Study abroad ticket policy needs change
Joe Guintu
sophomore
Studying abroad has been a great time — definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people. I get to live in Toledo, Spain for a year of my life, meet Spaniards and immerse myself in their culture while learning their language. It is an opportunity that I am so grateful I was presented with at Notre Dame.
I am one of five students staying here in Spain for the entire school year. Included in our semester's tuition and some room and board of approximately $16,000 per semester is the education and facilities of the American school here in Spain, a few excursions and the choice of whether to live with a Spanish family or in dormitory-type housing. Included for all students, regardless of whether they are staying the year or semester abroad, is one round trip ticket from Chicago to Madrid.
This is where my doubts arise. A student studying in Spain for a semester receives one round trip ticket. A student studying in Spain for a year, which is basically two semesters, receives one round trip ticket, as well. I consulted the foreign study department about this and they said that, basically, this is the way that it has been done in the past — that the students who stay the year only receive only round trip ticket like those who are staying only a semester.
We have about a four-week break in between the fall and spring semesters and there is no housing provided. In essence, who wants to spend the holidays away from home, especially when you are already in a foreign atmosphere continuously from September to May?
I am introducing this topic in hopes of provoking conversation on campus, especially for those intending on studying in any foreign program. This is not meant at all to attack the foreign studies department because they have been very helpful with me in Toledo. However, although this has been the structure in the past, is there any way to change and progress? Perhaps this change and progression should include two round trip tickets for those staying two semesters abroad.
Joe Guintu
sophomore
Toledo, Spain
Dec. 6
All Viewpoint Stories for Monday, December 9, 2002
