Thursday, January 19, 2012

Blog 1: Eliminating international studies positions


At the University of Iowa they are dismissing several of their respected professors in the international department. Over the past year, this institution has strongly encouraged their students to student abroad to be my culturally intelligent. Their study abroad has previously sent 300 students abroad where now they are sending 1,400 students. With this jump in student interest they will need more academic leaders to supervise these students on their trips. This university has become a competitor in the study abroad program amongst other universities. The CEO of Institute for Study Abroad is floored by this news.

With this news in mind, what will make of the University of Iowa? Due to their lack of qualified professors could possible lower their incoming freshmen class. Students are now interested in looking into what the school will offer them to become the best education. The study abroad program helps students to learn about other cultures, learn about how to be independent, and apply what their learned abroad to their lives back at home. I am shock to know that students are paying for an education and for them to lose out on an opportunities to broaden their horizons will help them grow. Due to Iowa’s prestigious program why would they want to lose their momentum? If it is due to budget cuts maybe they need to consider other expenses. To me, the study abroad program is a necessity to every university. So many international students want to venture to the U.S to experience the college life but if there is not program here, then would not drive away prospective students? This university really needs to consider this before they make any rash decisions. 

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