A Pub, Two Dogs, and Some Friendly Locals: Study Abroad Adds Depth to Education

I was able to chat via e-mail with two folks from the Institute of International Education—Shannon Bishop, program manager of the membership and higher education services, and Peggy Blumenthal, executive vice president.

They said the increase in interest in South American and Asian countries is due to the high proportion of U.S. students who learn Spanish and the rapid economic growth seen in the “Asian tiger” countries.

“Study abroad students have international understanding and regional expertise that will be marketable in any field,” they said in a joint e-mail. “They return from study abroad experiences as global citizens, with an increased appreciation of different perspectives and ways of life. Additionally, study abroad builds independence, self-confidence, and perseverance—all critical professional skills.”

U.S. students have also moved beyond the classic junior year abroad. Many students now opt for single-semester experiences and some decide to go abroad more than once.

Clare Swindells, visiting students officer at the University of Edinburgh, said only 63 of the 557 fee-paying exchange students that the school is hosting for the academic year 2006–2007 are full-year students.

Along with great opportunities offered by study abroad programs come many extra expenses. But efforts are being made to ensure that an international education isn’t only for the elite. The U.S. Department of State, IIE’s online database and individual university abroad offices can help to organize the search for funding.

“Increases in program offerings and scholarship opportunities have decreased the barriers to study abroad and students from all disciplines, ethnicities, and economic level have begun to incorporate study abroad into their college experience,” Bishop and Blumenthal said.

For my program, my home university, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was able to offer the experience for the same tuition fees I would normally pay in the U.S.

Specific scholarships are often available and loans are also an option. UNC recently introduced a new program, Phillips Ambassadors, which covers the cost of a study abroad experience to Asia.

Now I find that my suitcases are packed once again, headed for the less-exotic locale of home. Shipston-on-Stour wasn’t my last trip destination, but I am constantly reminded of that pub, Vince and Maureen, and what things we can experience if only we look a little bit past the ordinary tourist spots.