Illinois Valley Community College students are able to travel the globe while staying on track to graduate, thanks to IVCC’s variety of study abroad programs.
Amanda Cook Fesperman, IVCC’s study abroad coordinator, encourages students who are interested in the program to “contact me first to discuss studying abroad and make sure it is the right program for them.”
She also states that “Any student can study abroad,” but “the important thing is to meet with me and your academic counselor early to plan your trip.”
Eight Countries Available to Explore
IVCC is currently offering eight programs in eight countries. There are four semester programs in England, Ireland, Austria, and Spain, which typically last 14 to 15 weeks. Then there are seven summer programs in Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Ghana, Ireland, and Spain, which last around two to five weeks. Austria is also able to accommodate students who wish to do an internship for up to eight weeks.
In addition to the main programs and countries offered, there might be other opportunities offered through other community colleges. “We had a student study abroad in South Korea last summer through a partnership with Parkland Community College,” Cook Fesperman said.
Study Abroad for All
While most study abroad courses focus on humanities, languages, and social sciences, math and other select science classes are also available in some programs.
To be eligible, students must be at least 18 years of age, have a 2.5 GPA, 12 credit hours of college-level courses, and a 2.75 GPA in freshman composition 001 or 002.
CookFesperman says that the application is “extensive, and requires 2 letters of recommendation, an unofficial transcript, and my approval. Students should also have a valid passport or apply for one.”
College Credit Across the Globe
All courses taken abroad appear on a student’s IVCC transcript and will transfer to their next college or university if needed.
“Students who study abroad are IVCC students,” Cook Fesperman said.
Funding Opportunities
Students are able to use financial aid and IVCC scholarships to fund their study abroad experience, though tuition waivers do not apply. Pell Grant recipients and veterans may also qualify for competitive government scholarships.
Additional scholarship opportunities are available through The Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP), which sponsors IVCC’s study abroad programs and awards some competitive scholarships. There is also one IVCC scholarship, and students may qualify for loans.
Full Support From Start to Finish
Students receive IVCC’s full support before, during, and after their programs. The college helps with applications, fee collection, course registration, and ensuring grades are recorded from the overseas institutions.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
“Studies show that students who participate in study abroad are more likely to complete college, more likely to be accepted by their chosen transfer institutions, and more likely to be hired,” Cook Fesperman said. “Studying abroad changes people’s lives as it opens up the world for them to explore… I have never had a student regret their decision to study abroad.”
To learn more or to start your application, contact Amanda Cook Fesperman at [email protected] or at 815-224-0203.