History professor Merri Fefles-Dunkle remembers what it was like when she was a student coming back from an experience studying abroad. She wasn’t the same person who had left.

“When I came back, my friends noticed I was different—not in a bad way, just more confident and comfortable with new experiences,” she said. “This is the best time in your life to do it. Later, you might have the money, but not the time. Now, you have the willingness—so take advantage of it.”

For many students, studying abroad is more than just a trip; it’s a transformative experience that shapes their future in unexpected ways.

Now, as Moraine Valley’s study abroad coordinator, Fefles-Dunkle invites students and community members to expand their horizons through a range of study abroad opportunities in Greece, Belize, Northern Ireland and more. These programs not only provide cultural immersion but also allow participants to earn college credits while exploring diverse global landscapes.  

Greece: Walking through history

Students in SSC-101 (Social Science I) can step into the world of ancient and modern Greece through a 14-day guided program in partnership with the American College of Greece. Participants will visit iconic sites such as the Acropolis, Olympia, and Delphi, as well as two Greek islands.

The program, which runs from May 21 to June 7, 2025, costs between $3,000 and $3,500 (excluding airfare and personal expenses).

Belize: A marine biology adventure

For those drawn to the ocean, BIO-221 (Introduction to Marine Biology) offers a hands-on experience studying coral reefs in Belize. Students will snorkel in protected reserves, explore the Belize Zoo by day and night, and examine marine ecosystems up close.

The 10-day trip, running from May 29 to June 7, 2025, costs $2,800, which includes airfare, lodging, meals, and daily snorkeling activities. A valid passport and a swim test are required.

Biology professor Michelle Zurawski, who has led the Belize program for 16 years, describes it as a unique experience: “Every student comes back saying this was the best thing they’ve ever done,” she says. “Disconnecting from technology, immersing in nature—it changes you in ways you don’t expect.”

Theater in London: A new opportunity on the horizon

Moraine Valley is also developing a theater study abroad program in London, where students will explore the city’s rich theatrical heritage. The program, spearheaded by theater professor Craig Rosen, is still awaiting approval but is tentatively scheduled for the beginning of the summer 2026 session.

“We’re hoping to do it a year from this May,” Rosen said, adding that applications would likely be due at the end of next school year. The week-long experience will include visits to theater archives, live performances, and cultural landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

Rosen, who studied abroad extensively, is passionate about the impact of such programs on students.

“I’m hoping, number one, if they haven’t been abroad before, they just get a feeling of how small and how big the world is at the same time,” Rosen said. “There’s nothing like studying abroad or traveling abroad.”

Semester-long programs across the globe  

For those looking for a longer experience, Moraine Valley offers semester-long study abroad programs in England, Ireland, France, Austria, Spain and Costa Rica. These programs range from $5,000 to $12,000, and financial aid, scholarships, and support from the Moraine Valley Community College Foundation can help offset costs.

Fefles-Dunkle encourages students to commit early to secure their spots. “Community college students often register at the last minute, so we try to keep the window open as long as possible,” she said. However, applications for semester-long programs typically close by mid-October.

Overcoming financial barriers

Despite strong interest in study abroad, financial concerns can prevent students from participating. The now-suspended Benjamin Gilman Scholarship once made studying abroad more accessible, covering full semester costs for some students. In its absence, Fefles-Dunkle has taken matters into her own hands.

“Last year for the Greece program, I did fundraising on my own,” she said. She raised nearly $3,000 to cover course fees for credit-seeking students. “It’s at least something,” she added, underscoring her commitment to making study abroad accessible.

Zurawski also encourages students to seek financial support creatively. “I always tell students, you never know unless you ask,” she said. Some students have received unexpected help from family members who recognized the value of the experience.

Both Fefles-Dunkle and Zurawski emphasize the profound impact of studying abroad. Beyond academic enrichment, these experiences foster confidence, independence, and a broader worldview.

For those hesitant about traveling alone, faculty-led trips offer a structured way to ease into international experiences. “It’s like taking a plunge, but maybe into six feet of water instead of 20,” Fefles-Dunkle said.

A key part of the experience is disconnecting from technology. “Students say they love it—they don’t miss their phones,” Zurawski said. “But as soon as we get somewhere with WiFi, everyone’s faces are buried in their screens again.” The forced break, however, often shifts perspectives. “I’ve had students tell me it’s changed how they think about vacations or that they want to try a digital detox.” 

Beyond technology, the program fosters deep conversations and lasting friendships, Zurawksi said. “I’ve seen students arrive not knowing anyone and leave like family. I even had two students meet on this trip and later get married!”

How to apply

Students interested in the Greece and Northern Ireland programs should contact Merri Fefles-Dunkle at (708) 974-5393 or fefles@morainevalley.edu. Those interested in Belize should reach out to Michelle Zurawski at zurawski@morainevalley.edu.

Whether it’s walking through ancient ruins in Greece, snorkeling in Belize, or diving into history in Northern Ireland, Moraine Valley’s study abroad programs offer life-changing opportunities.

The world is waiting—will you take the leap?

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PHOTOS FROM MORAINE VALLEY’S STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM