Penn boasts more rigorous study-abroad programs

Study Abroad? Or just abroad?

Lately, higher education experts have called into question whether students actually do any studying during their semesters, or even years, abroad.

According to Office of International Programs Executive Director Ann Waters, Penn is ahead of the curve in terms of ensuring the academic rigor of its study abroad programs. Elaborating on this, she mentioned the Faculty Advisory Committee the Provost’s Office set up last year to review Penn’s study abroad programs.

She vouched for the rigor of the review process that faculty members use when approving study abroad programs for Penn credit as well as a commitment this year to strengthen the study abroad programs Penn offers.

However, Committee Chairman Simon Richter said its findings suggested that study abroad programs don’t have enough faculty advising or oversight built in.

“[Students] pay tuition to Penn, they are registered as Penn students — they are just taking classes abroad,” she said, explaining that faculty members evaluate syllabi from the courses students take and look at student papers as an additional method of evaluation if necessary.

Although the main consideration used in evaluating possible partner programs is the rigor of the course of study, there are very few exact matches in terms of offering a challenge comparable to that of a Penn education, said Wharton Undergraduate Director of Academic Affairs and Advising Scott Romeika.

“Faculty would not approve partnerships which are not of high quality,” he said, adding that, “There is more to the study abroad experience than studying abroad — [faculty] recognize that it is a complete experience, including immersion in the culture and traveling, which is an important part.”

Wharton senior Laura Boudreau agreed. Talking about her study abroad experience in Senegal last spring, she said, “Even if the program was not as rigorous, I learned more about life being there than I have at Penn.”

The consensus seems to be that study abroad programs often offer courses of study that are simply different, rather than easier or more difficult.

Vincent Lee, a College and Wharton senior, explained that the courses he took at University College London differed widely.

“The economics courses I took there were really good. They were stronger than the ones here,” he said, but added that, “The philosophy courses were just different.”

Students also have a lot of control over how rigorous their program is.

“The programs give the student the opportunity for academically focused courses and research,” Waters said, “but it is up to the student to take full advantage.”

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