Noelle Clemente
Recent economic turbulence has had some students cutting back expenses, and for some, this means foregoing a study abroad experience.
With the Euro trading for $1.48 and the pound for $1.85, a semester abroad seems like an increasingly costly endeavor. Dr. Larry Basirico, dean of international programs, said it may be too early to say if the economic crisis will significantly affect Elon’s study abroad programs.
“Most students come to Elon knowing that they are going to study abroad,” Basirico said. “A difference of $500 or $1,000 is not enough of a deterrent for most families.”
This fall 174 students are studying abroad. Although this is comparable to previous years, total enrollment in Winter Term programs is 40 students short of what it was last year.
Ben Kaufman is a junior preparing to spend Winter Term in India, and says that expenses haven’t lessened his excitement.
“It’s worth a lot more than money can give,” Kaufman said. “It’s the experience, and an opportunity to submerge myself in a culture completely different than what we have available to us here.”
But some students who are currently abroad are more vigilant about expenses than their peers have been in previous years.
Tess Kukovich is a junior studying in Seville, Spain this fall.
“I planned a budget with my parents, and so far so good,” said Kukovich. “I am just having to be more careful than I would at home about buying little things, because those add up.”
Living with a host family has decreased some of her expenses, but she still finds herself spending a lot of money on nightlife and dining.
“The experience isn’t something that a poor exchange rate could take away from me,” she said.
Elon offers some scholarships and financial aid for study abroad, most of which are need-based.
The study abroad office, located in Carlton, offers information about different forms of federal loans and grants.
