Study abroad program growing, adviser says

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More Penn State Altoona students than ever are expanding their worldview.

While the Forum on Education Abroad is reporting a decrease in students pursuing education in other parts of the world as part of their overall education, Penn State Altoona's study abroad program is growing, Education Abroad Adviser Mandy Reinig said.

"We haven't seen that at all," she said of a decline in enrollment. "We've seen it go dramatically the other way."

An intercultural panel of professors and a student who have lived, worked and studied in other countries answered questions Tuesday in the Slep Student Center as part of this week's nationally recognized International Week.

The program will host a second panel discussion, lunch and activities in the student center from 12:10 to 1:20 p.m. today.

The college's study abroad program began four years ago, and in 2005 only one student was enrolled, Reinig said. Last year, 70 students studied in other countries through the program, and this year, the numbers are climbing even higher, she said.

Students can study abroad in various countries for different lengths of time, depending on whether they choose to do a short-term program of 10 days to two weeks or a semester-long program.

Short-term programs can cost between $1,300 to $2,700, while programs over a semester can cost between $17,000 to $27,000, Reinig said.

Costs vary based on locations, activities, duration and if applicable, currency exchange rate. The cost includes tuition, fees, housing, insurance, estimated flight costs, meals, personal expenses, and sometimes a visa, she said.

Last year, 22 students spent a semester in another country, Reinig said.

Results from a Forum on Education Abroad survey on the impact of the economy on education abroad show that out of 165 respondents, 59 percent reported a decrease in enrollment and 39 percent reported an increase. Of U.S. Public Colleges and Universities responding 85 percent said the global economic crisis has had a negative impact, the survey states.

Courtney Woodring of Hollidaysburg went to Florence, Italy, from January to May 2008 during her sophomore year at Penn State Altoona.

Woodring is now a senior marketing major at Penn State University's main campus.

After a trip to Italy in high school, Woodring knew she wanted to return to Florence. She saved money from a part-time job, used scholarships and financial aid and help from her parents to pay for the trip.

During her semester abroad, Woodring also traveled to other parts of Italy and visited Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and Spain.

She learned a lot about herself while absorbing another culture, she said of what she called a "whirlwind adventure."

Mirror Staff Writer Amanda Clegg is at 949-7030.