University of Virginia Library

Study Abroad

Ever since the Lost Generation carried
books, books-to-be-written and the fragments
of a shattered vision to the Left Bank, young
Americans in ever-growing legions have felt
the urge to carry their studies to Europe and
elsewhere. With the boozy trauma of the Jazz
Age now replaced by the no less mad
saturation of the seventies, it is hardly
surprising to discover more students than ever
taking off for a year or two of study at a
foreign university.

Not so in Charlottesville, however. Only
29 University students are currently enrolled
for study at foreign schools, and this,
amazingly, represents an increase of twenty
students from last year's figure. Both numbers
are depressingly small, but the sharp upturn
this year indicates a growing awareness of the
possibilities offered by study abroad. Ready
at hand are opportunities which ought to be
considered seriously by far more than the
small group of Echols Scholars and other
select students who traditionally have
benefited most from such experiences.

The University has never encouraged
foreign study with anything resembling the
vigorous advocacy it merits. But little known
to most students is the fact that available
programs make such an adventure fairly easy
to come by. John Stewart, associate dean of
the College and coordinator of foreign
studies, has made it clear he welcomes any
and all inquiries concerning study abroad.
Normally, Mr. Stewart's office serves as a
clearinghouse for interested students,
directing each to the departmental advisor
best qualified to counsel an individual on his
best options.

A welcome addition to this process has
been innovated by the University Union
whose tri-chairman, Bob Jordan, announced
recently that students who wish to plan a year
abroad may discuss their problems in
organizing the venture with students who
already have returned from similar
experiences.

The University's position regarding foreign
study seems reasonable enough: Mr. Stewart
made it clear that any student with a grade
point average of 2.5 or better should have
small difficulty in gaining approval for
accredited study abroad. Language
proficiency and major-related work are of
course given large consideration. And even
those who lack a 2.5 average often may be
granted permission to study in a foreign
institution if they show that they have been
admitted to an acceptable program. As long as
the plan includes a full course load, Mr.
Stewart added, the University is likely to
honor the credit and make possible those
arrangements which are called for.

The advantages of a foreign
experience—especially for students, who,
unlike American tourists, are usually
welcomed for more than their dollars cannot
be underplayed. Not only do foreigners learn
that Americans are not all warmongers and
half-crazed refugees from the Old World, but
the students themselves bring home an
invaluable perspective based on living and
learning in different cultures.

The planet shrinks...the mind boggles...

Think about it: Study Abroad.