top of page
Search


Study Abroad: Fear vs. Fact (SBCC Edition)
Picture this: breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean before your morning lecture, weekend trips to a new country instead of the library, and a passport full of stamps by the time finals roll around. Studying abroad can feel like a huge leap — but at SBCC, it's a leap thousands of students have taken since 1973. Here's what's actually true (and exciting) about homesickness, housing, language barriers, cost, credits, and everything else standing between you and your next great

SBCC Study Abroad Staff
4 days ago5 min read


Discover Top Italian Study Programs: Your Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Italy
Studying abroad in Italy offers more than academics — immerse yourself in language, history, and daily life in one of Europe's most iconic countries.

SBCC Study Abroad Staff
Aug 115 min read


Your Ultimate College Study Abroad Survival Guide
Studying abroad is exciting—but let’s be real—it can also be overwhelming. From packing to navigating a new culture, there’s a lot to think about. These tips will help you stay safe, healthy, and connected while making the most of your time abroad.

SBCC Study Abroad Staff
Aug 43 min read


London: From a Quiet Town to a Big and Busy City
Coming to London for my study abroad trip has honestly been one of the best experiences I've ever had. At first it felt overwhelming, especially using the tube and looking the opposite way when crossing the road. Luckily, I had my peers and professors there to support me, and even some locals. My favorite way to explore the city is by walking.
Lucy Del Pielago
Jul 213 min read


Tokyo: From Discomfort to Self-Discovery
There is something beautiful that rests amidst the unknowns. I have found that it isn't until you leave the comfort of familiarity that you can fully grasp how vast this world truly is. Landing in Tokyo left me to navigate completely foreign territory, which, in all honesty, was rather intimidating at first glance. However, this program taught me to appreciate being uncomfortable, it allowed me to practice adaptability, and gave me the chance to see humanity from a different

Kaya Siig
Jun 304 min read


Eye Opening Experiences in Bali
Santa Barbara City College student Arialle Orzech shares her first week in Bali — from the stunning ARMA Hotel in Ubud and fresh tropical breakfasts to a moving water purification ceremony at Pura Tirta Empul Temple and unforgettable views of waterfalls and volcanoes.

Arielle Orzech
Jun 162 min read


Marine's Favorite Destination: A Weekend in Florence
My favorite destination is undoubtedly the magnificent city of Florence, Italy. Every corner, every street, every stone tells a story, it’s one of those places that feels like stepping into a living museum.

Marine Vovard
May 193 min read


Beginnings of Rome!
Makayla arrives in Rome for a semester abroad. Learning about a new culture with limited language skills and tired from travel has been an adjustment.

Makayla Sears
Feb 172 min read


How to pay for your Study Abroad Program: Fundraising
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. The most common reason students don’t study abroad is finances. Even though SBCC Study Abroad Programs can be more than 50% cheaper than programs offered at 4-year institutions, coming up with the money to pay for the program can still be challenging. The good news is that students can use FAFSA, the CA or SBCC Promise and SBCC scholarships towards paying for the program. There are also many other scholarships available (visi

SBCC Study Abroad Staff
Feb 36 min read


How to Feel at Home Anywhere: What I Learned Studying Abroad
A few months ago, a friend shared with me his anxiety about moving to another state for school. He was thrilled to attend his dream university but also afraid of not fitting in, of being far from everything familiar and feeling lonely. Since I’ve lived far from home several times, he asked for my advice. My name is Marine. I’m a full-time student at Santa Barbara City College, and I’m from France.

Marine Vovard
Jan 202 min read


Bonjour - Welcome to Paris!
The group moved on from London to Paris and Savannah is exploring, enjoying and appreciating the European lifestyle, art and culture.

Savannah Whalen
Nov 4, 20252 min read


Dancing Through Europe
Jasmine's journey through Vienna and Germany so far.

Jasmine Barba
Jul 15, 20252 min read


Snorkels, Star Wars, and Sayonara: A Farewell to Kyoto
This past semester at Santa Barbara City College has been my greatest experience of school yet. No surprise, as I experienced school...

Olivia Miller
May 20, 20254 min read


Thus Said Zarathustra
Noah reflects on the here and now, the reality of his existence in Rome.
And thus, here we are.
Among the things I thought I was ready for on this trip, I couldn't have imagined I'd be even more ready to go home. Three months in a foreign country does that to a man.

Noah Manzarek-Naghi
May 6, 20252 min read


Kyoto: Heaven with Temples and Pig Cafes
Studying abroad has been an exhilarating, life-changing experience, as everyone told me.

Olivia Miller
Mar 18, 20254 min read


Present Histories: Life in Rome as an American student
It's kind of hard, as a New Worlder, to parse the history of Rome in my head as I walk to and from school.

Noah Manzarek-Naghi
Mar 4, 20257 min read


A Happy Accident: From Colosseum to Temples in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan. A city of tradition, history, and tranquility. Believe it or not, my happy accident of studying abroad.

Olivia Miller
Feb 18, 20255 min read


Latinates: Departing for Italy, and the work that went into it
Official program blogger and English major Noah Manzarek-Naghi shares his preparation for the program in Rome.

Noah Manzarek-Naghi
Feb 4, 20254 min read


Why Study Abroad With SBCC
In this blog Mia Nungaray writes about her journey to applying for the Sicily Summer 2025 SBCC Study Abroad Program

Mia Nungaray Ruiz
Jan 21, 20255 min read


Reflections
Rebecca's final blog for the Bali fall program is filled with adventure, love and friendship. Read and be amazed!
Rebecca Jamgochian
Dec 3, 20247 min read
bottom of page