Fairfield University students who have studied abroad refer to it as one of the most fulfilling experiences of their lives.
But would these students feel the same way if studying abroad was a requirement instead of a choice?
Starting next fall, incoming freshmen at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, will be required to spend a minimum of three weeks abroad in order to graduate.
Northeastern University in Boston requires its international business majors to spend their entire junior year abroad, with the first semester in an academic environment and the next semester in a professional environment in the same country.
Fairfield students who have spent time overseas disagree with this implementation.
“Traveling isn’t for everyone,” said Jack Becht ’06, an international studies major who spent his junior year abroad in Brussels, Belgium, and Prague, Czech Republic. “It takes a certain spirit to fully realize the potential of an immersion experience.”
And what about the cost? Goucher gives a $1,200 voucher to students who choose a three-week course, although each course costs approximately $3,000 plus airfare, according to Brown University’s student newspaper, The Daily Herald.
Anna Cardenas ’06 said her opinion of mandatory study abroad programs would depend on the details.
“I wish I had gone abroad,” she said. “But financially it’s too much of a burden.”
Dr. Iris Bork-Goldfied, associate director of International Studies and academic advisor for Study Abroad students, said enough students are already interested in studying abroad that making the experience mandatory wouldn’t be necessary.
Bork-Goldfied does encourage students to spend time abroad, especially in her own area of international studies.
Adjunct Anthropology Professor Lynne Penczer thinks semesters abroad are definitely beneficial, but does not think they should be mandatory.
“In class I try to give my students the experience of being overseas,” said Penczer. “But nothing takes the place of living in another culture.”
Keith Lennon ’06 enjoyed his semester abroad in Prague.
“I got to see a completely different type of society – one that has a much different view on how life should be lived, because they have only had their freedom for about 15 years,” he said.
“First hand, I learned of people not having food for days in a communist society, while their leader drank milk from Switzerland every morning with his breakfast,” he added.
Students said the language barrier and culture shock were experiences in themselves.
“Personally, one of my favorite memories is the time that I shared a loaf of bread and a bottle with a man who didn’t speak a lick of English,” said Wes Wilson ’06, who spent last semester in Galway, Ireland.
“Studying abroad tested me,” said Christina Gaetani ’06, who was in Florence, Italy, last spring. “It got me out of my comfort zone.”
Students said they learned not only about other cultures but also about broader and more philosophical issues.
“There comes a time in every traveler’s life where he forgets what it is to be an American and learns what it is to be a human being,” said Becht.
Students said they are happy they took the opportunity to go abroad, but do not think making it a requirement is a good idea.
“Studying abroad is a unique experience,” said Steve Garofalo ’06, who spent last spring in Florence. “Making it mandatory would make it standard.”
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