Editor’s Note: Sydney Parker is a student freelance journalist who will be reporting on their unique experience in London to the Clarion.
The beginning of a new academic year also brings the return of Citrus College’s Study Abroad programs. Citrus students will depart on September 8th, participating in the college’s long-standing tradition of over 25 semesters in London.
Citrus College is the lead school of the Southern California Foothills Consortium for Study Abroad, an organization that connects community college students with study abroad programs coordinated by the American Institute for Foreign Studies. There are 13 member schools of SCFC including Mt. San Antonio College, Rio Hondo College and Mira Costa College.
Having an opportunity to connect with other community college students from across Southern California is an often overlooked benefit of the Citrus Study Abroad experience. An orientation meeting held on August 6th was attended by students and their families from as far as Santa Barbara and San Diego.
The programs are faculty-led, and in-person courses will be offered by professors from SCFC schools. Students will be accompanied to London by Citrus College Professor Erin Tate (psychology) and College of the Desert Professor Ed Reed (speech).
Classes such as Intro to Social Psychology (PSY 220) and Intercultural Communication (SPCH 150) will be offered, with both subjects helping students to build both the personal and academic skills needed to succeed abroad and in their future pursuits.
According to SCFC, participation in study abroad promotes an improvement in students’ overall GPA, as well as better career outcomes post-graduation, including a higher expected salary. When displayed on a transfer applications or resume, a semester abroad demonstrates a commitment to problem solving, creative thinking, communication skills, and a greater intercultural competency.
Studying abroad can also be a personally transformative experience for many students. Preparing to study abroad can also mean preparing to travel outside of the U.S. or live independently for the first time. Learning to use the London Underground to commute to class, taking time to explore the city and experience cultural events, and being responsible for a personal budget while abroad are all opportunities for students to test and develop their skills in organization, time management and self-assuredness.
In addition to their other courses, students are required to enroll in British Civilization and Culture (HUM 120). Hands-on learning will be a major focus of this course, with field trips planned to the Houses of Parliament, British Museum, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, among others.
The geographical location of London provides a new set of opportunities to students as well, with many planning weekend trips to popular destinations on mainland Europe such as Paris, Amsterdam and Rome. For students looking to experience more of the U.K. with a group, AIFS also offers a Cultural Activities package and a weekend tour of the Scottish Highlands.
After two years of distance learning, the prospect of these opportunities is especially exciting. COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed throughout the semester in London, and students are eager to stay well and experience as much as they can.
