In 1992-93, 392 students traveled overseas as part of the University’s study abroad program.
Now, about a decade later, the program has expanded to send approximately 800 students to more than 80 countries to study and receive college credit.
Roughly 15 percent of University students study abroad at some point in their academic careers, said Cari Vanderkar, director of Overseas Study Programs, and that number is steadily increasing. Roger Adkins, the Overseas Program Coordinator, attributes this not only to the increased value of cultural diversity on a résumé, but also to the University.
Adkins said “the University is very supportive in internationalizing the campus” and has created a “remarkably innovative and unique program.”
Depending on which program a student chooses, most applications are due in winter term, along with official transcripts, recommendations and the application fee. Students can obtain applications from the Office of
International Programs in Oregon Hall or visit studyabroad.uoregon.edu. Personal essays and interviews are required of all applicants, but timelines vary by program.
To determine eligibility, GPA and class standing are significant factors, but fluency in a foreign language is not always a requirement.
Unavoidable proficiency,
however, is one of the program’s greatest benefits.
Veteran student traveler and the associate director of the Overseas Study Program Cari Vanderkar, who counts Danish, German, Czech and Spanish as her second, third, fourth and fifth languages, said, “Before I left I only knew two words in Danish: please and thank you.”
Upon arrival, Vanderkar began a three-month intensive language program, but became fluent mostly out of necessity, she said.
And for those who dread flash cards, studying abroad can be an exciting way to fulfill the required foreign language credits.
Most financial aid can be applied to tuition for the program, including veterans’ benefits, loans and grants. General and regional scholarships are also readily available. The study abroad Web site lists more than 40, ranging from full tuition to monthly stipends.
As for more fundamental concerns, living arrangements vary according to country. Although residence hall living is standard, host families are sometimes preferable for those seeking to fully immerse themselves in a foreign culture.
Senior biochemistry major Lisa Nash spent three months in Khon Kean, Thailand, sharing a room with a Thai student and living alternate weeks with a family in a surrounding village.
Nash, who was raised on a cattle ranch in Millican, Oregon, said, “Agriculture has always been an important aspect of my life.”
As such, Nash was undaunted when faced with plowing a field using a temperamental water buffalo instead of heavy machinery.
Such experiences led Nash to a realization that would change the course of her life: Previously headed for a laboratory, Nash discovered a dormant desire to work more closely with her community, allowing her a hands-on experience that is much more tangible and direct.
No longer content with the idea of viewing life from behind a beaker, Nash said she is returning to Thailand after graduation to teach English.

Dawn Gibson is a freelance reporter
for the Emerald.