Number of students studying abroad on the rise

Students recommend studying abroad to supplement education.

By Joe Buzzelli

Published Sept. 11, 2009

Despite the decreasing value of the American dollar, the number of MU students who study abroad has nearly tripled over the past decade.

Last year alone, MU sent about 1,100 students abroad, making MU one of 40 institutions in the country to do so, Study Abroad Director Barbara Lindeman said.

Because the number of MU students who study abroad has continued to rise, even at times when the American dollar was weaker than it is today, Lindeman said she's confident financial difficulties will not hinder students' opportunities to study abroad.

"The University of Missouri has stated the goal of educating students to be globally competent," Lindeman said. "Study abroad provides unique opportunities for students to develop global competencies and cross-cultural skills necessary to succeed in our increasingly international and interdependent world."

Junior Steven Shaw, who studied in Germany and Mexico, said although studying abroad can be a financial burden for students already struggling to pay MU tuition, he feels spending the extra cash is worth it.

"There are a lot of good reasons for going the extra mile and studying abroad, even if it means taking out an extra loan," Shaw said. "If you're going to travel overseas, you might as well spend a while there because you can get so much more out of spending a long time rather than a short visit and you're still only paying for one plane ticket."

Shaw said he helped curb the cost when he studied abroad by making wise decisions when it comes to everyday expenses.

"One big thing is how you eat," Shaw said. "Sure there's restaurants, but there's also cheaper options like cooking for yourself over there. Also staying in hotels is going to be pricy, but there are much cheaper options for students studying abroad."

Lindeman said the university has put forth efforts to help keep the prices for overseas programs low to help give students the opportunity to study abroad.

"We work closely with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure that students who participate in study abroad programs can apply their state, federal and institutional aid towards the cost of their programs," Lindeman said. "We also provide and assist students in obtaining scholarships beyond their financial aid."

Although Shaw studies foreign language at MU, he said students of any major can benefit from studying abroad.

Sophomore journalism major Blake Hanson said he hopes to study abroad because he feels it will put him in a situation which will help advance his skills for his career.

"Studying abroad will improve my education by placing me in a situation outside of my comfort zone," Hanson said. "I think that is something journalists will have to face throughout their careers. The combination of education and being somewhere you are unfamiliar with really draws me in."

Hanson plans to study abroad in London, which was not offered this semester but will be offered again in the spring.

"I've always been fascinated with being in a culture that speaks the same language as us, yet functions differently," Hanson said.