with the Coast Community College District
June 4 - July 3, 2026
Classes begin on campus June 1, 2026
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 OCC Psychology professor, Dr. Jarren Gonzales.
You will begin your study abroad experience by attending two days 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 sixth 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 26, 2026. Beyond March 26, 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 A110 – Psychology of Adjustment 3 semester units
This course examines the psychological concepts and principles that underlie personal and social adjustment to the changes in our lives, with particular attention paid to healthy adjustment and the minimization of harmful stress. Theories and research pertaining to personality and adjustment 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 firsthand 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, weekly themed dinners 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 26
Mandatory Online Pre-departure Orientation: TBD
Classes begin at OCC: June 1
Departure from U.S.: June 3
Arrival in Madrid: June 4
Overseas orientation: June 5
Classes begin in Madrid: June 8
Return to U.S.: July 3
Program Price: $4,375
- Double room in shared student apartment or double room in a homestay which includes breakfast daily and dinner four days a week
- 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
- Weekly themed dinners to taste regional foods
- 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 $1450-$1600)
- The Coast Community College District tuition and fees
- Optional single room in student apartment supplement ($275)
- Optional single room in a homestay supplement ($275), 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 require a supplement of $275 and have limited availability. Homestay accommodations include breakfast daily and dinner four days a week and have. 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 4, 2026).
All participants must check in at the designated arrival point on June 4, 2026 between 9am and 6pm (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 $1450-$1600 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 $492 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.
Payment Schedule
Non-refundable first payment – $250
Final payment due March 26, 2026 – $4,125