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Study Abroad Programs at Rockland Community College are open to all college students and adult members of the community who are interested in academically focused study in another country. The academic credit earned in this program is applicable toward a Rockland Community College degree and/or can be transferred to other colleges.
While admission qualifications vary for semester-long programs, a student need not be currently enrolled for many courses or programs offered during the summer and Wintersession. The individual need only have the interest and desire to learn.
Semester/Academic Year
Through its membership in the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS), Rockland Community College offers students the opportunity to spend a semester in over 25 countries including Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, England, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, and Spain. A student need not be fluent in a foreign language to participate. Most instruction is in English.
Summer Sessions
Rockland Community College offers summer programs lasting from four to six weeks in many countries including many that allow students to gain greater foreign language fluency. In addition, the Sam Draper Honors Program sponsors students’ participation in a three-week summer school at Cambridge University in England where topics in art history, history, science, or literature are studied in depth.
Study Tours Abroad
In collaboration with the academic departments, the International Studies Office develops study tours and courses in foreign countries. Led by faculty with experience in foreign travel/study, these courses last up to two weeks. Annually, the Wintersession in London Program offers 8-10 different courses ranging from art history to literature to criminal justice and nursing. In recent years, Italy, France, Greece, and China have been destinations for Rockland Community College study tours.
Study in England
The College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) program at Thames Valley University – Ealing Campus is designed to provide American students with both an experience or the British higher education system and European culture in London and, through travel opportunities, in Europe, as well.
Thames Valley University offers a range of undergraduate and post-graduate degree programs validated by the Council on National Academic Awards (CNAA). Enrolling approximately 5,000 full- and part-time students, the University is situated in the Borough of Ealing, 20 minutes by subway from central London. The University provides a variety of courses – introductory through advanced – along with individually-designed internships. Housing is arranged in advance by the Accommodations Office at Ealing.
Advisement and Application
Study Abroad Programs are administered in the United States by Rockland Community College and/or CCIS sponsoring institutions. Pre-departure activities, including program information and orientation, are coordinated by the College or the CCIS sponsor. Following departure and for the duration of each semester Rockland Community College maintains close contact to monitor academic programs and student support services.
Students who have completed at least six (6) semester hours in college-level study, including English Composition I, may apply for admission. Normally, a cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale is required. Co-curricular activities and recommendations from professors and advisors are considered in selection of candidates. Application is made through Rockland Community College. A program representative is available by appointment to discuss the variety of opportunities for study, to help students select the setting that best meets their academic, personal, and financial needs and to assist them with the application process.
It is recommended that participants begin the application process at least six months prior to the beginning of the program for semester study and four months prior to the departure of short-term and summer programs. Application deadlines are generally two to three months before the program begins. Some short-term programs do not require previous college study. All semester and summer session programs require the completion of some college courses and have additional academic requirements.