Study abroad gives you confidence, perspective, and experiences that last a lifetime
The OCC Study Abroad Program is designed to broaden academic learning while equipping students with meaningful and impactful international experiences while enrolled in a Travel Seminar course. The course integrates academic study with short-term international travel of less than two weeks which offers students a unique opportunity to engage with course content through experiential learning while abroad. A travel seminar course is taught in both face-to-face and online formats during the Spring and Summer academic terms.
The Study Abroad Program is directly affiliated with a travel seminar course. The courses are offered through the academic schools of Business & Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and STEM.
Students are required to actively participate in the course during the academic term in which it is offered. Attendance at the Pre-Departure Orientation component of the course is mandatory. In addition, students are expected to engage fully in all class sessions scheduled before, during, and after the travel portion of the course.
Students will be assessed on the course learning objectives through various educational activities, which may include (but are not limited to) journaling, assignments, presentations, and reflective essays sharing their experiences. Specific course requirements are outlined in the official course syllabus available in Canvas.
A Travel Seminar course is academic credit bearing course led by our dedicated faculty members, aim to foster cross cultural understanding and equip students with a global perspective.
Why Enroll into the OCC Study Abroad Program?
- See the World, See Differently: Explore new places, meet new people, and gain a whole new perspective on how others live, think, and learn.
- Boost Your Confidence: Stepping outside your comfort zone helps you grow more independent, adaptable, and self-assured.
- Immerse Yourself in Culture: Go beyond the classroom—taste the food, hear the music, speak the language, and experience the history of another country firsthand.
- Build Global Skills: Strengthen teamwork, leadership, and intercultural communication skills that future employers will value.
- Earn College Credits: Take 3 credits with under the guidance of experienced and passionate OCC faculty while experiencing the world.
- Make Lasting Connections: Form friendships with classmates and locals that can last a lifetime.
Upcoming Study Abroad Programs
Exciting new destinations are always on the horizon. Explore the excursions we’re currently planning and get ready to be part of the next Study Abroad experience.
London
UPcoming: Summer 2026
Experience study abroad in London. Full program details will be shared soon.
Previous Study Abroad Programs
Our students and faculty have already traveled the world — gaining knowledge, friendships, and experiences that last a lifetime. Take a look at some of our recent journeys.
Italy
2025 Spring
Our journey to Italy was nothing short of transformational—for both the 16 Ocean County College students and the 4 community members who joined us.
France
2025 Spring
Professor Kristyn Stout (Chair, English Department) and Dr. Justin Pfeifer (Chair, History Department) co-led a study abroad trip to France with 20 students and community members from June 26 – July 3, 2025.
Ireland
2025 Summer
This past Summer, 11 students and 4 community members along with Dr. Rada and Professor Bogdan travelled to the “Emerald Isle” of Ireland.
Student Testimonials
Professor Kristyn Stout (Chair, English Department) and Dr. Justin Pfeifer (Chair, History Department) co-led a study abroad trip to France with 20 students and community members from June 26 – July 3, 2025. The trip provided students with the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary coursework and experiential learning in both the humanities and history while studying in several cities across France.
The following are a few excerpts from letters the students wrote to the Foundation at the end of the summer academic term, expressing the impact which the study abroad trip had on them:
“From June 26th to July 3rd, I joined Professors Pfeifer and Stout on a journey to France to learn about French history in person. I am so grateful to have been able to go on this this trip and to experience the entirely different culture there is in France… Both of the Professors were so amazing and worked diligently even while we were on the trip to make it more enjoyable for everyone as they were constantly making sure that we were going to be in comfortable situations, let alone the great lessons they gave us on bus rides and when we went to different locations to either sight see or walk through and immerse ourselves into a different time. They are both great teachers and people, and it made the trip just that much more amazing and enjoyable to be taught by and experience the time with them.” (Spencer O’Brien, HIST 240)
“This trip has sparked a desire to travel the world, and I am very thankful I was able to do it. The opportunity to travel across the ocean to a different country does not come up often, and taking this once in a lifetime opportunity is something I will never forget. I am excited to see what other opportunities OCC will present to me and all the other students here. I could not recommend going on a study abroad trip enough to anyone and I hope OCC will continue doing these trips.” (Sawyer Gleason, HUMN 252)
“Without the support from the Ocean County College Foundation my trip to France would not have been possible for a student such as myself. The financial support from the College Foundation has provided me with the experience of a lifetime. As a student taking the history course for this study abroad experience I was fascinated that I got to witness history with my own eyes. From the streets of Paris to the D Day Beaches I was constantly surrounded by history itself.” (Sierra Francese, HIST 240)
These testimonials highlight the importance of the study abroad program for our students. To hear more about our students’ experiences, please read the full letters provided to Ken Malagiere. Thank you for your generous support for our trip to France, and for all you do here at the college. We are so proud to have led this exciting adventure, and hope that the success of this trip inspires students at OCC to continue traveling and exploring the world for years to come.
“It’s hard to describe, it was just so inspiring.”
— Student reflecting on Michelangelo’s Pietà at St. Peter’s Basilica
“Breathtaking.”
— Anthony B., on the panoramic view from Pincian Hill, Rome
“My favorite part of the trip.”
— Lisa, on visiting the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi
“Completely awestruck.”
— Student, after climbing Florence’s Duomo for a city view
“The best museum of the trip—I’ve been waiting to see this.”
— Brian, on the Galileo Museum in Florence
“Beyond expectations; this is what I imagined Italy to be like.”
— George, on the Tuscan countryside in San Gimignano
“I can’t believe I’m here.”
— Annellie, while viewing Bernini’s sculptures at the Borghese Gallery
“A little creepy yet beautiful.”
— Student, about the Capuchin Crypt in Rome
“The most incredible cathedral yet.”
— Marinella, reflecting on St. John Lateran Cathedral
“A memory for a lifetime.”
— Student, after visiting the 5,000-year-old passage tombs at Newgrange and Knowth
“Beyond expectations.”
— Student, reflecting on the breathtaking views at Giant’s Causeway
“This was my favorite experience.”
— Student, after the sheepdog demonstration in Connemara
“Inspired to change my major to Literature.”
— Student, after visiting W. B. Yeats’ grave at Drumcliff Church
“Remarkable.”
— Student, describing the ballad sung by a guide at Sligo Abbey
“So great to watch everyone dance and jig.”
— Student, after a local music festival in Sligo
Study Abroad: Opportunities, In-Take Process, Eligibility, and Requirements
Studying abroad offers students a unique opportunity to grow academically, personally, and professionally. Academically, study abroad enriches learning by allowing students to apply classroom knowledge with real-world experiences. On a personal note, you’ll build confidence and learn to adapt to new environments. Professionally, it looks great on a resume because it shows initiative, global awareness, and the ability to work well with a diverse group of people.
Student Participation in the Study Abroad Program requires students to meet specific academic, conduct, and procedural standards to ensure they are prepared for the academic rigor, responsibilities, and safety requirements of international travel.
Grade-Point-Average Requirements
To be eligible for participation in a Study Abroad Program and to register for a Travel Seminar course, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Student Conduct Review
To be eligible for participation in a Study Abroad Program, each applicant must undergo a review by Student Affairs to confirm their student conduct record is in good standing.
Student Intake Process
A student should complete Student Application and submit to the Faculty Leader along with a copy of the student’s passport and U.S. health insurance card (if applicable). Please note that no other forms of identification will be accepted. It is essential to ensure your passport is valid for the travel duration and meets the host country’s entry requirements. For detailed information on passport requirements, please visit the U.S. General Services Administration website.
Faculty Leaders will review applications in accordance with the established eligibility requirements. Once approved, students will receive authorization to register and pay for the course.
Student Orientation
All students participating in a Travel Seminar course are required to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation. Faculty Leaders will conduct this in-person orientation to prepare students for the academic and travel components of the course. The orientation will take place after all participants have registered and paid for the trip and will outline course expectations and travel requirements.
U.S. Embassy Consular Office Registration
All Travel Seminar participants are required to register with the U.S. Embassy Consular Office.This can be done by registering in the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows the Department of State to contact enrollees accurately and quickly in case of emergency. STEP can be accessed via the web.
To be eligible for the Study Abroad Program, students must have completed at least one semester at the college, which is required for the verification process.
Scholarships may be available for OCC students through the Ocean County College Foundation. The OCC Foundation supports the Study Abroad Program by providing financial assistance to approved students, helping to offset the cost of Travel Seminar courses. Students may apply for a Travel Seminar Scholarship through the Foundation to receive this support.
Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee that an award will be granted. Students who receive scholarship funds must complete all course requirements and remain in good standing. Failure to meet these expectations—including violation of the Student Code of Conduct or failing the course—may result in the requirement to repay the scholarship award in full.
Interested in studying abroad?
For additional information about the Study Abroad Program you can contact the Study Abroad Chair, Vivian Lynn at:
Want to become a Study Abroad Faculty Leader?
The Study Abroad Program is overseen by the Study Abroad Committee Chair and the committee members, who support faculty and assists with the Travel Seminar course and program’s administrative responsibilities. Faculty interested in teaching a Travel Seminar course begin by expressing their interest to the Study Abroad Committee and submitting a Travel Seminar Proposal outlining their plan. For to submit a proposal download the Study Abroad Faculty Resources Study Abroad Faculty Handbook and Study Abroad Faculty Proposal PowerPoint.
For additional information about the Study Abroad Program you can contact the Study Abroad Chair, Vivian Lynn at (732) 255-0400 Ext. 2945 or email vlynn@ocean.edu.