Studying in a foreign country and being immersed in a vibrant new culture sounds appealing to most students.

However, the nitty-gritty details of how you get yourself there and whether the price is worth the experience poses a not so appealing list of questions. So, how hard is it to actually study abroad?

Diablo Valley College provides an array of holistic three-month study abroad programs, which present students with the chance to explore a new part of the world, both educationally and culturally. Florence, Italy is the destination planned for Spring 2017.

Carolyn Seefer, Professor of Business and director of the upcoming trip, said the process of getting yourself to Florence begins with attending meetings. These informational meetings are strongly encouraged by Seefer, as they can answer questions of both the student and parent(s) to introduce the trip in a commitment-free environment.

“It’s a great opportunity for nervous parents to ask questions and for students to get a taste of Florence surrounded by others who may be going,” says Seefer, emphasizing the benefits of attending meetings.

The next step is applying to the program. The application process can seem intimidating, however, the list of requirements include being 18 years of age or older, having a GPA of 2.25 or higher, and the completion of at least 12 units. Students are rarely turned down from the program.  

Then comes the discussion of payment — the uncomfortable and burning question: how much does it cost?

Seefer explained that DVC is partnered with a study abroad organization called the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) that sets a flat rate of $7,995. This includes health insurance, apartment rent for three months, and all of the services the AIFS staff provides.

Costs not covered in the flat fee include airfare, tuition, books, and food. The AIFS organization does, however, offer an airfare plan ($1,300) so students traveling alone for the first time can rest at ease knowing all of their transportation needs are taken care of.

Seefer estimated that in total, Florence would cost about $12,000, however, it varies wildly as some travel on their own, bringing up the net price. It seems steep at first glance, but past students illustrate that the price tag was well worth the experience.

Seefer has had countless students come back and tell her that they’ve “come back a different person, once they go on this trip, they become life-long world travelers,”

Hana Athanasios, a DVC student who attended the trip to Florence in 2016, spoke highly of the trip saying, “For me, I got the authentic ‘college experience’ while attending a community college. I lived with other people, on my own, without my parents, and made a life for myself in a new country. I would ten out of ten recommend it.”

Seefer also spoke highly of the impressive structure AIFS provides for the trip. The staff will help students handle any homesickness or emotions tied to this trip, which is common for first-time travelers.

If a student becomes sick, health care is provided and the AIFS staff will transport you to a hospital or bring a doctor to your apartment, all covered by the organization.  

The staff will also help students with travel plans on weekends if they want to explore surrounding countries on their own, and contact the students daily to ensure they are safe.

AIFS provides apartments located in central districts of the county, such as the Historic district in Florence, that are within walking distance of the school and other prime destinations in the city.

All in all, students return from the trip declaring it a life-changing, transformative, and unforgettable experience that exceeds expectations.