Exotic locations, new cultures and alien languages are a few of the perks when taking Study Abroad courses, not to mention the course credit; but they are expensive, and the clock is ticking on several scholarships.
“The deadline to any of the study abroad programs this year is on February 21, 2013,” said Dr. Kent Neuerberg, director of International Initiatives. “However, deadlines for many of the scholarship applications are much earlier.”
According to Neuerberg, the Student Government Association, Institute for Global and Domestic Development and Charles Redman scholarship applications are due no later than Feb. 1. The FLAN, Spanish Club and Italian Club scholarship applications are due no later than Feb. 8. The Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship is due by April 1.  
Programs typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500. The cost is determined by the destination and the duration of the program. This charge covers courses, housing and ground transportation. Some programs include airfare, but many require the student to pay for travel.
“This year we are conducting Business programs in China, Panama, and Costa Rica; Biology programs in Costa Rica and France; a Sociology program in Cuba; Language programs in Italy and Spain; a Theatre and Communication program in London; a Political Science and Geography program in Austria, and a History program that is going to both England and France,” said Neuerberg. “The Sociology program in Cuba is new this year, as is the Biology program in France.  The Biology program in Costa Rica is returning from a brief hiatus, as is the Political Science and Geography program in Salzburg and Vienna.”
Neuerberg is very passionate about the study abroad programs and feels that the experiences available to students over seas vastly outweigh any classes for course credit.
“When participating in a study abroad experience, students have the opportunity to engage in the course content in a way they cannot do here on campus,” he said. “One can read about the Holocaust, but it is very different to visit a concentration camp. One can study International Marketing, but it is very different to talk with business leaders in China. Travel opens one’s eyes in so many ways.”
Additional information and applications for all scholarships are available in the International Initiatives Office in 103 Meade Hall and online at www.selu.edu/studyabroad.