Committee will examine study -abroad programs

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by Joy Williamson

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Increasing student exchanges is the primary purpose of the committee. "We will talk about sending students away and bringing in more international students at the undergraduate level," Martin said.

Attention will be given to increasing student involvement and faculty participation, as well as researching possible corporate and community links for study abroad. Also to be addressed are curriculum issues, such as transfer credit, linking language departments to experience abroad and allowing more science and engineering students to study abroad.

"We would like for [study abroad] to enhance most Rice majors rather than distract from them," Martin said.

Martin added that some Rice professors have been making contacts in foreign universities and working with them to develop matching curricula. These efforts will facilitate expanding the number and scope of Rice's programs abroad.

The committee will examine the history of international education at Rice, its current consortial arrangements and information from Rice's academic departments and other schools.

"We are too small to do everything, so we need a more offensive stance to choose what we want to do," said Martin. She emphasized that the committee will work to maintain quality and include programs in developing nations in considering additional foreign exchanges and consortia.

The number of Rice students studying abroad had increased significantly in the last 10 years, from approximately 15 to 72 this year.

Martin attributes this growth to the application of Rice financial aid for study abroad programs, encouraged by Presidents Rupp and Gillis. She predicts "the next significant leap will come when study abroad is fully integrated into the Rice curriculum."

The number of international students at Rice has also been growing, with 456 this year.

Financial aid has been largely unavailable for foreign students in the past, but raising and allocating money for this purpose will be a priority for the committee.

Martin said they will work with the Vice President of University Advancement Kathryn Costello to bring in money from Rice's corporate and consular ties.

Named to the committee are Mechanical Engineering Professor Enrique Barrera, Humanities Dean Judith Brown, Baker Institute Director Edward Djerejian, Natural Sciences Dean James Kinsey, History Professor David Nirenberg, Political Science Professor Robert Stein, Jones School Professor Stephen Zeff and two undergraduate students -- David Sissman and Chetan Kapoor.

The committee is expected to have its first meeting soon. Martin said she expects to complete a report to the president in early spring and that the new initiatives will be in place for the 1996-97 academic year.

This item appeared in the News section of the October 27, 1995 issue.

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