2008 Woodie Awards
Abroad program encourages more applicants
Marion Herbert
Issue date: 11/2/06 Section: News
The Marist Abroad Program puzzled students when it was announced that spots were still vacant for the Spring 2007 semester, over a month past their posted due date for applications that was September 15.
The reality is that this is not a desperate attempt by the Marist Abroad Program to fill up spots, but an effort to allow more students to experience going abroad. Typically, the Marist Abroad Program sends 125 students overseas each semester. For the Spring 2007 semester, they were granted additional 20-25 slots, but few took them up on the offer.
"It's unfortunate that we couldn't get more applicants," said Duleep Deosthale, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of International Programs. "I think it was the fact that it was announced so late that more people didn't jump at the opportunity. They need time to think about it over the summer and many don't have the flexibility to juggle courses."
The application process can discourage students, as sustaining interest throughout the sea of paperwork is often the most difficult part.
"I think the hardest part for me was filling out all the forms. There was a lot of running around to do," said Leanne Cipolla, a sophomore at Marist traveling to Italy next semester.
Deosthale described the process as "a mini application to Marist all over again." There is an essay to write, letters of recommendation, copies of your transcript, and other legal forms that must filter into the Abroad Office in a timely manner.
Students described the financial aid factor as another source of stress. Students can receive financial aid through the FAFSA and Financial Aid Office as if they were living here on campus. In addition, they receive a cost sheet, which provides the breakdown of additional expenses of living abroad. It displays what is included and what is not included.
The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the student's program and destination. It includes the credits they're earning abroad, tuition, housing, insurance, some site visits, and legal aspects that must be covered.
The reality is that this is not a desperate attempt by the Marist Abroad Program to fill up spots, but an effort to allow more students to experience going abroad. Typically, the Marist Abroad Program sends 125 students overseas each semester. For the Spring 2007 semester, they were granted additional 20-25 slots, but few took them up on the offer.
"It's unfortunate that we couldn't get more applicants," said Duleep Deosthale, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of International Programs. "I think it was the fact that it was announced so late that more people didn't jump at the opportunity. They need time to think about it over the summer and many don't have the flexibility to juggle courses."
The application process can discourage students, as sustaining interest throughout the sea of paperwork is often the most difficult part.
"I think the hardest part for me was filling out all the forms. There was a lot of running around to do," said Leanne Cipolla, a sophomore at Marist traveling to Italy next semester.
Deosthale described the process as "a mini application to Marist all over again." There is an essay to write, letters of recommendation, copies of your transcript, and other legal forms that must filter into the Abroad Office in a timely manner.
Students described the financial aid factor as another source of stress. Students can receive financial aid through the FAFSA and Financial Aid Office as if they were living here on campus. In addition, they receive a cost sheet, which provides the breakdown of additional expenses of living abroad. It displays what is included and what is not included.
The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the student's program and destination. It includes the credits they're earning abroad, tuition, housing, insurance, some site visits, and legal aspects that must be covered.
Be the first to comment on this story