Edwin Santos, a second year at Shoreline College, vacationed in Japan two years ago and came away impressed with the historic museums, monumental shrines and towering skylines.

Last year, Santos returned to Japan as part of a three-month long study abroad program through Shoreline College. He studied in Miyazaki, Japan, taking art appreciation and beginner Japanese classes. While in Japan, Santos walked away with a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture, and understanding of Japanese society. 

 There, he gained more confidence speaking Japanese to residents, while also connecting with his roommates, and being able to participate in a two-day stay with a host family. “Much of what I learned and experienced made me a better student and person overall. Lastly, the study abroad trip strengthened my mind to have a consistent attitude of always learning and not giving up,” Santos said via email. 

Colleen Ferguson, the Associate Director of Global Learning and Engagement at Shoreline College, emphasizes the cultural benefits and personal growth that comes with traveling abroad. “Even if they struggled a little bit at the time, they have finished a two week, four week, or nine, or ten week program. They’ve also overcome a challenge, and that absolutely builds self-esteem and excitement for more of that,” Ferguson said. 

For those worried about the financial aspect of studying abroad, Shoreline provides a list of scholarships students can apply to, along with scholarship search engines which can include grants and financial aid. Scholarship money can vary from 500 dollars to 5000 dollars. 

Faculty-led study abroad programs are also an option for students who are only interested in short-term stays. These shorter study abroad programs are generally more affordable and accessible for students who are the primary caretakers in their homes, or for those who can’t afford to take 10 weeks off from their job. 

Upcoming programs at Shoreline are nursing in Ecuador in June 2026, Costa Rica in August 2026, and Japan in Fall 2026. Those interested in learning more about studying abroad can make an appointment with an advisor by emailing [email protected]. “It’s an investment into you as a person and also your future career, as well as just your future self,” Ferguson said.