Overseas study: Not a frill

Richard Stryker at Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes

Overseas study: Not a frill

"IU's approach to study abroad is premised on the belief that it should be an integral part of undergraduate education, not an extra or a frill," said Richard Stryker, executive associate dean of international programs and director of overseas study.

"Each year over 100 IU faculty members with expertise in every world area, from nearly every major discipline, and on all eight campuses participate as members of selection, advisory or review committees and as resident directors abroad," added Stryker. "Their commitment is a keystone of present and future successes in recruiting, academic quality, developing and evaluating programs abroad."

The Office of Overseas Study (OOS) administers directly about 40 programs abroad and works with external institutions to co-sponsor another 20. Twenty more IU programs are administered by individual schools and campuses, with support from the OOS. More than 1,000 IU undergraduates studied abroad last year.

Because overseas study has passed its golden anniversary at IU, the number of students who have studied in other countries is vast. Initially, students went to Mexico, then ventured farther south to Peru in South America. Later IU programs abroad expanded to Europe and other regions. Along the way, IU formed partnerships with many other universities, both in the United States and elsewhere, to enhance the opportunities for overseas studies. Now IU students are studying around the globe.

Students can make overseas study part of their regular degree programs without prolonging the time to graduation. Programs are offered in 14 languages, but students do not have to be foreign language majors. About half of IU's programs require no foreign language at all. OOS has a large information center on the Bloomington campus and representatives on each of the other seven campuses.