PCC expanding education abroad offerings to diversify portfolio of destinations
Story by Misty Bouse. Submitted photos.
Portland Community College is expanding its renowned Education Abroad Program.
Often top-ranked in the nation’s top community college study abroad programs, the program is offering 10 study abroad opportunities in 2025—its most diverse lineup yet. This year the trips venture beyond Europe to destinations such as Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo, opening doors for students to explore both new cultures and perspectives. From studying the culinary impact on health in Italy to immersing in the history and vibrancy of Iceland and Ireland, students have the chance to deepen their academic and personal experiences while traveling.
International Education Week at PCC
Every year the college participates in this annual event that is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. The week of Nov. 18-22 promotes programs that prepare students for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.
During the week of Nov. 18, in celebration of International Week, the office will host information sessions and a rotating photo exhibit from past study abroad participants in the Upper Mall of the Sylvania Campus College Center (near the Welcoming Pole).
The summer study abroad programs are open to both degree and non-degree seekers. The classes are credit courses taught and led by PCC faculty. Program highlights will include visiting Tokyo’s serene Buddhist temples, joining a traditional Yerba mate tasting in Argentina and uncovering Barcelona’s “Hidden City.” Each experience provides opportunities to learn not only from a classroom but directly from global environments.
An Accessible Path
Anne Frey, PCC’s study abroad manager, has led the college’s Education Abroad Program for eight years, building on her three decades of experience in international education.
“We aim to make studying abroad accessible,” said Frey, noting that generally, one-third of participants are Pell-eligible and often are the first in their families to attend college, or to travel internationally.
Frey and her team work closely with students to help them identify resources, financial aid and scholarships. The PCC Foundation offers scholarships specifically for education abroad, and there are additional resources like the Gilman Scholarship, which provides $1,500 to $4,000 for Pell-eligible students. As the Gilman Program states, its goal is “to empower American students with language and cultural skills crucial for their careers and academic pursuits.”
“Early planning is key,” she said.
Faculty Kim Manchester (foreground) with students in Prague.
Guidance Every Step of the Way
PCC’s study abroad advising team meets with students from the start to discuss the financial aspects of studying abroad. Costs vary by program but generally include housing, transportation, all activities associated with the course, some meals and international health insurance. Airfare, however, is usually not covered. Frey advises students to apply early, especially for scholarships with early deadlines, to make study abroad more financially viable.
“We want students to go in with eyes wide open,” Frey said. “We discuss costs right from the start and encourage students to meet with us as often as needed.”
For Frey, witnessing students’ personal growth through these experiences is one of the program’s most rewarding aspects.
“Every time I travel abroad, I meet a piece of myself I wouldn’t have otherwise,” Frey added. “Students learn deeply about themselves—who they are, what they believe, and where they fit in the world.”
A photo of a Prague street by student Randahl Finnessy.
Frey said that faculty members who accompany students on these journeys also note the transformative nature of study abroad. Engaging with students outside the traditional classroom setting allows both students and faculty to experience learning in a whole new way.
Embrace the World
Whether it’s hiking Mount Vesuvius, studying economics in another country, or exploring the cultural values and histories of new cities, Frey said PCC’s 2025 study abroad programs provide students with unforgettable experiences.
Randahl Finnessy, a PCC photography and art student since 2016, visited Prague last summer for a three-week digital photography class and produced some stellar work, Frey said.
“It was an extremely enjoyable adventure in the Czech Republic, which allowed us time to become familiar with the public transport system so we could get anywhere to take our images,” said Finnessy, who is a retiree and seasoned traveler. “The excursions outside of the city gave us a different perspective and more photographic opportunities. The Czech people were welcoming and very hospitable.”
For more information, visitPCC’s Education Abroad webpage.