Not 'too soon’ to Study Abroad

While allowing freshman to study abroad presents unique challenges, those difficulties are not enough for IU to simply ignore or ban the practice. First, where is the data showing that freshman who study abroad have a harder time adjusting to school? Where is the data showing that tuition breaks for these programs result in poor college choices by high school students? Where is the research showing that burnout is more likely? Perhaps the opposite is true, that freshman who study abroad have a different perspective when they return to campus and are better able to adjust to college life.\nAs a new practice, it’s paternalistic and short-sighted to make broad generalizations about high school students and decide that because some might have difficulties, the practice should be avoided entirely. Eliminating the practice does not help protect burnout-prone students from burning out, only from burning out in one way. It could be just as likely that they will burn themselves out anyway. The program would likely be very small at the beginning, and an extensive application process for freshman study abroad programs could help identify students who are capable of handling that unique experience.\nThe Editorial Board’s attitude reflects the stigma in America against anything but the traditional four-year college experience. That attitude is at odds with the individuality celebrated in American education. It also attacks one of IU’s greatest strengths, the broad and diverse ways to get a college education at one campus. Unless research shows that the practice is overwhelming and harmful, IU should consider it carefully and not rush to judgment based on fears about how if might affect some students’ transition to college.\nJohn Infante\nLaw student and alumnus