Applications are holding steady for Syracuse University’s fall 2013 study abroad programs in comparison to past years. SU Abroad received 755 applications for its fall 2013 programs compared to last fall’s 761 applications, said Jenn Horvath, manager for marketing and communications at SU Abroad.

SU Abroad is still accepting applications to all eight center-based programs. The extended deadline is normal for SU Abroad, which uses the mid-March deadline to gauge whether programs will be overwhelmed with applications, Horvath said.

Although most study abroad programs have seen similar numbers of applicants compared to past semesters, the Hong Kong program leapt from 55 applications in fall 2012 to 65 applications for fall 2013, she said.

“(Hong Kong) is one of our smaller centers,” Horvath said. “But there’s been a great response this semester.”

London and Florence remain the most popular programs, with 226 and 222 applications, respectively, for fall 2013, she said. The programs in Santiago and Beijing are the least popular with 16 and nine applicants, respectively, for the coming fall, Horvath said.

About 40 percent of SU students study abroad at some point during their time at the university. In addition to the eight SU Abroad Centers in Beijing, Florence, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Santiago and Strasbourg, students can also choose from 56 World Partner Programs in 33 countries, more than 40 summer programs and a wide variety of short-term programs offered in conjunction with SU courses, according to SU Abroad’s website.

SU staff members do not run the World Partner Programs, which are offered through partner universities. About 100 SU students are currently studying in World Partner programs, Horvath said, which is an increase from previous semesters. Numbers for fall 2013 were more in line with past years with 61 applicants, she said.

Summer programs have been doing “really well,” with slightly higher enrollment and more programs than last summer, said Tracy Zappola, summer program assistant director. Many students who have time constraints, such as athletics, rigid academic schedules or campus activities, choose to study abroad during the summer, she said.

“We’re very innovative and we’re always offering new programs,” Zappola said.

She said students who don’t see a particular program or destination offered during the summer should “keep their eyes out, because it may be coming on the horizon.”

Short-term programs, which typically last between 7-10 days, run in conjunction with SU courses. Students in short-term programs travel abroad during Winter Break, Spring Break or the summer, Horvath said.

Financial aid, grants, loans and outside scholarships help students bear the financial burden of studying abroad, which consists of tuition plus a program fee. Nancy Hard, an accountant in SU Abroad’s business office, said students’ first step should be to contact their financial aid adviser.

“Absolutely do not count yourself out,” she said. “Talk to your financial aid counselor and see where they can direct you. Plan early, that’s the main thing.”

But those who aren’t early planners can still apply to any of SU Abroad’s center-based programs for fall 2013.

“It’s an opportunity that as many people as possible should take advantage of,” said Horvath.

For Horvath, studying abroad offers students the opportunity to experience new cultures, gain language proficiency, take unique courses and develop friendships.

“It’s an opportunity to get out of your bubble and to experience another culture,” she said. “Who wouldn’t want to travel while you’re young and you have the opportunity?”

 

Published on March 27, 2013 at 2:13 am

Contact Maggie: mmcregan@syr.edu