Sources & Contacts

SDCCD Study Abroad Programs, Professors, and Former Study Abroad Students

San Diego Community College

Study Abroad Sites and Contacts

San Diego Community College District Site

San Diego Miramar College

*Study abroad programs are still underway, the website may not be available. Contact Laura T. Gonzalez at lagonzal@sdccd.edu for info on upcoming programs.

San Diego Mesa College

Dora Schoenbrun-Fernandez dschoenb@sdccd.edu

From Student to Professor: A Study Abroad Story

Professor Hannah Barajas-Padilla

I envisioned this website to feature compelling narratives of individuals who fearlessly embraced the world through their international studies. Allow me to share the remarkable study abroad journey of Professor Hannah Barajas-Padilla, a beloved professor who served as both a mentor and a Spanish professor during my study abroad experience. Enjoy as she walks you through her story and provides valuable advice for your journey.

Back at my university

I studied abroad for a semester during my junior year of college 28 years ago in Seville, Spain. This experience forever changed my life. Despite the normal challenges of adjusting to life in a new country, I was enriched by this opportunity in numerous ways:

Experienced a complete cultural immersion (language, customs and behaviors, holidays, history, politics, art, literature, religion, etc.)
Developed new perspectives and broadened my vision of the world
Learned about and appreciated cultural differences and similarities
Gained a clarity of old and new values
Language was utilized in meaningful everyday contexts this strengthened and increased my communication skills in Spanish
Experienced a different type of academic environment
Created lifetime friendships and memories
Developed a new sense of independence, strengthened my courage, and deepened my passion for learning
Modified my academic goals and changed to a double major- Art and Spanish

After completing my BA I later went on to earn a MA in Hispanic Languages and Literatures and then found myself at home as a community college instructor of Spanish. Last summer I was fortunate enough to return to Spain as a faculty member of a Mesa College study abroad program. It was amazing to finally visit the country again after so many years and at the same time to bear witness to my students' transformation.My study abroad experience put me in the direction of my life’s purpose: to continue learning and share my love for the Spanish language and the culture of Spanish-speaking countries with others, to encourage a life of learning, and most of all, to help others reach their full potential. My advice? Study abroad and see where it takes you!

Here are images thoughtfully curated by Professor Hannah, serving as powerful testimonials to the beauty and impact of studying abroad and showcasing how it fosters connections among people transcending both time and space.

let's connect! + some photos from my summer abroad

Julliana V. Samson

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship, SDCCD Programs, and any further questions or concerns. Plus, if you are participating in programs in Spain, Italy, or France or plan on visiting, I've curated a list of accommodations, restaurant suggestions, and fun spots that I would love to share with you!