I think this is a really interesting idea Ginny and I agree. There is of
course a serious issue about $$ especially at the state schools where the
difference between tuitio in -state and overseas life is often sizable. But
in principle I absolutely agree. One of my strategic plan goals (and DON'T
get  started about strategic plans...the bane of our existence) is to raise
money to help students who want to spend time overseas.
We are also looking at doing an interim course (like winter or summer break
time) overseas. Does anyone do that?
I am voting for somewhere warm and by the sea but....
dean queen


At 09:17 AM 11/12/99 EST, you wrote:
>Our college does not require a foreign language. Liberal arts
>requires proficiency in a foreign language.
>
>I hadn't really thought about it until this discussion, but I think I
>think that it is more important to require students in
>international business to go abroad to a non-English speaking country
>and study there (even if in English) than it is to require them to
>study a specific foreign language for the two years or so at the
>lower division that it takes to be good in it. Think of it this way:
>One can study a foreign language to meet a language requirement, and
>never get into it (as many of us know firsthand). But it is not
>possible to stay abroad very long without concluding that it is a
>mistake to fail to study a foreign language and at least try to learn
>it. Basically, language study is a skill -- like learning to type or
>ride a bicycle -- and most people can set out to learn a language
>like they set out to learn anything else. It takes lots of time and
>effort, but it can be done. The important variable is the motivation.
>
>Reactions?
>
>Ginny
>
>