Study Abroad

Explore global cultures and enhance your education with TCC's Study Abroad Program, offering transformative international travel opportunities.

Our Study Abroad students return from their trips more confident, adaptable, and ready to connect across cultures. Many who travel with us are experiencing international travel for the first time and come back with a stronger sense of curiosity and openness to the world.

The impact lasts long after the trip. Students express interest in new passions and a drive to give back through volunteering, cultural events, and community involvement. When you choose to study abroad, you’re not just visiting another country; you’re shaping who you’ll become.

See This Year's Destinations  Tips on Paying For Your Trip

Destinations

Explore our 2027 study abroad destinations and find the program that's right for you.

Questions?

If you have questions about a specific destination, contact the trip coordinator.

For general questions about our study abroad trips, contact Global Learning at globaled@tulsacc.edu.

England — March 2027 (Spring Break)

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London, England

Trip Coordinator: Prof. Jeff Brubaker | jeffrey.brubaker@tulsacc.edu

Come and see what treasures held in the United Kingdom can tell us about the ancient and medieval world. We will see firsthand the material culture of ancient merchants one day and then stare up at the majesty of vaulted cathedrals the next. From the enigmatic scenes of life in the palace of the Assyrians to the jewels of Sutton Hoo, the past is waiting to greet you.

Italy — May 2027

Cityscape of Rome and Vatican City featuring the Saint Peter Basilica during beautiful sunset.

Trip Coordinator: Prof. Tyler Griese | tyler.griese@tulsacc.edu

Explore the eternal cultural treasures of Italy! Travel to Rome and Florence to immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and culinary traditions. Students will view and learn from masterpieces such as the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and the Duomo in Florence. Throughout this program, you will walk in the footsteps of artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo, Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael to learn about and experience their technical decision-making as manifested through their masterworks. You will traverse several of the world's greatest collections of art, including the Vatican Museums and the Uffizi Gallery. Students will create drawings to express and document the journey and to better understand the cultural and methodological significance of Italian culture through architecture, painting, and sculpture.

France – May 2027

Colorful medieval half-timbered facades reflecting on water in Colmar, France

Trip Coordinator: Prof. Mary Kathryn Moeller | mary.moeller@tulsacc.edu

Vive la France! Join me in May 2027 for a trip across France. We will start out in Paris and see the sights in the "City of Light." We'll stroll down the Champs-Élysées in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe and make our way to the Louvre Museum to see some of the greatest art in the world. We'll journey into the artistic and intellectual heart of Paris to walk the same paths as famous philosophers, artists, and writers. We will then take the train to Strasbourg, which is known as the "crossroads of Europe." Home to the seat of the European Union and a city with deep French and German roots, Strasbourg offers a rich cultural experience. Strasbourg has been described as a fairy-tale land that is so beautiful it seems to have fallen from the sky. Don't miss this trip!

Belize – May 2027

TCC early childhood students stand next to a sign spelling the word "Belize"

Trip Coordinator: Prof. Angelica Reina Paez | angelica.reina@tulsacc.edu

Engage with Belizean educators, children, and families in this 10-day study abroad experience. Observe classrooms, explore positive guidance, and reflect on teacher-child interactions. Learn about creative expression, cultural aesthetics, and early education shaped by Belize's rich heritage. Deepen your teaching skills and cultural awareness.

Japan — June 2027

Yasaka-dori early morning with street lanterns and the Tower of Yasaka (Hokan-ji Temple), Kyoto, Japan

Trip Coordinator: Prof. Mariko Takahashi | mariko.takahashi@tulsacc.edu

Japan is extremely clean and safe, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The public transit system is highly efficient, clean, and punctual. The food is nutritious and delicious, though it may seem very different to an American palate. The people live in harmony and peace and are courteous and helpful. Historically, Japan's ports were closed for 300 years, contributing to the lack of foreign influence shaping its culture, communication, and commerce. However, since the late 19th century, Japan has been evolving rapidly with foreign influences. Come join the group and experience what you have been missing! Note: Speaking Japanese is not a prerequisite for participating in this trip.

Program Cost & Requirements

  • The cost of the short-term programs (10-14 days) ranges from $3,200-$3,900 per person
  • TCC tuition and fees are in addition to the program cost
  • Early deposits are required — Non-refundable restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply
  • Trips are small-group-based, usually 10 participants
  • Students may be able to use financial aid to pay for their trips — check out our Study Abroad financial aid guide
  • TCC will cover travel insurance for all participating students. Details about your insurance plan will come directly from iNext once the trip is finalized.

How to Use Financial Aid to Pay for Study Abroad

Planning to study abroad? While TCC, federal, and state financial aid programs don’t directly pay for Study Abroad, there are several ways you can use your existing financial aid and scholarships to help fund your trip. The key is to plan ahead.  Here are some helpful tips on how to do that.

Complete the FAFSA Early

Submitting your FAFSA as early as possible each year helps you maximize your eligibility for financial aid and scholarships, many of which have early deadlines.

Apply for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship

If you are a Pell Grant recipient, the Gilman-McCain Scholarship can help pay for your trip! The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is offered through the U.S. Department of State. This scholarship supports Study Abroad travel for students who receive a Pell grant.  Learn more and apply at gilmanscholarship.org

Apply for Scholarships

TCC offers a variety of scholarships that may help cover your educational costs, including Study Abroad.

Learn more about scholarship opportunities: tulsacc.edu/scholarships

Apply through the TCC Foundation Scholarship Portal: tulsacc.academicworks.com

The main Foundation scholarship cycle opens every October 1.  New scholarship opportunities may also be added before each semester begins.

Use Financial Aid Refunds

Study Abroad is considered an allowable cost under federal financial aid rules. If you receive a financial aid refund in the semesters before your trip, you may use that money toward your travel expenses.

What is a Refund?

When your total financial aid is greater than your charges for tuition, books, and supplies, the remaining funds are refunded to you. To ensure timely delivery of your refund, be sure to select your BankMobile Refund Preferences: bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices. For questions about the refund process, contact the Bursar's Office at studentaccounts@tccnet.tulsacc.edu

Timing Matters: Plan Ahead

Most Study Abroad trips happen between semesters. However, financial aid for those trips is tied to your enrollment in the following semester.

For example, if your trip is between spring and summer, your aid would be based on your summer enrollment. Summer financial aid typically disburses after the trip is over, so you may not receive those funds in time.

That’s why it’s important to plan early and consider setting aside funds from prior semester refunds.

Need Help?

Direct Programming Questions to douglas.price@tulsacc.edu.

Financial Aid Questions

If you have questions about whether you’re receiving the Pell Grant, whether you’ll get a refund, or anything else related to using financial aid for Study Abroad, visit any campus TCC Financial Aid Office. We can help you review your FAFSA, dashboard, and awards to help you plan.  You can also email us at TCCFinancialAid@tulsacc.edu with your questions.

Impact of Study Abroad on Intercultural Sensitivity

In collaboration with TCC’s Office of Planning and Institutional Research, a pre- and post-study was conducted on our study abroad participants to measure the impact of the study abroad experience on students’ intercultural sensitivity. When comparing the pre- and post-surveys, two items were found to have significant changes. Those changes were “I can be as sociable as I want to be when interacting with people from different cultures,” and “I tend to wait before forming an impression of culturally-distinct counterparts.” Of the students that participated in the research, 50% of them had never traveled outside the United States prior to the study abroad trip. In the open-ended question about civic or community involvement, students reported interest in volunteering in the following areas: hospitals, dental clinics, Tulsa City-County Library, voice for Study Abroad, child development, arts, language club, cultural event activities, hosting an exchange student, parks and recreation, and colleges.

Study Abroad Resources

Traveling abroad does not have to be confusing if you know the right things before you go. If your passport is expiring within the next three months, you need to renew it before departing.

Check out some of the internationally-focused events in the Tulsa area.