Washington Community College Consortium for Study Abroad (WCCCSA) Opportunities
Highline College is thrilled to collaborate with the Washington Community College Consortium for Study Abroad (WCCCSA), a partnership of community colleges dedicated to providing affordable and enriching study abroad opportunities for students. WCCCSA offers unique programs that allow students to explore the world, earn college credits, and immerse themselves in new cultures.
For the upcoming year, WCCCSA is offering the following exciting destinations for students:
- Spring 2025: Rome, Italy
- Summer 2025: South Korea, Costa Rica
- Fall 2025: Barcelona, Spain & Miyazaki, Japan
These programs combine academic coursework with cultural experiences, helping students broaden their global perspective while building valuable skills for their future.
If you are interested in any of these destinations or want to learn more about these incredible opportunities, please reach out to Mina Vo, Global Programs Manager at Highline College, for more information.
Step 1: Connect with Your Campus Coordinator
Begin by reaching out to your WCCCSA Campus Coordinator to discuss available programs and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Completion of at least 12 college credits at your home institution
- Ability to obtain a valid passport or travel documents
- Be 18 years or older by the program start date (exceptions may apply)
Step 2: Submit the Preliminary Application
Complete the online preliminary application form, which requires:
- Uploading your unofficial transcripts
- Providing names and email addresses of two recommenders (at least one must be a faculty member)
- Submitting a 700–1000 word essay addressing the following questions:
- What do you hope to accomplish while studying abroad?
- How does your study abroad program relate to your academic and future professional goals?
- What do you think the biggest challenges will be for you to live in a new country and culture for 1–3 months?
- What obstacles, financial or otherwise, have you faced in your decision to study abroad?
Note: This essay also serves as your application for WCCCSA scholarships.
Step 3: Await Coordinator Follow-Up
Your Campus Coordinator will review your application materials, including your essay, transcripts, and any disciplinary records. They may schedule an advising appointment or interview to discuss your application further.
Step 4: Complete Program Provider’s Application
Once approved, you’ll need to:
- Fill out the specific application forms for your chosen program
- Submit any additional required documents (e.g., housing or medical forms)
- Pay the non-refundable program deposit by the specified deadline
Step 5: Enroll in Classes
Register for the appropriate courses through your home campus. Your Campus Coordinator will provide guidance on this process.
Step 6: Pay Program Fees and Tuition
Ensure all program fees and tuition are paid by their respective deadlines.
Step 7: Prepare for Departure
Make your travel arrangements and attend the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation to get ready for your study abroad experience.
💰 Financial Aid & Scholarships
WCCCSA offers scholarships for quarter-long and short-term summer programs. By submitting your preliminary application and essay, you’re automatically considered for these scholarships. Additionally, Pell Grant recipients may be eligible for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000. Check with your institution’s financial aid office for more opportunities.
📄 Additional Resources
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs
Spring Quarter 2026
- Destination: Berlin, Germany
- Application Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025
- Interview Period: May 2025
Fall Quarter 2026
- Destination: Dublin, Ireland
- Application Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025
- Interview Period: May 2025
Faculty Eligibility & Application Requirements
WCCCSA seeks enthusiastic and creative faculty who can demonstrate a history of effectiveness in their instructional discipline and the ability to successfully forward student participation and academic progress. Interested instructors need strong interpersonal communication skills and a keen awareness of the realities of providing instruction to U.S. community college students overseas. A strong foundation in intercultural awareness/communication, student development, and cross-cultural adjustment is required to teach on a WCCCSA program.
Typically, WCCCSA will cover, with full enrollment, faculty lodging, local transportation, travel insurance, and a round-trip airfare stipend.
Faculty applicants must teach at a WCCCSA-member school. Please check with your campus coordinator to verify that your school has independently approved to endorse applications from their faculty. Full-time faculty are welcome to apply; part-time faculty should check with their home institution. Faculty applicants must be approved by their home institution. Programs run based on minimum enrollment numbers and are not guaranteed to run until after the program application deadline.
Evaluation Criteria for Faculty Applicants
- Relevance of the proposed courses to the respective location and environment.
- Applicability of proposed courses to general education distribution requirements and courses’ appeal to the general students (without prerequisite preferred, generally no access to lab or studio space on site).
- Ability to build inclusive group dynamics in a space where students of different backgrounds and identities (including students who experience barriers to education) can thrive while learning, living, and traveling together.
- Positive record of college-level teaching excellence with proposed or similar courses.
- Previous international education experience and student service experience.
- Positive record of collegial cooperation and interdisciplinary instruction.
Application Submission
- Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025
- Application Form: WCCCSA Faculty Application
- Note: Only complete applications will be considered. Once submitted, applications cannot be changed or amended for reconsideration.