Photo by Paula Groff
Toward the end of last semester and throughout the summer, the Study Abroad Office at Elizabethtown College had been working to update its programs for students interested in studying abroad. As a result of such updates, 14 new programs have been added to the list of programs affiliated with the College. According to Study Abroad Advisor Megan Bell, there are now a total of 65 programs with 35 countries being represented. She mentioned how the purpose of adding more locations was to “try to appeal to more students.” Additionally, Bell said how every country, except for Ecuador, has opportunities for those who strictly speak English.
In addition to the new affiliate programs, a quiz is now being offered to match students to study abroad programs based on their interests. After taking the quiz, students can explore their options, apply for affiliate programs and connect with advisors. Bell noted how the quiz gives students the opportunity to explore their options as early as possible.
Other updates allowed the College to help students in a financial aspect, as well. The study abroad fee for affiliated programs was previously $500, and now the fee has been lowered to $250. The study abroad fee for non-affiliated programs remains $1,000, as noted by Bell. Four scholarships totaling to $1,000 each will also be offered each semester, and four more scholarships will be provided in the summer for $500 each. Qualifications for such scholarships include the following: diversity, first-generation students, high academic merits or a major in a STEM field. Students can apply for as many scholarships as they qualify for; however, they will only receive one scholarship. Bell described the lowered fee and additional scholarships as allowing for “more Elizabethtown College students to study abroad.”
Another update is the addition of the study abroad programs being split into two categories: open and limited. The open programs are most of the programs affiliated with the College, and they will accept applications on a rolling basis. In contrast, limited programs have an earlier set deadline, and all applications will be reviewed at once. Applications for limited programs will focus on strong connections between a student’s major and/or minor and the program. Bell noted how these updates will simply change the application process, specifically in regard to when students apply to the study abroad program they are interested in.
“The application process…was very simple and helped me to begin my study abroad journey,” said sophomore Livia Marga when asked about the application process. She also commented on how the application through CIS Abroad was thorough. She also spoke as to why she chose the new program being offered at Charles University located in Prague, Czech Republic.
“I wanted to learn Czech in one of the oldest countries in the world, explore historic Prague and eat great food all while taking unique courses that fulfill my core [requirements] at Elizabethtown College,” she said.
