March 2003

Study in another country

Imagine your son or daughter sipping coffee at a café in France, poking around the ruins in Greece or living with a family in Thailand. Then picture your son or daughter studying language or other college courses in a classroom with students from these countries. It's hard to think of a more fertile learning opportunity than study abroad, especially for today's student.

	Geology professor Peter Schiffman is director of the Education Abroad Center. (Julia Ann Easley/UC Davis News Service)

"In our increasingly globalized community," says Director Peter Schiffman of the Education Abroad Center, "it is more important than ever for our students to participate in an international educational experience."

This year 1,260 students from UC Davis are studying abroad in more than 35 countries. The longer programs are no more expensive than staying in town.

Parents often associate study abroad with junior year, but times have changed. If your student wants to go, a good time to start planning is now.

"More and more, we have opportunities for sophomores," says Buffy Tanner, a counselor at the center. Even students who plan to travel during junior year will find it easier to fulfill requirements if they talk with Education Abroad advisers now, before selecting courses for sophomore year.

Here are some other recent changes in study abroad:

Increased variety. A student may leave for a quarter or a year. Summer options exist. Programs are no longer concentrated in European countries; instead, almost the entire world is within your student's grasp.

Decreased language requirements. Although some programs require pre-existing language skills, many feature instruction in English.

Smooth transfer of credit. Students who are concerned about graduating in four years will be able to find programs that meet UC Davis requirements and allow them to keep pace.

Safety awareness. "Every single program has a designated on-site staff and/or faculty member that our UC Davis students can go to for help with housing, classes, illness -- whatever the situation is," Tanner reports.

What might your student say when he or she comes back? For wonderful samples, check out the comments of returnees.

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