<p>Dr. G. - I'd like to get some input from you concerning study abroad and engineers. Our son is an ECE/Econ major and has decided to do a study abroad in London next fall. He has already committed to this, so it may be too late to "switch gears" at this point, but his Dad and I haven't been convinced this is such a good idea.</p>
<p>What's your feeling from the expreience you've had with students who have done this? We have been so pleased with the education he's getting at Duke, and wonder if this is a waste of a semester, educationally. Do you know much about the reputation of the academics at the London program (he will be taking two engineering classes, and two econ classes...don't know which ones.) </p>
<p>We worry that it's one less semester to really sink his teeth into things at Duke and make more solid connections with the engineering department etc. there. We realize that studying abroad can be a culturally rich experience, but are concerned about the real value in the grand scheme of things.</p>
<p>I hope you don't mind worried parents "picking your brain"! Any insights you have would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Study abroad is awesome. Not sure which of the schools in London your son's going to, but I have heard from people I've written recs for that have gone to London - especially Econ doubles - that they both had an incredible time and learned a lot. They forged new connections with dtudents in country as well as college students from Duke and other schools that have abroad programs there.</p>
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We worry that it's one less semester to really sink his teeth into things at Duke and make more solid connections with the engineering department etc. there. We realize that studying abroad can be a culturally rich experience, but are concerned about the real value in the grand scheme of things.
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<p>There is certainly a tradeoff, and when you are talking about 1/8th of a college "career," it is important to understand that. If he's taking two engineering classes, though, he shouldn't be behind at all. And - really - even if he were to take four credits of "British Basket Weaving" the experience itself of being a college student at another university and in another culture would, IMHO (since you asked for it :) ) be worth it.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your input, Dr. G. It really makes me feel better about his decision. Like you said, there are trade-offs, but at least you didn't tell me that the engineering department there absolutely HATES study abroad and will forever frown upon those who take off for a semester. lol I guess I just have so much respect for the education he's receiving there and it bothered me to think that whatever classes he takes in London, he won't be able to take at DUke. </p>
<p>I also forgot to mention that he did take two extra classes in one of the summer sessions last year to make it a little easier to fit in an abroad experience. I guess the bottom line is that he's always made good decisions, and we need to back off and quit worrying! ;)</p>
<p>As for backing off - taking a real interest in the education of someone one has raised (whether as a parent or whatever roles one is in to raise a child) is never a bad thing. And, I would imagine, worrying never goes away entirely. The good news, it would certainly seem, is that you've prepared your child to weigh the consequences of his actions and make decisions with maturity and intelligence and forethought - and how much do you love that?</p>
<p>No, according to MY mom, the worrying never ends! Thanks for understanding that after twenty some years of being super involved with our boys (and enjoying ALMOST every day of it!) it's a little hard to give up our roles as parents. Thankfully, our boys never act like they mind our involvement - although I wonder if our son would be horrified that I'm still hanging out on CC!!!!! Don't tell, okay? ;)</p>
<p>He will be attending Queen Mary University of London. Do you know other students who have attended there? He is going with five other Duke buddies, so I'm assuming they'll have a fantastic time!</p>
<p>If you've had other students who've attended this university in London, have you had any feedback about the rigors of their academic programs? We want our son to have a solid academic experience, but also hope that he's also able to do some traveling and enjoy the area.</p>
<p>I remember reading an article in the Chronicle about study abroad being a grade point booster and a much easier semester with lots of leisure time compared to a semester at Duke. I was also under the impression that this is more applicable to Trinity students, however, and maybe doesn't hold true for Pratt.</p>
<p>I guess I should probably be PM-ing you about all of this since we seem to be the only ones talking here (although there have been quite a few "views")! ;)</p>
<p>Well...it can only be a GPA booster if it is a "Duke In" program - other programs' grades come in as transfer credits. How to phrase this...the additional learning and experience gained by studying abroad more than outweighs any slight decrease in academic rigor that may (or may not) be a part of some (but not all) study abroad programs. :)</p>