Studying abroad is a popular choice in college, especially at Loyola University New Orleans.
Over 30 percent of Loyola students study abroad whether for summer, a semester, or a year, said Mariette Thomas, study abroad advisor.
“The amount of students studying abroad after Hurricane Katrina has varied considerably. Overall, the percentage of students that study abroad has been steadily increasing and we expect it to continue to grow,” Thomas said.
The International Center for Education works with many countries and foreign universities to create specialized programs for Loyola students, as well as at other universities like Massey University in New Zealand.
Thomas said Loyola is also working on new programs in Turkey, Ireland and Italy.
Students are not required to study through these Loyola programs, and can find programs through institutions like the International Student Exchange programs that allows students to switch places with another student abroad.
The study abroad process begins the first year a student is at Loyola. Students are encouraged to meet with a study abroad advisor.
The student and advisor meet to choose a program that will best fit the student. Once a program is chosen, the IEC provides important information like applying for passports, travel, budgeting and cultural adjustment. Visiting the office of the IEC is not over once you have returned from studying abroad.
“We continue work with students while they are abroad and when they return here to Loyola to help them incorporate their experience into their life at Loyola and more,” Thomas said.
Loyola has tried to make studying abroad more financially feasible.
Students who participate in Loyola exchange programs can use their Loyola scholarships, state aid and federal aid.
Certain study abroad destinations have a cheaper cost of living than New Orleans.
Thomas said some programs the fees are all-inclusive, like the Loyola summer programs.
“Studying abroad was exactly what I needed to do and experience,” said Alex White, accounting junior, who studied abroad in China.
Other students had similar things to say about study abroad.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Briana Renfrow, Spanish senior who studied in Chile.
“In a survey of past study abroad participants over a 50 year period, study abroad had a stronger impact on survey respondents than did any other college experience,” Thomas said.
“Survey respondents called study abroad a defining moment in their college careers.”
Yvonne Cappel-Vickery
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