4CD Opens Doors to Global Learning with Study Abroad Program

Did you know that 4CD offers a semester-long study abroad program? The Contra Costa Community College District is part of a consortium that offers one trip in the fall and one trip in the spring. These experiences are open to all students ages 18+ who have completed at least 12 college units and carry a minimum 2.25 GPA.

The program brings together students and faculty from four Northern California college districts for a three-month overseas experience. Each college district typically sends about 20 students, who live locally, take at least four in-person classes (12 units), and spend their free time exploring the region. All of the courses, regardless of the host country, are taught in English.

Last spring, 26 4CD students traveled to Florence, Italy, where they studied subjects such as Italian Life and Culture, Astronomy of the Solar System, History of Medieval and Renaissance Art, and Introduction to Digital Photography.

“It's such a unique opportunity to stand in front of an architectural masterpiece, an artwork, or a historic site and understand it more deeply through direct experience,” said Diablo Valley College Professor of Art and Photography Nicole White. “Being physically present transforms the learning process, and students come away with a much richer understanding from spending time moving through and around the places we're discussing.”

Among their extracurricular activities, students enjoyed gastronomic adventures (think: pasta, pizza, cheese, gelato, and more!), toured world-famous museums and historical sites, went on urban hikes, learned about sustainability through a hands-on ZeroLab leather workshop, attended a soccer match, and so much more!

They also enjoyed optional weekend excursions to Rome, Venice, and Sorrento.

“Students benefit most from being immersed in a new environment,” Professor White said. “While the educational experience is incredibly vibrant, I believe the most valuable thing they gain is independence. They learn how to navigate unfamiliar cities, speak some of the language, make new friends, and begin to understand how capable they are of thriving while taking responsibility for themselves.”

This fall, students will travel to London. Participants will depart on Sept. 3 to study in the ancient capital of England, where they will enjoy its historic boroughs, world-class museums, acclaimed theatres and renowned concert halls, and plentiful parks and gardens.

4CD study abroad staff are already planning for spring 2027, when students will travel to Florence. Applications for that trip are due by Oct. 30, 2026, but students who apply by Sept. 18 will receive priority status for enrolling in program courses.

The fall 2027 program will take place in Barcelona, Spain.

Interested in studying abroad with 4CD? Please visit https://www.dvc.edu/life-dvc/study-abroad

Photo credit: Nicole White