Though the popularity of traditional study abroad destinations like England, France and Italy remains high, the number of students studying at University-sponsored programs in fewer countries has increased, according to Kendall Brostuen, associate dean of the College and director of international programs.
"All (of the programs) for the most part are well attended," Brostuen said. The most popular programs are in Lyon and Paris, France; Bologna, Italy; and the United Kingdom. "We send more students to the UK than any of our other programs," Brostuen said, adding that there are currently 25 students studying in France this semester, 25 in Italy and 33 in the United Kingdom.
Though the number of students studying abroad is typically high, Brostuen said the figure "dropped a little bit last year." It is too early to tell whether this year will be a record year, but Brostuen said he thinks it will be "high-numbered."
Brostuen said University-sponsored programs in Tanzania, Prague, Brazil and India have all increased in popularity recently, adding that the Brown in Brazil Program is a "model program nationally." The 15 students in Prague and 10 in Tanzania this semester are "the highest number we've ever had," he said, calling the programs' popularity "unprecedented." The program in India is completely full, he added.
Nationally, students tend toward more traditional areas than Brown students, Brostuen said. "Brown students tend to be more adventurous," he said. Concentrations such as development studies and international relations "lend themselves to these types of programs" because they tend to attract students with an "intellectual curiosity," he added.
The popularity of programs in the United Kingdom is primarily due to the lack of a language barrier and the excellence of the programs offered, according to students interviewed by The Herald.
Jackie Marcus '08, who will be attending University College London in the spring, said she considered England a "jumping off point to the rest of Europe."
"I wanted to be somewhere where I could really explore on my own and where there isn't really a language barrier," Marcus said.
Jeremy Jih '08 is currently studying at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, which he called an "excellent and intensive program."
"I thought it would complement Brown's theory-based approach well," he wrote in an e-mail to The Herald. "Of course, the fact that I would be in London with all its history and vibrant activity sure didn't hinder my process," he wrote.
Hayoung Park '09 said she wants to participate in a program that is more technical than Brown's architecture concentration. Park plans to study abroad in both France and England. She chose those countries because they will offer her a chance to perfect her French as well as the opportunity to study at the architectural school Jih is currently attending in England. "I really like the atmosphere of Europe and I want to experience it better," she said.
Another student, Grace Wang '09, is considering studying at the London School of Economics because it will contribute to her concentration in international relations.
Students studying abroad in Prague reported they were very pleased with the program.
Paul Wallace '08 wrote in an e-mail to The Herald that "Prague is great!"
Blair Hickman '08 wrote that the program in Prague is "definitely pretty popular." She described the city as the "cleanest and safest city," adding that it is very cheap. Though traveling alone is easy, Hickman wrote that the program itself has many complementary trips. "I really can't imagine studying anywhere else," she wrote.
