New partnership expands global learning opportunities
Morgan Marcale is embarking on an exciting academic adventure, as the first student to participate in a new study abroad program. The 19-year old is studying at the International College of Seville, in Seville, Spain, for the winter semester, from late January through early May.
OCC is recently joined the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP), a 40-year-old organization with 40 member colleges in Illinois and neighboring states. ICISP offers study abroad programs in countries around the world.
An amazing opportunity
When OCC Faculty Sarah Lemelin shared the new study abroad opportunity on the International Student Club’s WhatsApp group chat, Marcale was immediately drawn to it and applied.
“Morgan is an outstanding student, a mature young woman who has been an absolute joy to work with,” said Lemelin who teaches English and English as a Second Language at the College.
“The support I’ve received from OCC faculty has set me up for success,” said Marcale. “They want to see their students succeed and provide the resources to do so.”
Program requirements and coursework
ICISP applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, completed 12 hours of college course work, earned a B or higher in a college writing course, and recieve approval and recommendation from the college’s ICISP representative.
While abroad, Marcale will complete intensive Spanish language coursework (nine language credits are required), and a class on Spanish culture and society, earning 15 OCC credits for the semester. The program includes cultural experiences such as visits to museums, the historic Alcázar royal palace, nearby city of Córdoba, and a trip to Morocco learning about the centuries of Arab-Moorish rule of the Iberian peninsula.
OCC scholarships may be applie toward the program costs, including tuition, room and board, and cultural excursions.
Morgan will live with an experienced host family, which is especially important given her food allergies.
The impact of study abroad impact
Lemelin credits her own study abroad experience with shaping her academic and professional path.
“I spent my junior year of high school as an exchange student in Milano, Italy,” said Lemelin. “Being immersed in a new language and culture is an incredibly formative experience. It influenced my studies, my career path (she also teaches Italian at OCC) and continues to inform my world view today.”
“Studying abroad changes how we see our place in the world and expands our horizons,” she added.
As a Filipino-American, Marcale is especially eager to explore Hispanic and Andalusian culture, noting similarities with Filipino culture, and the opportunity for cross-cultural exchange from the program.
Looking ahead to a future in healthcare
Marcale plans to go into nursing following in the footsteps of her parents, and plans of her younger sister as well.
“My empathetic nature and deep desire to care for others translates well to the nursing profession,” she said. “I've applied to OCC’s nursing program and will hear in the Spring. That will be my next step after I return from Spain.”
Upcoming study abroad opportunities through OCC
The deadline to apply for OCC’s 2026 summer study abroad programs is February 15, with fall semester applications due in May with several diverse and unique opportunities available.
Students interested in studying abroad can contact OCC's Study Abroad web page or contact OCC’s ICISP representative, Sarah Lemelin, for more information.
About OCC
Oakland Community College (OCC) has empowered individuals through education since 1965. Serving more than 20,000 students annually, OCC offers 80+ degree and certificate programs, workforce training and community education programs with flexible class options, low tuition, robust services, and top transfer opportunities. Ranked Michigan’s top online college and seventh nationally by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025, OCC delivers education that drives opportunity, workforce growth and community impact. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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