Summer Psychology Program in Madrid

with the Coast Community College District
June 6 - July 5, 2024
Classes begin on campus May 28, 2024

Program Application

Immerse yourself in experiential learning...

Spend the Summer in Madrid studying Psychology with the Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College) and Accent. Madrid becomes an extension of your classroom as you explore Spanish parks, monuments, churches and museums while attending psychology classes with visiting faculty.

You will begin your study abroad experience by attending two weeks of classes at OCC before departing for Madrid, Spain where you will finish the remaining 4 weeks of coursework. Outside of class, you will have ample free time to explore the vibrant city of Madrid, venture to various destinations across Spain, and experience the wonders of other European countries!

Accent staff will offer a variety of cultural activities and be available to support you and your classmates throughout your time abroad. All of this adds up to an unforgettable summer experience and an opportunity to create friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!

The course leader for this exciting program is OCC Psychology professor, Dr. Jarren Gonzales. Jarren has extensive experience and expertise in the area of study abroad. This will be Jarren’s fifth time leading students to Europe. Additionally, the knowledge he gained from his research on cultural and psychological adaptation to living abroad that he conducted at the University of Notre Dame is integrated in the summer experience to best meet the needs of students living and studying abroad. Aside from being extremely knowledgeable in his field, Jarren has won numerous teaching awards for his dedication to students and innovation in creating engaging courses. With Jarren as your course leader, you can expect an abundance of passion and enthusiasm for both the course material and the cultural experience of living and studying in Madrid!

The Summer Psychology in Madrid Program is open to students who are at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Program space is limited. Students should complete the online application with the $250 non-refundable first payment as soon as possible. Upon receipt of your application and first payment, Coast Community College District and Accent will provide you with additional application and enrollment forms. Applications must be received by March 28, 2024. Beyond March 28, limited enrollment is allowed when space permits.

The Summer Psychology in Madrid program is offered for transferable college credit through Orange Coast College, part of the Coast Community College District. The Coast Community College District will provide a transcript upon request for the coursework completed overseas. Please verify the transferability of courses with your advisor or registrar before you apply.

Classes will be held at the Accent Madrid Study Center.

Psychology A200 – Positive Psychology                    3 semester units
This course examines practical ways to promote and maintain well-being and happiness by strengthening positive character traits, managing emotions, and fostering meaningful relationships. When we encounter challenges that require personal and social adaptation, our psychological strengths will contribute to healthy adjustment and the minimization of harmful stress. Theories and research pertaining to these psychological strengths will be explored, and you will be invited to reflect on and describe your experiences abroad using your newly acquired knowledge.

Psychology A190 – Cross-Cultural Psychology                    3 semester units
This course explores fundamental theories and research in psychology that help us to better understand our experiences when we come into continuous first-hand contact with people from cultural backgrounds different from our own.  By studying these concepts and dynamics of cross-cultural interactions – and experiencing the interactions on a daily basis while studying abroad – you will become better equipped to contribute to a global community in your work and personal life.

Cultural learning is an integral part of the Summer in Madrid Program. Participants attend on-site lectures at museums and historical sites within and outside of Madrid. Included in the program are a guided tour of Madrid, a Flamenco dance class, a cooking class and a one-day trip to Segovia, including coach transport, guided visit to the main fortress, and entries. Excursions are chosen based on the academic curriculum and are subject to change.

Application due: with first payment
Final payment due: March 28
Mandatory Online Pre-departure Orientation: TBD
Classes begin at OCC: May 28
Departure from U.S.: June 5
Arrival in Madrid: June 6
Overseas orientation: June 7
Classes begin in Madrid: June 10
Return to U.S.: July 5

Program Price: $3,500

  • Double room in shared student apartment or double room in a homestay which includes breakfast daily and dinner four days a week (limited availability)
  • Pre-departure and overseas orientation program, with a practical walking tour of areas in Madrid around the Accent Madrid Center
  • One-day trip to Segovia, including coach transport, guided visit to the main fortress, and entries
  • Flamenco dance class
  • Cooking class
  • Course related guided visit to Museo del Prado
  • Overseas information and resource center with Accent Madrid on-site staff
  • Madrid transit pass (youth all-zone 25 years and younger, or adult zone A)
  • Transfers from and to the Madrid airport for group flight participants and those non-group flight participants able to meet the group transfer (based on 10 participants in group flight)

  • Round-trip airfare (estimated airfare $1800-$2000)
  • The Coast Community College District tuition and fees
  • Optional single room in student apartment supplement ($200)
  • Optional single room in a homestay supplement ($200), includes breakfast daily and dinner four days a week
  • Personal expenses, passports, visas, books, and anything not listed as included
  • Meals
  • Required CCCD medical insurance (see description below)
  • Travel and personal property insurance

Students may choose to live in double or single rooms in shared student apartments or double or single rooms in a homestay. Single rooms in shared student apartments or in a homestay are limited and require a supplement of $200. Homestay accommodations include breakfast daily and dinner four days a week and have limited availability. Apartments and homestays are co-ed and may be shared with other international students. Housing is provided from the first day of the program (June 6, 2024).

All participants must check in at the designated arrival point on June 6, 2024 between 9am and 8pm (Note: most transatlantic flights arrive one day after their departure date). Airfare is not included in the program fee. Accent will organize an optional round-trip group flight from Los Angeles. Group flight participants and those non-group flight participants able to meet the group transfer will be met at the airport in Madrid and transferred to their housing. Group flight participants returning to the U.S. on the group return date will receive transportation to the Madrid airport. Participants on the Summer Psychology in Madrid program will receive detailed optional group flight information approximately four months prior to departure. Estimated airfare $1800-$2000. All participants will receive a transit pass.

Academic credit for this program is awarded by Orange Coast College. A $46 per unit enrollment fee must be paid to CCCD at the time of registration. Nonresidents of California pay $412 per unit. Fees are set by the State of California and are subject to change. For more information, please contact Professor Jarren Gonzales at jgonzales@occ.cccd.edu.

All program participants are required to purchase short-term outbound study abroad medical insurance through an approved District insurance provider. Program participants can find further information on the required study abroad medical insurance on the CCCD web site. Program participants must purchase this study abroad medical insurance no less than 60 days prior to program departure. Failure to purchase the required study abroad medical insurance shall prevent student from participating in the study abroad program.

Participants who are enrolled in both the “Spanish Language in Madrid” program and this “Psychology in Madrid” program with Coast Community College District will receive a $200 reduction in the per participant price of the “Spanish Language in Spain” program.

Payment Schedule

Non-refundable first payment – $250
Final payment due March 28, 2024 – $3,250

The payment schedule is the applicant’s contractual obligation. Failure to make each payment when due shall automatically cancel participant from the program one week after payment due date. All payments are effective the day they are received by the Accent U.S. Office. Accent, in its sole discretion, may reinstate an applicant subject to availability of space and late enrollment fees. Accent charges a $30 bounced check fee for each check received that is not promptly paid by your bank in the normal course of business. The program price is based on 20 participants, the price may change depending on final enrollment.

Cancellations

Cancellation Fees:
71 days or more prior to start of program – $250
50 to 70 days prior to start of program – $760
31 to 49 days prior to start of program – $1,045
0 to 30 days prior to start of program – No Refund
All cancellations must be made in writing to Accent and the Coast Community College District and are effective the date of receipt by Accent. Participants are liable for payments until written cancellation is received by Accent.
Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended, this link provides a summary on the different types of trip cancellation insurance available. Please take the time to evaluate your options.
Before the start date of the program, should CCCD’s protocols deem necessary to cancel the program for any health or safety reasons, Accent Global Learning will refund recoverable program costs only.

Ready to spend your summer in Madrid?

Program Application
Accent Global Learning, and not the Coast Community College District, is responsible for all travel arrangements and any liability arising therefrom. The Coast Community College District is NOT liable for any damages arising out of the services described herein, including, but not limited to any promises or representations, whether expressed or implied. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to in any way bind the District, the District Governing Board, any of their agents, employees or representatives to any promises, obligations, covenants or duties whether expressed or implied herein.
Accent Global Learning is not responsible for the academic segment of the program except as specified in the contract between Accent and the Coast Community College District. Nor is Accent responsible for airline delays of any kind, or for expenses or loss incurred as a result of such delays. With regard to transportation/travel, regardless of the type of vehicle, Accent acts for the passenger as agent only. Accent assumes no liability for accident, injury, damage, or loss in any vehicle, or as a result of default by any person or company engaged in transporting the passenger. CST #1013432-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.