The Daily Bulletin Archive

The weakened U.S. dollar might be seen as a deterrent for students to study abroad. Stories of economic recession have dominated the media, including a recent article from the Chronicle of Higher Education that explains the struggle for colleges to control the cost of study-abroad programs. But at Buffalo State College, the number of students studying internationally has increased steadily through recent years.

International and Exchange Programs, headed by assistant dean Lee Ann Grace, sent 148 Buffalo State students to 22 countries from summer 2006 through spring 2007. And the Special Programs Office, directed by Wendel Wickland, sent 60 students to universities throughout the United States and Canada for a full academic year during the same span.

Grace says short-term study-abroad programs—lasting from 10 days to three weeks—have seen the greatest increases in participation. Wickland manages the National Student Exchange program and says that low tuition rates attract students. The NSE serves more than 200 colleges and universities throughout 48 U.S. states, three U.S. territories, and six Canadian provinces.

“Regardless of the dollar value, you’re always going to have students who want to explore other areas,” said Wickland. “Some students want to experience the flavor of a region, and others attend another college for a specialized track of courses not offered here. No matter the reason, the great advantage to the NSE is that they will pay either Buffalo State tuition or the resident tuition of the campus they attend.”

But Grace and Wickland know the declining dollar is an important issue, especially for international opportunities.

“We budget each study-abroad experience at a rate that’s lower than the current exchange rate so that we have a buffer,” said Grace, “but no one has a crystal ball [for how the markets will change].”

Wickland says other factors can dampen interest in international study, like political turmoil or the threat of terrorism. And Grace and Wickland point to several reasons beyond the changing dollar for the increased financial burden on students: costlier visas and airfare, and reduced financial aid.

“When I started 16 years ago, about a third of study-abroad students used financial aid,” said Grace. “Today, all students rely on financial aid. Any increases in tuition or decreases in financial aid hurt our programs. The middle class is hardest hit, because wealthier families can better manage costs, and lower-income students typically receive more financial aid.”

Many parents initially experience “sticker shock” upon seeing the costs of studying abroad, according to Grace and Wickland. To alleviate worries, both offices host recruitment opportunities that offer parents and students the chance to learn more about programs, meet faculty, and explore financial-aid options.

“Cost is a barrier to participation, but I think it’s often a perceived barrier,” said Grace. “With the right planning—starting a year out, so that no application deadlines are missed—students can find the financial support they need.”

In the end, more participating students mean lower program costs for all, said Grace. She looks to faculty and staff for assistance in marketing programs to Buffalo State students, and for flexibility in their academic curricula to accept courses taken abroad.

“I think students recognize that we need to understand other cultures more than ever right now,” said Grace. “I advise parents, students, and faculty to focus on the study-abroad experience as an investment in the future,” she said.