Although prices have risen for the London study abroad program, students continue to flock to England despite the change in price. In fact, a record number of applicants applied for the spring 2010 semester study abroad programs.
The fees for London rose by $750, and much of the cost increase is attributed to the spring semester for the London program being two months longer than the fall semester, said director of the Global Education Office, Ara Pachmayer. Some of the providers also raised fees, which is a cost passed onto the students who participate.
Students were told that costs rose, but they didn’t have much advance notice. Despite that, everyone interested in the London trip was able to commit to the increased price. Micaela England, a junior and public policy major, chose to study abroad in London despite the higher costs.
“London is the most expensive program, but while I saw the price had increased, it didn’t hinder my reasons to go,” she said. “It’s a great program, especially for my major.”
George Bohgos, a junior, wrote in an e-mail that he has wanted to study abroad since his freshman year and this price increase would not have deterred him from applying.
“I would assume that the price changes are in part due to the weakened dollar as well as the general condition of the world economy,” he wrote, “and I would not want these factors to greatly influence my decision to study abroad.”
While the price of the London program has increased, GEO was able to lower the prices of nine other programs significantly, ranging in reductions of $250 to $1,500. Applicants for the Sydney, Australia, program for example, will pay anywhere from $250 to $750 less in fees, depending on their program. Study abroad options in Italy, Japan, Czech Republic and Ireland also have lowered their fees. These program fees cover housing, on-site support, meals, course related excursions, local transportation and sometimes even textbooks.
Beyond price changes, program quotas have also been a concern for Vanderbilt students. While the GEO does not set a specific number of students allowed to attend each location, they are limited because of restrictions set by the providing schools.
“With some programs being more popular than others, we cannot guarantee a placement at the student’s first choice, though we make every effort to make that happen,” Pachmayer said. “All our programs are competitive, and placements are based on academic merit, faculty recommendations and a personal statement.”
However, Pachmayer said because GEO offers more than 70 opportunities to study abroad, students can find another great option if their first choice falls through.
