The Center for International Education (CIE) at Loyola University New Orleans was recently awarded funds from the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) Foundation. The monies will provide for a two-year scholarship program, $50,000 each year, to encourage residents of Louisiana to study abroad for a semester or year.

Debbie Danna, director of the center, submitted the proposal. Looking at participation rates, she feels that not enough Louisiana students study abroad. Less than 15 percent of the students planning to study abroad next fall are Louisiana residents in comparison to 46 percent of Loyola's undergraduates. Of the 34 students who plan to study abroad in the fall, five are from Louisiana with four of those planning to apply for additional scholarships.

Danna states, "This grant seeks to change both the economic and attitude barriers to study abroad by providing Louisiana residents with mentoring and two years of need-based scholarships for semester and yearlong study abroad. This program will develop a critical mass of Louisiana residents who can bring their changed perceptions and awareness of the outside world back to Louisiana to help rebuild the state and encourage other Louisiana residents to study abroad."

Promotion for the IFSA Foundation scholarships will begin during the summer 2007 semester with the first scholarships awarded to students studying abroad in spring 2008.

The Center for International Education at Loyola University New Orleans fosters the international character of the university by coordinating a wide range of international and intercultural educational opportunities for members of the Loyola community. For students wanting to study abroad, CIE is the first stop with advising and information on programs and financial aid. CIE sponsors numerous programs including Study Abroad 101, International Education Week, the Country Fair, the Education Abroad Fair, and many others.