Study abroad ranks high

Although JMU ranked third in the nation among master’s level institutions for the 626 students studying abroad in 2002-’03, the number of students allowed into the program is escalating only as the number of students applying for the upcoming year reaches an all-time high.

Felix Wang, director of study abroad said, "We hope to be No. 1, although our goal is not just to increase the number of students, but to provide only the best service to students here at JMU."

The data is published by the Institute of International Education in an annual report surveying the total number of students studying abroad for the 2002-’03 school year. Wang explained that the amount of students for 2003-’04, as well as the number of applicants for the 2004-‘05, has increased each year for the past three years.

"The study abroad program is very proud of the recognition, especially because we know the numbers are going up," Wang said.

Wang added that with so much happening on an international level, students really want to travel and engage in the international experience.

The program also is expanding, with more options being added through the semesters.

Wang said this summer will be the largest yet with 32 programs, including new study abroad opportunities in Montreal, India and Russia.

Mark Usry, a professor in the College of Business, has been an active faculty member in JMU’s study abroad program, visiting Salamanca three times and Central Europe once.

"There is a study abroad program for almost any interest available through JMU," Usry said.

Senior Hayley Hufstetler studied abroad in Florence during the fall 2004 semester. "People talk about their trip and what a great experience they had; it is all about word of mouth," Hufstetler added.