MYTH: ONLY LANGUAGE MAJORS STUDY ABROAD

Many college students believe they must be fluent in a language to study abroad. However, a recent study indicates that most students who study abroad are not language majors and many do not have any foreign language skills.

According to the Institute of International Education's most recent survey, 20.3% of US students studying abroad are social sciences students and 18.1% are business management majors. Language majors ranked fifth on this list at only 8.2% of the total 154,168 students surveyed.

Students are choosing to study abroad to fulfill both general education and degree-related courses.

Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA), a study abroad provider for U.S. and Canadian college students, sends more than 1,500 students of all majors and language levels on study abroad programs to Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica, England, Australia and Ireland.

According to Ann Halpin, Academic Relations Manager at CEA, "study abroad programs have diversified so much over the past twenty years. Foreign universities recognize the importance of offering courses taught in English to satisfy study abroad students. This provides many more options for students wanting to study in a non-English speaking country.'
CEA emphasizes that while previous language experience is recommended, it is not required. They offer programs ideal for all students, from beginners to the most highly advanced speakers in Spain, France, Italy, Mexico and Costa Rica.

To determine a student's language level, the host university provides a language exam to place students in classrooms with peers with the same speaking abilities.

CEA also provides English-speaking programs in England, Australia and Ireland offering a wide selection of disciplines.

For more information on Cultural Experiences Abroad, visit:

http://www.GoWithCEA.com

For more information on the Institute of International Education, visit:

http://opendoors.iienetwork.org/