Competition Rises for Study Abroad

By Matthew Rupel and Mandy Ferreira

With the university's expanding student population, the International programs Office has seen an explosion of interest. While more students are being approved to study abroad, the waitlist has also grown from years past.

As of Tuesday, 409 students had been approved to go abroad, a 46 percent increase over last year's study abroad participation. The waitlist currently stands at 46, an increase from last year's 35.

The lack of spots has led students to look for alternative opportunities. Sophomore Eliza Gonzalez decided to take fall quarter off and backpack around the world after being waitlisted.

"I am really excited about (the trip)," said Gonzalez. "My heart is in it and I am going to learn a lot more about myself."

After the initial round of applicants was approved, 70 students were placed on the waitlist. Those on the waitlist were given four options: students could redirect their applications to one of the other programs, they could defer their applications to one of the winter or spring programs, they could reapply to a summer program or apply again next year.

The process to petition was more intensive this year partly due to an increase in the student body. To accommodate the increase in applications, more requirements were placed on students to be approved to study abroad. Students were asked to submit a course proposal, as well as complete a questionnaire about their desired country of study.

Santa Clara prides itself on having a selective study abroad program, according to Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Diane Jonte-Pace. Some students, though, were under a different impression.

"None of us expected that anyone would get waitlisted," said Christiana Ortiz, a sophomore finance major who was recently removed from the waitlist and moved into an abroad program. "If you have above a 2.75 and you apply, you are guaranteed to go abroad."

The study abroad office portrays that all students who meet the requirements will be able to go abroad, and little warning is given to students that it is not guaranteed that they will be able to study abroad said Rachel Davidson, a junior international study abroad ambassador.

Historically, 79–95 percent have been approved to go abroad, according to Associate Provost for International Programs, Susan Popko.

Some waitlisted students felt left out and confused. "It was kind of demeaning," said Gonzolez. "I felt like I was below everyone else… it is something that I don't think should happen to any college student."

Davidson also believes that all students who want to be able to go abroad should be able to.

"I think it's a tragedy because it's an experience that everyone should have an equal opportunity to," said Davidson. "And that's being taken away by circumstances beyond their control."

But accepted applicants don't always end up studying abroad. In fact, the number of applicants from Santa Clara who have ultimately ended up studying abroad has ranged between 65–77 percent. 

Contact Matthew Rupel at mtrupel@scu.edu and Mandy Ferreira at mnferreira@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4849.