I am writing in response to Sanjiv Tata's March 14 opinion column, "Going above and abroad." As a fourth-year student, returned study abroad participant and Peer Advisor in the International Study Office (ISO), I would like to bring attention to several incorrect statements in Tata's article.
First of all, the University has a multitude of structured study abroad opportunities with more than 50 exchange partners and faculty-led programs worldwide. "UVA in Lyon," for example, allows students to take classes alongside their French peers at the University of Lyon 2 and Sciences Po Lyon while benefitting from the continual guidance and support of the University coordinator in Lyon. Additionally, students have the opportunity to study on one of the multitude of direct exchange programs at prestigious universities around the world, such as St. Andrews University in Scotland or Waseda University in Japan, which allow students to have a full, immersion-based experience in another country.
Flexibility is a strong suit of our study abroad programs. The University is flexible with transfer credits and pass/fail grading options, and it offers a number of ways for students to study abroad, whether through J-term, summer, semester or year-long programs. The key to getting study abroad credits to count toward one's degree at the University is planning in advance and knowing what can and cannot transfer. In addition, both the McIntire School of Commerce and the Engineering school have organized study abroad programs specifically for their students. As Mr. Tata is a Law student, there are many Law School programs at his disposal, so it is not too late for him to study abroad.
The ISO has a large presence around Grounds, including biannual Study Abroad Fairs, tables at Days on the Lawn, Summer Orientation, Family Weekend and other university events. Additionally, the ISO works with a group of more than 20 volunteers, Advisors and Outreach Liasons, who are study abroad returnees volunteering their time to increase awareness about study abroad within the University community.
In his article, Tata mentions studying abroad with a group of friends: This is possible on any University program, but key to the experience is being open to new and challenging situations, including making a new friend group with students from around the world. The friends I made during my year abroad in Lyon, France from 2010-2011 were British, Irish, Australian, Italian, Spanish, French and German!
Besides working on my - abysmal - British accent, the relationships I formed speaking only French opened my eyes to new experiences which I never would have had without my knowledge of another language and my chance to study abroad.
Finally, Tata personifies the number one reason why University students choose not to study abroad - fear of missing out. My personal experience studying abroad was the most incredible year of my life. Not only did I make lifelong friends with whom I am still in close contact, but I had the opportunity to partake in many aspects of French life. Studying and spending a significant amount of time in a foreign country opens your eyes to ways other people live and think. You even appreciate and dislike things about your own country that you never would have thought about before.
Not only should University students study abroad, but we do. If you would like further information about these many opportunities, please visit the Education Abroad website at www.studyabroad.virginia.edu.
Alexandra Osvath is a fourth year in the College and a peer advisor with the International Study Office.
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