Spring Break
Act looks to boost funds for Study Abroad
Nelly Singh
Issue date: 8/8/08 Section: News
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"It's [the Act] a great initiative. … What it could mean is that study abroad will be more accessible for students that may not have the financial means, which is often something that prevents students from going," Ahaji Schreffler, assistant director of study abroad, said.
Many students find it hard to finance their trip and often have to resort to taking out private loans. Program costs are sometimes an inhibiting factor in students studying abroad, as well as the depreciating dollar, according to Schreffler.
Andrew Damron, a fifth-year international area studies major, who studied abroad in Paris through the The Council on International Educational Exchange program, had to take out a private loan to fund his program cost.
"[Students] shouldn't have to pay extra money. It shouldn't be a burden to study abroad. … It would be great if there was more financial aid," Damron said.
Even though money is a huge deciding factor, Damron said, "If you have to take out a loan, take it out, because you're not really going to get this opportunity [in the future]."
Daniela Ascarelli, director of study abroad and assistant dean of the Pennoni Honors College, said, "How [the Act] will really play out is [unknown]. It's easy for the government to say we would like 10 percent of our student population to go overseas … but, you need resources for that. If I suddenly tell a student you need to pay for your airfare and that airfare is $1,000, is the Simon Act going to subsidize that? … It's a great idea … but it's very complicated."
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