Allegheny Student Government

I long to go on an EL trip, but I can't afford to pay $5,000, nor am I interested in being $5,000 further in debt. So no, I don't think EL trips are affordable, and that makes me very sad.

If I could afford it, I would definitely be interested in an EL trip over winter break.

I would second what Julia has said.

The EL trips can definitely be out of the viable price range for many students, even when borrowed money is factored in (as we need to keep in mind that some students/parents struggle to even borrow money).

I like the idea of winter break EL trips.

I think that domestic EL opportunities would be excellent as supplements--especially considering that they'd probably be cheaper--but I would hope that they wouldn't be added at the cost of reducing/eliminating the international experiences (which I think is the main benefit of many of the ELs that are offered).

I would also suggest the possibility of incorporating service into the ELs that are offered, or maybe even offering ELs that are entirely (or mostly) service-focused. In a way, it would be almost like expanding and internationalizing the Alternative Spring Break experience: a chance to more fully immerse oneself into the "host" culture, take on bigger projects due to the longer time frame, make a difference in the world, and have an eye-opening cultural experience through serving others.

I would just like to say that I agree with the two above. I have really wanted to study abroad but it just has not worked out for a few different reasons, but one of the main ones was finances, and I will admit that still do not know all that it takes to study abroad even after looking into it a bit. In addition I definitely do not see the EL terms as being affordable for me. I looked into them this year hoping that would be a way for me to travel abroad but I do not have that type of money. Also same as Julia if it were more affordable I would consider a Winter EL Trip. As for what Zack said I think I mentioned it before but I definitely think it would be a interesting concept to incorporate service into some study abroad trips. Part of the reason I have participated in the Alternative Spring Breaks is because they are a lot more affordable and yet they are still a traveling learning experience. Of course I do not ever expect EL terms to be that affordable but for me $4000 to $5000 dollars is just too much.

I feel that EL terms are an exceptional opportunity for students provided that the students can afford them. I would be very interested in an EL term, but with college tuition and other expenses affording this learning opportunity is quite difficult. I initially thought I would get a job on campus and save all of my earnings from the year to put towards an EL term. After further considerations however, I realized my initial plan would require me to work roughly 23-26 hours a week while on campus. This work load, in addition to playing two varsity sports would be seemingly impossible for me.
The EL terms appear to be a phenomenal learning, and now possibly service, opportunity for the students. In order to make these opportunities appealing to all students it is necessary to look towards lowering the costs, or providing aid to cover some of the expenses.

First off, yes, EL terms are a bit too expensive for their purpose.
Secondly, I attended a domestic EL, and it was spectacular. While I agree that we do not want to decrease the number of international ELs, it would be nice to supplement with some more in the states! Traveling to a new place is definitely core to the EL experience, but more important is the connections it makes and how you have to think "outside the box". My domestic EL remains one of the highlights of my academic career at Allegheny, and it would be great to have more of these less expensive options.