Spring Break
Study abroad program suffers in poor economy
Julie Stagis
Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: News
Today's economy has affected UConn students in numerous ways, and students who wish to study abroad are no exception.
The number of students studying abroad this year has declined by about five percent since last year, according to the Study Abroad Director Ross Lewin.
"Before the economy [took a turn for the worse], we expected to grow by 10 percent this year," Lewin said. "Our goal is to get 30 percent of our students abroad (by the time they graduate). This would be about 1,260 students a year. We're at 18 percent right now."
Since 2004, the number of UConn students going abroad has increased by more than 200 percent - from about 250 students in 2003 to about 782 last year, according to Lewin. The drop this year was noticeable.
"There's a lot of anxiety about finances (right now)," Lewin said.
Many students are disappointed that the economy seems to be hindering their chances of living and studying in their dream destinations.
"I've been planning on studying abroad for so long," said Lindsay Washbond, a 4th-semester art history major. "I felt like it was really going to happen, but now my family is really struggling because my dad owns his own small business, and now the chances of me being able to go are pretty slim."
Lewin wants students like Washbond to know that there are many affordable options for traveling abroad.
"It doesn't have to cost any more than attending UConn," he said. "We have many exchange spots where you just pay UConn tuition and the transportation to your destination."
With more than 25 direct exchange programs to countries like Ireland, England, Germany, Korea, Sweden and Mexico, students are bound to find a match.
Exchange programs involve students simply studying at a university in a different country. They become fully integrated at that university and may take whatever courses they wish, according to Lewin.
"Tuition waivers and all UConn scholarships apply, so it will cost no more than it costs you to study in Storrs. Since the dollar is strong right now, what you pay here in housing costs will usually cover your housing there," as well as much of your transportation, Lewin said.
The number of students studying abroad this year has declined by about five percent since last year, according to the Study Abroad Director Ross Lewin.
"Before the economy [took a turn for the worse], we expected to grow by 10 percent this year," Lewin said. "Our goal is to get 30 percent of our students abroad (by the time they graduate). This would be about 1,260 students a year. We're at 18 percent right now."
Since 2004, the number of UConn students going abroad has increased by more than 200 percent - from about 250 students in 2003 to about 782 last year, according to Lewin. The drop this year was noticeable.
"There's a lot of anxiety about finances (right now)," Lewin said.
Many students are disappointed that the economy seems to be hindering their chances of living and studying in their dream destinations.
"I've been planning on studying abroad for so long," said Lindsay Washbond, a 4th-semester art history major. "I felt like it was really going to happen, but now my family is really struggling because my dad owns his own small business, and now the chances of me being able to go are pretty slim."
Lewin wants students like Washbond to know that there are many affordable options for traveling abroad.
"It doesn't have to cost any more than attending UConn," he said. "We have many exchange spots where you just pay UConn tuition and the transportation to your destination."
With more than 25 direct exchange programs to countries like Ireland, England, Germany, Korea, Sweden and Mexico, students are bound to find a match.
Exchange programs involve students simply studying at a university in a different country. They become fully integrated at that university and may take whatever courses they wish, according to Lewin.
"Tuition waivers and all UConn scholarships apply, so it will cost no more than it costs you to study in Storrs. Since the dollar is strong right now, what you pay here in housing costs will usually cover your housing there," as well as much of your transportation, Lewin said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Caryl Giordano
posted 3/26/09 @ 11:04 AM EST
My daughter is studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa this semester. The cost is slightly more than what it would have cost had she stayed at Storrs. (Continued…)
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