More students studying abroad
By Nicole Haddad
News Writer
The University of Notre Dame has the highest percentage of students participating in study abroad programs among American research universities, according to a report released by the Institute of International Education.
"We've worked very hard on getting students to study abroad, and we've found they very much want to," said Michael Francis, assistant provost for international studies. "It isn't just rhetoric when the University says it wants to internationalize. Sending students abroad is a part of that, and it will be even more so as our numbers rise."
The increase in the number of students studying abroad is due in part to the recent enhancement and expansion of programs in London and Dublin along with the expected addition of new programs, Francis noted.
In addition to the integration of programs, Francis points out that students themselves are also responsible for the increased numbers.
"The student grapevine is powerful," Francis said.
As students rave about their experiences, other students find themselves interested in studying abroad as well.
Students of all majors are getting involved. Ten years ago, 85 percent of students studying abroad were in the Arts and Letters program, said Francis. That number has since dropped to 50 percent, while the other 50 percent has grown from multiple other programs.
More opportunities are especially opening up for science majors. Specifically, the expanded programs in London and Dublin allow science students to study abroad. For example, in London, there is a pre-med-oriented physics program, while in Dublin, several courses are now available in the sciences.
Several Notre Dame programs include distinctive components that are unmatched amid higher education facilities. In Jerusalem, students study at the Ecumenical Institute for Theological Studies at Tantur, a center established jointly by Notre Dame and Pope Paul VI in 1971.
The Dublin program is located in historic Newman House and includes a partnership with University College Dublin and Trinity College, Dublin. Students in Fremantle study at the University of Notre Dame-Australia, a Catholic institution modeled after Notre Dame.
The Rome program provides a required year of study for students in the School of Architecture and is considered by many the leading center for classicism among American colleges and universities.
"Wherever the program is located, the personal and academic growth students gain by studying abroad is immeasurable," Francis said. "The value of studying in another country is related to globalization," he said. "Our students will end up working abroad as well as in companies that have other operations in other countries. It's just vital to have this kind of experience as an undergraduate."
"The students in our programs come back with their lives changed," said Francis. "They invariably say, "`This was the best semester of my life.'"
All News Stories for Tuesday, February 1, 2000
