Enrollment Increases for Study Abroad

By Alana Folen

Enrollment in the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Study Abroad program has spiked over the past four years. A total number of 465 students participated in the study abroad program this past 2004 – 2005 academic year, and there seems to be a steady increase in numbers:

• 2003 – 2004 academic year: 356 participants
• 2002 – 2003 academic year: 346 participants
• 2001 – 2002 academic year: 325 participants

"We're really happy that more and more students are choosing to study abroad," said Study Abroad advisor Allison Yap. "All of us at the Study Abroad Center have all gone abroad on UHM programs and know how valuable it is."

Studying Across the Globe

The UHM Study Abroad Center offers programs in many countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, China, Japan, Denmark, London, Australia and French Polynesia. The two most popular places of study in the 2004 – 2005 academic year were Annecy, France, with 35 UHM participants, and the architecture study abroad program, with 42 UHM participants. Yap went along as an assistant with the architecture study abroad program because of the large number of students.

"It was amazing — we went to France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and London. The students all kept sketchbooks and journals, had to do a ton of site evaluations and a final paper," Yap said.

"The majority of our students who go abroad have a wonderful time. They show us pictures and tell us stories," Yap said.

"There's nothing like learning a language than learning it from the local people," said Keezia Tunnell, a junior majoring in political science.

More Than a Language Experience

The Study Abroad Center not only offers programs in a foreign language, but in English as well, which gives students a chance to obtain credit for other courses besides language.
Keith Nishida, a senior majoring in psychology, spent his summer studying in Florence, Italy. "You're not forced to take language classes and you don't have to know how to speak the language," Nishida said. "There's art and history classes, too."
Katie Engeln, a junior majoring in biology, spent 10.5 months studying at Obirin University in Machida, Japan, and gives this advice when choosing classes: "Be sure to know the classes you are going to take and how they transfer. I got lots of credits that didn't count toward my major," Engeln said.

Home Sweet Home

Students studying abroad have the option of living in the dorms or living with a host family.

Engeln chose to stay with a host family. "It's the only way to go. A lot of people switched to homestay. It was the best part of the trip; as soon as you go 'home' you're immersed in the culture," Engeln said. Engeln continues to keep a strong relationship with her host family to this day. "I have such a good relationship with my family. When I left, my homestay sister came home with me and stayed with me for three weeks," Engeln said.

Yap believes studying abroad is a great experience for students, "We think everyone should do it," Yap said. However, with the increase of students studying abroad, the UHM Study Abroad Center is facing growing pains.

"The challenge is that our staff/space has not really grown with this increase. You've seen our small office in Moore 115 with me, Max, Vanessa, Ruth, our three student assistants/volunteers, and all the records/paperwork we have to keep ... It's a bit crazy at times," Yap said. Yet, despite all this, Yap said, "It's fun watching the students and seeing their development throughout the program." 

Background Information

Study abroad programs are offered every semester and in the summer. They range from one month to a year of studying in a foreign country. The cost for the program ranges from $9,000 to $14,000 for the semester abroad and $3,000 to $4,000 for the summer abroad. The UHM Study Abroad Center offers financial aid and many scholarships for students, making it easier for students to participate in the program.