Studying abroad may seem like a daunting and unaffordable option for many students, especially in today’s challenging economic environment.
To promote program affordability to students, advisers at the Office of International Education are encouraging students to expand their choices to make traveling abroad a reality.
“Choosing an affordable program is key,” said Cindy Kraft, assistant director of study abroad programs. “This is the most important decision students will make in studying abroad.”
With more than 250 programs in 70 different countries offered by OIE, the opportunities and reasons for studying abroad are boundless, but the means of getting there may be inhibiting for many.
Programs vary greatly in cost. Studying in England, one of the most expensive places to study, starts at $28,000, compared to $14,000 to study in Costa Rica.
Elizabeth Ordaz, a sophomore international affairs major, is going to Argentina next fall and said that affordability played a key role in deciding where to visit.
“The main reason I want to study abroad is to gain experience in my field of study to further pursue a career in international affairs,” Ordaz said. “I always wanted to go to South America but probably knowing offhand that I would never be able to afford Europe played in the back of my mind.”
The effects of the global economic crisis in terms of education abroad are currently only speculative and without substantial research, according to Nathan Frank, study abroad program manager.
“Global events have a lag time before people change their behavior,” Kraft said. “We’re keeping a close eye on trends this semester.”
Frank also said students have voiced concern regarding dips in college funds and decreases in parent’s income. Although direct impacts caused by the economic recession are mild, constraints have been amplified in terms of affording specific locations.
“You would think the bad economy would be damaging, but it really isn’t,” Frank said. “I’m so proud of the fact that even with louder concerns, students are being advised and the number going abroad has actually increased.”
Financial aid, student loans and scholarships are available for students, said officials with the study abroad program. Frank also said there are more affordable programs, such as exchanges, which provide a reciprocal experience and pay for the equivalent of in-state tuition by swapping tuition with another student from the chosen country.
“The scholarship reward amounts have increased, slightly decreasing recipients to target higher-need students and help them out in a bigger way,” Frank said. “Before, 60 to 70 percent of applicants received aid, now about 60 percent do. This is one more way of reacting to the perceived need.”
The exchange rate can provide a beneficial part in choosing a study abroad location, according to Frank.
“We are in a recession but the dollar is strengthening,” Frank said. “While the recession leads to lower income, it is relatively better globally. When students can see the day-to-day expense, it looks more affordable.”
Looking at the bigger picture is also very important.
“Affording study abroad should be taken into broad context, like buying in bulk,” Frank said. “It is a better deal, but often students are on the visa program and there are no job opportunities.”
Some students are looking at programs outside CU to better facilitate their needs and economic considerations.
Dustin Kloempken, a junior environmental studies major, returned from a non-CU program in Argentina last November. While the program may have been less expensive, it came with drawbacks.
“A non-CU program offered more of what I wanted and it was cheaper, but now I am worried about my transfer credits,” Kloempken said.
Kloempken also said that he did not notice the impact until later.
“I did not see the impact as much because I left before the economy spiraled out of control, and I only talked to my parents occasionally,” Kloempken said.
Another option students are looking into is saving money by focusing on travel opportunities, opposed to a semester or year-long commitment, paid in one lump sum.
“All we see is the sticker price,” said Isla Schanuel, a senior Spanish and biology major. “Our study abroad office is very good with scholarships and different programs, but I’m looking into traveling and not studying abroad because I would not be able to afford the program, food, flight and other things.”
One of Schanuel’s concerns is returning home without money, while not being able to have a job overseas.
“People working with constraints affect the study abroad office because if safety cannot be guaranteed financially on the return home and all finances are overseas, the student may not be able to return to school,” Schanuel said.
The student administration is looking at the well-being of all students, according to Frank.
“We are trying to direct all students with all different factors to find the best fit program,” Frank said. “We’re taking into account the balance needed with all (applicants) on specific factors which determine their choice. But it’s a huge menu and we should be able to find something.”
The study abroad office advisers said though they want to work with students to explore different options, they must approach it realistically.
“My angle is to eliminate misconceptions and the perceived picture,” Frank said. “It’s not that everyone can afford study abroad but by looking at the big picture, and seeing what the office can help with is key.”
The top study abroad locations include: Australia, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, Semester at Sea and Italy. However, the least traveled, adventure-driven places like Latin America and Southeast Asia tend to be the most affordable, according to Frank.
“If this encourages people to go out to less developed countries and look at more affordable programs, our office supports that and we are excited to see it,” Frank said. “We think everyone should go abroad everywhere.”
For more information about studying abroad, visit the Office of International Education’s Web site at www.colorado.edu/UCB/StudentAffairs/OIE/.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Christine Larsen at Christine.larsen@colorado.edu.
