By REBECCA WHITE
rebecca@du2.byu.edu
Study Abroad enrollment is more than 1000 students for the first time ever said the director of Study Abroad.
Study abroad programs are available from South America to Russia. BYU's motto, 'The World is our Campus' becomes a reality for students who take the opportunity to travel in any of the programs.
'Study Abroad is one of the most valuable academic enrichment experiences available at BYU,' said Rodney Boynton, director of Study Abroad. 'It is a very efficient way to expand one's horizons and to acquire a truly global perspective within the domain of one's major or minor.'
The Jerusalem Center Study Abroad Program is by far the most well-known, Boynton said. Students arrange to stay for one semester (six months) or one term (four months). During this time, they take a full load of credits in areas of religion, sociology, and Near Eastern languages.
'I've taken some of my most interesting classes there. I really enjoyed classes like Old and New Testament, Hebrew and Sociological Arabic Culture,' said Emily Smith, 23, a senior from Salt Lake City, majoring in humanities.
Other programs, though smaller, are also popular, Boynton said. Due to the interest exhibited by the BYU student body, the programs are expanded each year.
The Study Abroad program in England focuses on English authors and English history according to the information pamphlet.
'I chose to go to England because I was interested in learning about literature and history,' said Khirstin Hadley, 23, a senior from Laguna Niguel, Calif., majoring in communications.
The Kennedy Center has pamphlets that give a synopsis of various programs. According to these pamphlets, art majors can enjoy the classes offered in Italy and France by drinking the magnificent art of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci as they tour Rome and Florence.
According to the pamphlets, Vienna offers a smorgasbord for the music lover's delight. Classes focus on the legacy left by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Mahler. Going to Vienna will also introduce the student to Freud and modern Psychology, Loos and modern architecture, and Wittgenstein and modern philosophy.
'Study Abroad programs are also offered in South America, the Dominican Republic, Africa and Russia,' Boynton said.
Students are expected to use study abroad opportunities to enhance their educational experience.
'It is important to look at your major and see which program would be most beneficial because students are encouraged to pursue a study abroad experience that would enhance their major,' said Chelita Pate, program assistant of Study Abroad.
'We offer Study Abroad as a hands-on experience. You are immersed in a language and a culture of your choice. There is not a better tool than hands-on to become an expert in your major,' Pate said.
Unfortunately, cost deters some students, she said. Studying abroad is expensive with traveling costs, housing costs, food expenses and souvenir shopping added to tuition cost.
Boynton said BYU tries to make it an accessible experience by offering scholarships and loans.
Students from a whole spectrum of majors are choosing study abroad programs as the efficient way to travel, he said.
'You get to travel and experience a different culture and get credits for it. That is the best,' said Virginia Carlston, 24, from Salt Lake City, majoring in humanities.