Recent federal investigations into the student loan industry revealed unethical relationships between universities and lending companies. Now, the study abroad industry is under scrutiny for offering universities similar incentives in exchange for exclusivity of programs.
But Fairfield officials maintain that its study abroad office has not received any inducements from its program affiliates.
“We are mindful of safety and security issues and try to stay as informed as possible about our students when they are abroad. However, there are no incentives from programs for enrolling our students,” said Edna Wilson, dean of the university School of Continuing Education, which coordinates all study abroad programs.
Other colleges and universities are receiving bonuses, free and subsidized travel overseas for officials, back-office services to defray operating expenses, stipends to market the programs to students, unpaid membership on advisory councils and boards, and cash bonuses and commissions on student-paid fees, according to a recent New York Times article.
According to Fairfield’s School of Continuing Education, Fairfield faculty and administrators visit most study abroad locations to review international programs and establish which programs are most appropriate for students.
During the visits, they participate in classroom observations, meetings with faculty and administrators from the host institutions, and meetings with American students attending the host institution. Often, there are also visits to inspect housing arrangements, including host families if applicable.
Wilson said that the study abroad program abides strongly by the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis, a commitment to caring for the whole person.
“We believe that even though a student is studying in another country, we have a responsibility to know where that student is located and what courses they are taking,” said Wilson.
“We don’t expect the student to have the same experience as she or he would have had on our Fairfield, Connecticut campus,” Wilson added, “but we seek to provide corresponding learning and cultural development opportunities.”
A number of years ago, the University centralized all study abroad programs and services in the University College. This centralization insured standard practices throughout academic programs and units, and provided administrative oversight.
“I think for the Florence program, Fairfield was very involved compared to what I’ve heard about other programs,” said Emily Krause ’08, who studied abroad in Florence, Italy, last semester.
“I absolutely loved the Fairfield oversite and found it helpful. We had everything taken care of for us,” said Krause.
Study abroad is becoming integral to the college experience; the study abroad industry is expected to become more lucrative and competitive.
In 2004, Abroad View Magazine reported that approximately 190,000 students study abroad each year. There are 144 undergraduates abroad this semester. This widespread interest was further proven during last week’s Study Abroad Fair, which many underclassmen attended to gather information from peers who previously participated in the programs.
The most popular destinations are Florence, Italy; Brisbane, Australia; and London, England.
“We work closely with faculty advisors to ensure that programs we offer are appropriate for our students,” said Wilson.
“We have a wide variety of programs worldwide that are available for our students,” she added.
Students do not have the option of evading the University and other middlemen, but students said they are often impressed with the guidance and comfort offered by University-affiliated programs.
“Going through Fairfield was great because our apartment was in the best location in the heart of the city,” said Katherine Schneider ’08, who studied in Florence.
“Fairfield also organized trips, dinners and functions that helped ease our transition living abroad,” she said. Read this New York Times article for more information
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