Study Abroad Programs Becoming More Appealing and Accessible for College Students

College students are finding that study abroad programs in Europe and abroad are becoming more affordable, more accesible, and overall, much more appealing.

(PRWEB) February 5, 2004 --College students are discovering that as America becomes more globally minded, the opportunities to earn college credit towards a degree, while completing a study abroad program in another country, are becoming increasingly accessible and appealing.

In the past year the number of American students participating in study abroad programs has increased by 4.4%, according to a report by Open Doors, a division of the Institute of International Education. This increased interest in studying abroad and cross-culturally can be attributed to several factors. Voice of America acquired the insight of Allan Goodman, head of the Institute of International Education, who stated that, What we've been seeing for the past several years is young Americans discovering the world, discovering that part of what it means to be an educated person is to have the experience in living and studying in another culture beyond your own."

The interest in studying overseas goes beyond just wanting to be immersed in another culture and adding international experience to ones resume. Students are becoming increasingly aware that the opportunity to become a part of international education is a realistic and affordable one. Universities and colleges across the nation have designated study abroad and international program offices, and many hold fairs and campus events in an effort to promote the study abroad opportunities available to their students.

Third party study abroad providers also offer enticing programs for students, regardless of which academic institution they currently attend. These programs include such services and amenities as tuition to a foreign university, official academic transcripts, housing options, meal plans, onsite support, excursions and the opportunity to meet other students from around the country and the world.

Third party providers are quickly gaining momentum and the reputation that they, like universities, are committed to assisting college students in the pursuit of a global mind. Along the way, the myth is being dispelled that third party providers are simply in it for financial gain. For a comparable figure to what it costs to live as a college student here in the States, by studying abroad students can enjoy Italian architecture, the night life of Paris, or the irresistible beaches of Sydney, all while still earning college credit toward their degree.

Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA) is a study abroad provider that offers competitively priced opportunities for undergraduates to expand their horizons, explore the world around them, and experience all that life has to offer, while earning a quality education. In an effort to make studying abroad even more realistic for students, CEA continues to seek out means to financially assist program participants. For instance, just this month CEA announced that they have cut prices for many of their programs, in some cases by up to $3000. CEA has also partnered with STA Travel, currently featured on NBCs Fear Factor, to offer students discounted airfare to their study abroad destination of choice.    

Scholarships and other forms of financial aid, including federal assistance, also make studying overseas an increasingly affordable option.

As the interest and feasibility of studying abroad continues to rise and students continue to seek an international education outside of the American norm, study abroad offices and study abroad providers continue to do all that is possible to make the experience a reality.

To learn more about studying abroad visit: www.GoWithCEA.com

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