A major part of St. Edward’s University’s fulfillment of its global mission, the study abroad program in Angers, France, has significantly less participation for its upcoming second semester, largely because it is colliding with the current economy.
This fall, there are 18 students enrolled in the Angers program out of a possible 25 spots. For the upcoming spring semester there are 13 students scheduled to study in France.
Current and Prospective Angers Students Express Financial Concerns:
Current Angers students have expressed the difficulty of managing their money in a down economy, especially with the value of the dollar compared to France’s euro.
“The U.S. dollar has progressively gotten weaker so it has come to take adverse effects on the feasibility to travel, go out to eat and many times a night out on the town,” said Albert Vasquez, a St. Edward’s student studying in Angers.
Study abroad is a major expense for students and their families, and the instability and unpredictability of the economy is making it much more difficult to accurately budget ones money.
“Being from humble backgrounds, I knew that my study abroad experience would be expensive; but one thing is assuming, and another is living on the budget,” said Vasquez.
The economy is also influencing how students who are scheduled to go to Angers next semester plan for their time abroad. Debbie Cruz, a St. Edward’s senior who is one of the 13 students scheduled for this coming semester, said that she is going to great lengths to prepare financially.
"I'm not shopping like I used to and if I do buy something I think twice about it,” Cruz said. “I try to find the cheapest places to eat. I'm trying to save as much as I can. I talk myself out of buying things I don't need.”
The Financial Model for a Semester in Angers:
While some students are struggling to make ends meet, the concept of the Angers program was in fact the opposite. The tuition for a semester in Angers is the same as a semester at St. Edward’s. Scholarships and financial aid apply in the same way, too. For the fall semester, tuition is $15, 570, not including travel and food.
“The idea behind the Angers program is that you are taking St. Eds classes and paying St. Eds tuition, just in France,” said Natacha Martin, an advising specialist in the school of Humanities.
Martin explained that the cost should be the same, besides paying for a plane ticket. She said that it should not be an issue of cost.
“Other study abroad programs very widely in cost,” Martin said. “You accept their tuition.”
Why The Downturn in Enrollment?:
While the initial cost of a semester in Angers may be close to the same as a semester in Austin, the financial burden comes in part from a lack of supplemental income that is available while in the states. Many students have jobs while going to school, so to travel overseas for a semester would mean giving up that income.
“I think a lot of it is uprooting yourself for a semester.” Martin said. “If you are working here, you aren’t working there.”
Vazquez explained that he worked hard at his job as a bank teller to save money for the trip, but it has proven to not be enough.
"I was only able to save roughly $2,500 by myself and have relied on family assistance because I soon found my money draining and fast,” Vasquez said. “Some adjustments that I’ve HAD to make to fit my budget, is to eat in and thanks to friends I’ve learned how to cook and quite well too. More so on food what many have done is cook for one friend one night so that the other can cook the next night."
Cruz said that financial aid and scholarships that she’s been awarded are filling a large part of her already thinly stretched budget plan.
“I'm worried I'll run out of money even on a tight budget,” Cruz said. “I applied for scholarships and I plan to live off those funds next semester."
Martin thinks the downturn in participation is do more to students not wanting to sacrifice a semester in Austin. Students value their time at St. Edward’s and the Austin area so much that they simply are not willing to sacrifice an entire semester to go overseas. Study abroad is always more popular in the summer, possibly because students don’t have to lose a valued semester.
“As bad as it sounds to give up a fun semester, this is the time to do it,” Martin said.
The Benefits of Studying Abroad:
The University is taking steps to increase enrollment for the upcoming spring semester. The application deadline was extended by more than three weeks, from Oct. 8 to Oct. 30. The University also began marketing internship opportunities in France that could be obtained while studying at Angers.
Cruz has high hopes for her time in Angers, outside of the financial concerns.
"I am expecting to gain another wold view and immerse myself in a new culture," Cruz said.
Martin said there are many benefits to studying abroad beyond class credit and internships, but it isn’t for everyone. Beyond being a great experience to grow as a person, it is great for your resume, Martin said.
“The benefits are huge,” Martin said. “There is a whole other world out there.”
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