The Crier

As summer approaches, the majority of Saint Anselm students are making plans to relax and hang out with friends; many or filling out last minute job applications with fingers crossed; and a few are getting ready to go back to school -- overseas.

The average Saint Anselm College student might be worrying about how fast she can empty her brains and how much time he will be able to spend on the beach, but these students are scrambling to fill out applications, get their passports, and are excitedly anticipating their unique summer classes.

In addition to the summer school sessions being offered at Saint Anselm College, Prof. David George, Ph.D., of the classics department is again leading a group of students on an archeological dig in Italy. For those that need to earn French credits or just want to experience French culture Prof. Susanne Rossbach, Ph.D., is taking a group of students to Paris; a separate trip is going to Burgundy, France. A course is being offered by the Biology department in Belize by Prof. Eric Berry, Ph.D., and Prof. Lori LaPlante, Ph.D., that will give students the opportunity to study coral reefs and the rich ecosystem of this tropical climate.

Study abroad coordinator Prof. Don Cox, D.Mus.A., the says that the majority of students who take Study Abroad summer sessions at usually attend the faculty led trips often because it provides opportunities for them to go with their friends. But not all students studying abroad during the summer limit themselves to these options.

Already fourteen applicants have been approved to go out on their own. Their destinations range from Italy, Ireland, Spain and England to Nova Scotia and even China. Students usually can take anywhere from one to three courses during the summer sessions and stay one or two months in dorms, apartments or with a host family.

It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that roughly fifty to sixty students take advantage of each summer, but with the economy in straights, one has to wonder if would-be study abroad applicants are being discouraged by the costs.

Already the American Council for International Studies, or ACIS, has pushed back its study abroad application deadline from March 15 to April 15. The problem is that with the exception of a few small scholarships from study abroad coordinators such as ACIS and others, there is no financial aid available for those that choose to study abroad during the summer.

Fortunately, fall and spring study abroad sessions have plenty of financial aid available, although Cox explains though there is no financial aid available through Saint Anselm College.

"With loans from the Federal Government, that money belongs to you and you can spend it wherever you want," he said.

For most students that opt to study abroad during their fall or spring semester -- twenty-nine are currently studying abroad this semester -- he or she will pay the same, or perhaps less than a semester at Saint Anselm College, unless of course they choose to travel a lot in which case the price might be higher.

Cox though encourages all students to take advantage of these opportunities regardless of whether it is in the fall, spring or summer; he argues that the most important thing is not the money but the student's experience.

"All of the students want to go back," he explains. "Every single one of them."

Students that have had done study abroad couldn't agree more, and are more than happy to share their experiences. Those who have yet to embark on their trips could not be more excited.

"I'm really nervous but I'm so excited that I can't wait!" said one enthusiastic junior anticipating a summer experience in Europe.

While the rest of the Saint Anselm College student body is taking a break or tanning, students say that studying abroad is a positive, constructive, and enjoyable way to wait out the recession.

This article was printed on page 7 of the April 17, 2009 issue.

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This article was published on 4/17/09 in the Campus Features section.