Hopkins has always stressed the importance of studying abroad; however, the study abroad options are a little more convoluted and complicated than at first glance. In the past year, there have been significant changes to the study abroad policies of several departments.
France
In particular, the French department has switched from endorsing several programs to supporting only two: Sciences-Po and the University of Tours.
The only way to receive credit from the department is to study in Tours for a semester or a year, or at Sciences-Po in Paris, for a year or under the five-year BA/MA program. For many, this came as a shock.
"While it may be a dream to live in a chateau for my spring semester abroad, nothing compares to Paris. I want to study abroad to learn the language, but I want to study abroad and learn the culture (the city culture) more and what better place to do that than in Paris?
"I may love all of France, but my dreams have been to study in Paris since I took French in the sixth grade," sophomore Allie Schnidman said.
Others found the Tours program just their style. "Over the course of an understandably hectic beginning to the program, it seems all the pieces are coming together. It will be a great asset for all academic cultures of the school, and I can't wait to get started in the fall," sophomore Maura Lillis said.
Italy
The announcement made last week to sell Villa Spelman in Florence, Italy was received with a definite negative reaction by both students and staff.
For sophomore Whitney Shaffer, who "came here for Villa Spelman" and was planning to study there next spring, it was the "perfect opportunity" to immerse herself in Italian culture.
"The first hand experience of High Renaissance art in a closely knit community is not only a wonderful experience, but a unique one. The selling of the Villa in order to quell anger surrounding graduate stipends is only a short-term solution. Why sell the creator of so much long term good opinion to dampen dissent for such a short time?" said Shaffer.
Dr. Ruth Aranow, study abroad coordinator, was "sad" to hear about the proposed sale, but contends that "a lot of factors" went into the decision.
Once the flagship study abroad program of Hopkins, the Bologna program has been suffering through recent lack of enrollment and interest.
"The main problem is getting information to the students," Aranow said.
The Bologna applications are actually due at the end of this week. Those interested should visit the website http://www.jhu.edu/advising.
Planning It Out
The actual study abroad application process can be harrowing and extremely difficult. To begin the search, students are directed to Dr. Aranow's study abroad office hours (daily, from 3-4 p.m.), during which you fill out an information sheet.
Aranow then compiles a preliminary list of possible destinations, and students are usually given large notebooks to browse through.
After this, there are informational meetings with several programs, but attendance is completely voluntary. It is essential to be proactive in order to find the right program.
Getting Credit
Many students also complain about Hopkins' stinginess when awarding credits from other schools.
If you go to a JHU-sponsored program, you can take as many credits as you wish. For a non-Hopkins program, you can transfer up to 15 credits. For an independent study abroad program, you can only bring back three credits, regardless of how many it offers.
Aranow mentioned that credits are "only an issue for languages." This is mainly because Hopkins does not want students "to repeat what they have already done here." Make sure your program is pre-approved by your faculty adviser before you apply.
Equal Opportunity
Aranow made it clear that everyone has the opportunity to study abroad. All Hopkins programs allow you to carry over financial aid, and all that is generally required is your faculty adviser's signature.
Engineers are also encouraged to go abroad, but be advised you'll need the dean of engineering's signature in addition to your adviser's.
