Opinion: Study abroad deserves its wings

The study abroad program provides multiple opportunities for students to gain educational exposure outside of LBCC, for this reason, the program needs to get the necessary support it deserves in order to expand its reach to students

The Study Abroad program has continued to go unnoticed and dealt with budget cuts over the years, leaving the program helpless.

It is unfortunate because studying abroad can be a life changing experience for students who may not have the opportunity to explore otherwise.

Long Beach City College should want to assist the program financially to support students who decide to go abroad.

Studying abroad gives students a greater sense of educational opportunities, which is the whole point of college.

The program at LBCC had been cancelled in 2010 in part to budget cuts and there being no set limit on how many students can participate.

After finally being funded again this summer, LBCC has taken about 28 students on a trip to Paris, France, which as of now is the only place they can travel to.

With many different foreign language departments, it is disheartening that Paris is the only place that students are able to study..

Other community colleges such as, Santa Monica and Fullerton college are dedicated in being consistent with their study abroad program.

For example, Santa Monica currently offers 4 trips per year,  taking students on their first trip to South Africa in 2007 and then a first trip to Latin America in the summer of 2008.

Along with Santa Monica, Fullerton College has no limits on what the program can spend as they are taking their students to different trips next year such as Cape Town, London, Kyoto, and Rome.

Students at other colleges are offered  a variety of places to travel, unlimited supply of funds and they don’t lose student interest towards the program.

Yet, why when it comes to LBCC, it’s like no one even knows that the program exist and if they do, they worry about the financial aspect.

When it comes to Long Beach City College’s study abroad program, they need to take notes from the other colleges to get ideas on how to improve our program and make it more appealing.

It is understandable that the school struggles in financial situations, but now that the LBCC abroad program has started up again, they should focus on expanding their financial help for the program.

In the meantime the program can brainstorm amongst themselves on how to expand that reach for awareness and financial help.

One way to raise money is a fundraiser and since the holidays are coming, hosting a hot chocolate bar at school would be a great way to raise money. 

People also love food, so the program could get a booth in the quad and sell food from different countries to make people more interested in finding out more about the culture.

Doing fundraising events will help students gain interest and spread awareness for the program

Financial support and awareness is needed in order for students to expand their knowledge in studying abroad and experience the rich culture and language of different countries.