John walks into the musty school building and sits down in a rattling desk as his teacher drones on and on about something. He struggles through his classes, only attending often enough so that he completes his credits. On the other side of the world, Jane walks the streets of Granada, Spain. She admires the magnificent and ancient architecture as well as the Flamenco style music and traditional tea rooms and bazaars. She smiles to herself, hardly believing that she is earning college credits this easily.

While studying abroad is one of the most exciting and enriching ways to liven up your everyday school routine while still working to reach your educational goal, a very small amount of students have ever studied abroad or plan to study in a different country.

According to Christianne Mara, assistant for the CSM Study Abroad director (who could not be reached), 12 students attended the Spain program while only eight are attending the London program this fall 2006 semester from the entire San Mateo County.

Also, many more CSM students take advantage of this program than Skyline students. For example, 24 CSM students attended the Spring-2005 Florence trip while only six students from Skyline went. Also, on the Spring 2006-Paris trip, there were five CSM students and no Skyline students. This trend continues throughout the semesters.

Why are many students letting this offer pass them by?

Dr. Carlos Colombetti, professor of Philosophy and Director of the Study Abroad program at Skyline believes that the small amount of Skyline students taking advantage of the study abroad program is due to the lack of funds that students have as well as the lack of financial aid available. He believes that many students would like to study abroad but do not have the financial capabilities to do so.

Although there is an inadequate amount of financial support for students, the Study Abroad program still offers partial funding.

However, CSM’s Study Abroad Supervisor, Professor Scott Haine, believes the pros outweigh the cons.

“Because you get to see all the places discussed in history classes, students get a sense of cultural difference and an appreciation of the historicity of human society hard to find in California where few buildings are older than 50 years old.”

Haine can see the many bonuses of leaving the country and participating in a new experience. He appreciates the close relationships students begin to forge with not only their peers, but their teachers as well.

“Moreover, I have come to love the intense student/teacher interaction in study abroad programs. I find it to be an invaluable learning experience for both students and professors.”

Haine admits that although he is not fluent in Spanish, he has not found making contact with the natives difficult while in Spain.

There are still many advantages to studying abroad. According to the Study Abroad website, the Florence trip offers full day excursions to Siena and Pisa and a museum pass providing unlimited entry to major Florence museums.

Also, there is a cultural program including concerts, cinema, and museums. There are low cost flights and living accommodations in shared apartments as well. All units are fully transferable to CSU and UC for baccalaureate degree credit. In Spain, a cultural program is offered at no extra charge, including visits to such attractions as El Escorial, museums, Spanish cinema, Flamenco dancing show, concerts, and several excursions. According to Professor Haine, all students from the San Mateo County will attend the trip together.