Spring Break
Study Abroad office busy 'in spite of the economy'
Whitney Tallarico
Issue date: 10/17/08 Section: News
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"Engaging difference in a way that's palpable," said Dania Branford-Calvo, director of International Education at URI.
In this time of economic decline, Branford said she has been thrilled with the level of inquiry in the International Studies Department.
"In spite of the economy, the office is as busy as the year before," she said. "Over 800 students attended the recent study abroad fair."
Branford said the "hot spots" for travel have not changed at all throughout the years, and most students choose to go to Australia, Spain, or Italy. Still, there have been some changes she said.
"Five years ago, maybe one student wanted to go to China, but now there are closer to five students going," she said. "Students going to new locations require support from faculty."
To advance the interest of studying abroad in China, URI is now offering Chinese language classes, specifically targeting the business students. Though it is true that traveling to China would be beneficial to business students and traveling to Spain would be beneficial for students taking Spanish, "every field of study can benefit from [studying abroad]," Branford said.
To further entice students into signing up for the program, 12 credits are offered just for the foreign language requirement. Still, there are many other benefits for a student.
"Students become cross-culturally aware and broadens his or her ability to work as a multicultural worker," Bradford said. "A student is acquiring the skills to function as an adult: academic, social, political, economic, etc. Studying abroad is 100 percent about personal growth."
Many parents and students may hesitate to participate in the Study Abroad program. The cost of travel has skyrocketed with fuel price increase, and the currency fluctuation that has reduced the value of the American dollar in other countries, but there are still ways to travel within a small budget.
"If student decides to travel over the summer rather than stay for a whole semester, he or she can cut close to half of the cost," Branford said. "You can find an experience that fits your budget. Whether that means you travel to Canada to practice French instead of France or travel to another state rather than leaving the country, studying in a different cultural environment will be a worth while experience."
Students who have further questions pertaining to studying abroad may visit the Study Abroad Office in Taft Hall or the Study Abroad Web site. There are several workshops for students with interest in going abroad. The next informative workshop will be held on Oct. 22 in the Study Abroad office between 3:30p.m. and 4:30p.m., but those who plan on attending must call to reserve a spot because space is limited.
