Summer in Spain? Ghana? Argentina?

Studying abroad can change your life. But hurry, now's the time to apply to travel the worldby Jessica Reyes.Close your eyes and imagine traveling from country to country with ease because everything is so close and all you have to do is hop on a train and go.  Now, take a second to picture mouth-watering French food any time you desire because you're in the heart of Paris.This was the life of CCNY  student John Little last year when he studied abroad in Paris for a semester.  “There’s something majestic about the city's beauty," says Little. "France has such a deep history--from medieval castles, to Claude Monet's actual lily garden.  I got to experience history pre-1492.”In an increasingly global workplace, international travel can make a student more attractive to employers after graduation. With this is mind, City College strongly encourages study abroad. And for the first time this summer, the school will offer five new study abroad programs--in Argentina, Spain, Morocco, Ghana and the Dominican Republic--with some financial aid attached. Courses will be worth four to six credits for four weeks in the various countries.Martha Escobar, 22,  studied in Florence, Italy, taking classes for Photoshop, Italian language, and a pairing food with wine class. She calls the experience "unforgettable."“I would HIGHLY recommend studying abroad to others," says Escobar, a CCNY senior. "You learn so much about yourself, other cultures, other people, and build close relationships with other students."The new program in the Dominican Republic, June 9-July 7, adds a service-learning component. Students will live in apartments in the capital of Santo Domingo taking classes in Caribbean culture and identity formation, and immigration issues. They will participate in a final project with a local organization focused on urban agriculture.Raymond Martinez, an MCA alum, studied in Paris, and recommends study abroad to other students.“Often times we're so caught up with the hustle and bustle, we miss out on new experiences," he says. "It's just a great way to make new friends, experience a new culture and to see the world.”Studying abroad can be expensive. The trip to the Dominican Republic adds up to about $4,000 with airfare and tuition included.  Scholarships can help. (The Study/Travel Opportunities for CUNY Students program grants up to $1,650.)Hurry: now's the time to apply. Applications are due March 19. For more information, contact the Office of Study Abroad online or call: 2120650-5494.Twitter: @jessreyes0228