Instead of the Rotunda, a greater number of future University students will stroll past the Eiffel Tower on their way to class. Or perhaps the Reichstag. Or even Tianeman Square. That is if William Quandt has his way.
As Vice Provost of International Affairs, a newly created position geared toward coordinating the University's international efforts, Quandt believes that incoming students "should have a strong expectation that at least part of their college experience will be spent overseas."
Quandt is working jointly with the International Studies Office to expand the scope and appeal of the Study Abroad Program, which sends qualified students to all corners of the globe for a semester or more of study.
There are many advantages to time spent studying abroad, Quandt said.
"When students come back, they see things differently. They tend to participate in class more, and when they do, it is often with a different perspective," he said.
German professor William McDonald, director of two exchange programs with the German Universities Jena and Dortmund added, "Students who participate in foreign study find that they are able to use a foreign language in a greater variety of situations."
For them, McDonald said, "the language comes alive."
Despite the benefits of international study, a recent report sponsored by University President John T. Casteen's Virginia 2020 Initiative, found that the University's participation in foreign activities "lags behind its general reputation."
It stated that "Compared to other universities, the University of Virginia is by no means inactive internationally, but neither is it a leader. There is no reliable ranking system, but the University would likely rank no higher than 40th in overall scale of international activities."
Part of the problem, according to the report, was that internationalism on Grounds lacked leadership. At schools with a strong global presence, "not only is a senior officer of the university in charge, but the encouragement of international activities is also a central goal."
Last fall's appointment of Quandt, who specializes in Middle Eastern affairs, aims to fill the vacuum.
"I'm trying to create interest constituencies among faculty and students, which in turn will create greater opportunity for international scholarship at the University," Quandt said. Casteen "is very keen on broadening the scope of the University's international program. Among state universities we feel that the University of Virginia should be among the best, if not the best, just as we are in other categories."
When she arrived on Grounds three years ago, Overseas Study Advisor Jessica Roberts discovered a reality far different from the aspirations of Casteen and Quandt. She said students bore most of the responsibility for planning their overseas experience. At that time, the International Studies Office lacked funds and the staffing to be a comprehensive resource for interested students.
While she said the University still lacks the funds necessary to compete with elite private schools, under the Virginia 2020 initiative she has seen a significant increase in the quality of the Study Abroad Program.
She cited the way in which students get credit for overseas coursework as one of the Program's successes. Policies at the International Studies Office now require that students obtain pre-approval from their department for any course they intend to take on foreign soil. The International Studies Office further advises students to seek approval for alternate courses in case of last minute switches. Previously, students could return to the University with luggage in tow, only to learn that credit for their classes stayed behind.
In addition to making it easier to transfer course credit, Roberts said the International Studies Office "is working with faculty and department heads to bolster confidence that time spent away will be productive," and she expects this will translate into a greater variety of study abroad opportunities.
Roberts added that even the Engineering School, which traditionally has placed less emphasis on foreign study, believes that study abroad programs will figure more prominently in future curriculums.
The International Studies Office looks to pique student interest in the Study Abroad Program through flyers around Grounds, and information sessions, which are now held in Minor Hall every Tuesday and Wednesday. The International Studies Office also maintains three databases of study abroad information on the Internet, which will enable students to gather information from home.
By 2005, the Virginia 2020 Initiative expects that 30 percent of students will take part in the program. By 2020, that number should reach 80 percent. Currently, about 16 percent of students spend time overseas.
Smith said she understands the amount of work this lofty goal entails.
"I don't know that U.Va. will ever get to 80 percent. Some private colleges, which require study abroad, have trouble reaching that level of participation. But given collaboration between the Office and faculty, and interest on the part of students, I think 30 percent is certainly realistic."
Sandi Smith, Director of Study Abroad, said, "One of my big goals is to promote awareness (of the program). I want students to know that this isn't just something for language majors anymore. Study Abroad is something everybody should be aiming toward"
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