through social and cultural activities. You can Be a part of this exciting international
initiative! Global Ties Detroit is seeking volunteer interns in Programming and Communications
for a minimum commitment of 12-15 hours per week.
- For more information, please contact Marley Ward at Global Ties Detroit or call 313.638.1626.
- Become a Conversation Group Leader with the Oakland Literacy Council.
- Become a Mentee with the Global Detroit Cultural Ambassador program
- Host an international guest
Don't see something you're looking for? Have another idea in mind? Contact your coach
or the Office of Global Education or 248.232.4730 to explore all your options!
Funding for Education Abroad
Going abroad? After you have made the decision to pursue education abroad, you need
to figure out how to fund your trip. The following resources can help you make your
dream a reality.
OCC Education Abroad Scholarship & Financial Aid
Once you've confirmed that you will be attending an education abroad program, your
first step should be to contact the Office of Global Education. Through the Office,
you can apply directly for an Education Abroad Scholarship to help fund your travel.
Additionally, if you are planning to receive academic credit for your education abroad,
you may be able to use financial aid to help pay for the trip. Speak with the Financial Aid team to find out more!
Don't forget to apply for ALL the other scholarships available at OCC. These may not
help you study abroad, but they can help you succeed at OCC and complete the GLE.
Visit the Foundation Scholarships page and the Financial Aid page to learn more.
External Funding Sources for Education Abroad