Alexandra Matthews Assistant Life Editor

“Asking yourself to function in a different cultural setting—that takes courage,” said Assistant Dean of Studies and Director of International Programs Susan Correll. Each year nearly half of Vassar sophomores muster the courage to apply for international collegiate programs for the following year, what Vassar likes to call Junior Year Abroad (JYA).

At the start of fall semester the JYA gears is set into motion. Notices and e-mails circulate quickly urging sophomores to discover their globe-trotting spirit and make the decision to study abroad the following year. From there, separate meetings are held for country-specific programs, and students begin to gather teacher recommendations and work on the online application.

It is rumored that students will not be allowed to study abroad if they have not earned a GPA of 3.2 or higher. But Correll dispelled the misconception. The Committee on Leaves and Privileges “really looks at the progression [of a student]—3.2 is only a guideline. The committee evaluates each application on an individual basis,” said Correll.

However, students “should declare a major before they submit their application,” said Correll.

Many sophomores have been involved in the application process since the year began. Sarah Cantor ’10 is applying for the Eastern College Consortium (ECCO) at the University of Bologna in Italy for the first semester next year. “It’s like applying to colleges. It’s stressful” she said.

Gabrielle Kotkov ’10, already participated in the Siena program this past summer. The program is a six-week intermediate level intensive italian language course, where students live in dormitories of the Università degli Studi in Siena.

“After Siena I really had faith in the Vassar program. It’s not really that stressful to apply,” she said.

Recent studies by the Chronicle of Higher Education and Institute of International Education show that nationally, students studying abroad more than doubled between 1995 and 2005, with over 200,000 going abroad in 2005. 74 percent of those students went for a semester or the summer.

Students’ motivations for going abroad range anywhere from pure interest in a specific location to working toward a language major. Dylan Stacey ’10, who plans to major in Russian Studies and possibly art history, is applying to study at the St. Petersburg program in Russia, which allows students virtually unlimited access to the state Hermitage Museum of art and the opportunity to live with a host family. “[The program] was made for people exactly like me. It’s an opportunity I can’t pass up,” said Stacey.

While most students apply in advance to stay in their country of choice for a single semester, it is possible to petition while there to stay for an additional one. “We have about five students petitioning now to stay for another semester,” said Correll.

For others, a year seems excessive. “I love Vassar to death. I don’t want to miss a whole year,” said Elliot Creem ’10, an Italian and history double major who also plans to attend the University of Bologna next fall.

For the most part, those who have gone abroad, like Office of International Study Intern Claudia Martinuzzi, have found the experience to be an invaluable aspect of their college years.

“I did miss Vassar, but I wasn’t at all sad I went,” said Martinuzzi ’08, who spent the Spring 2007 studying and interning in Paris, France. “Before you leave you’re worried you’re going to miss so much stuff, but being away you appreciated it more.”

While the process for Vassar programs may be more expedient, students are by no means limited to applying strictly to Vassar’s programs.

“Anything that adds intellectually to the breadth and depth of [one’s] education is permissible,” said Correll.

Despite the long and occasionally stressful application process, students feel that it is well worth jumping through a few hoops. “It would only seem natural for me to study abroad for at least a semester. I feel everyone should look into [JYA] at the very least. It’s a great opportunity no matter where you go,” said Stacey.

In this day and age, where the career world demands international networking and experiencing, studying abroad is yet another way to prepare oneself for the demands in the work place. “
Students really do recognize that they have to function in a global society,” said Correll.

If JYA rouses the explorer in you but you haven’t started the application process yet, there’s no need to fret. Applications are not due until Monday, Dec. 1o and the entire process is done online. So if you’re unsure of where to begin, go to jya.vassar.edu or feel free to stop by the study abroad office in Main.

Top 5 Countries for Study Abroad

Vassar Students:
England (47 students)
Australia/New Zealand (20)
France (30)
Spain (17)
Italy (16)

Nationwide:
Britain
Italy
Spain
France
Australia

262 Vassar students will be studying in 48 different countries in 2007-2008.

(Source: Chronicle of Higher Education)