During the fall of 2008, a group of San Diego Community College students successfully completed a semester abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina through the school’s study abroad program which began August 22, 2008 and ended November 2, 2008.

Students took SDCCD courses in Spanish, Anthropology, History, and Music at Escuelas y Centros de Español en Latin America (ECELA). ECELA is a language school in Buenos Aires that is aimed mainly at travelers wanting to brush up on their foreign language skills. This was the first time ECELA hosted an organized group of students studying abroad from another school.

Student housing was included in the trip. It was provided through ECELA’s student apartments and host families.

Latin professors taught the History and Music classes, while the Anthropology classes were taught by Steve Bouscaren, a professor at San Diego City College. Bouscaren accompanied the students as a professor and chaperone.

Students were required to take an Argentine Life and Culture class as part of the program’s requirements. Each week students learned about a different part of the country, its history, and its people. Topics ranged from the history of tango and tango classes to understanding the Falklands’ War and the effect it had on Argentina.

Terry Metsch, a 20-year-old Mesa student, took part in the semester abroad to Buenos Aires. He had first signed up for the Semester at Sea program, but then changed his mind after learning about Argentina from a friend.

“I was trying to decide between Semester at Sea and this study abroad program so I compared the pros and cons and it just made more sense for me to go to Argentina,” said Metsch.

After the semester, Metsch traveled by himself in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Because he enjoyed his time in Buenos Aires so much, he decided to stay for the spring semester as well.

“My semester abroad was so amazing that it has turned into my life abroad, as I am still living in Argentina,” added Metsch. “It is too difficult to say what my most memorable experience is because each day is a new adventure that entails new experiences.”

Metsch is taking a full load of online classes this semester while looking for work as an English teacher in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Upcoming study abroad opportunities include Cuernavaca, Mexico during summer 2009; separate trips to Paris and London during fall 2009; and possible excursions to Spain and Italy during spring 2010.

According to Marion Froehlich, the International Education Coordinator at City College, “Mesa does not participate in the study abroad consortium that offers London in the fall and Salamanca, Spain in the spring. The other programs are open to all SDCCD students.”

Because the London and Salamanca trips are offered through different community college districts, SDCCD students who wish to partake in these semesters would have to register with those schools. Citrus College in Glendora, CA is offering the semester abroad in England.

For more information on study abroad opportunities, visit www.sdcity.edu/studyabroad.