The Office of Study Abroad has updated its policy on the Study Abroad Web site regarding students who wish to "split" a year abroad, spending one semester in one program and one semester in another, according to an e-mail from Assistant Dean of Academic Services and Director of Study Abroad J. Scott Van Der Meid. Van Der Meid wrote that the new policy is that "splitting two semesters abroad in two separate locations is an extreme logistical challenge. The administrative management of such an arrangement is not possible and thus will not be approved under normal circumstances." He did say, however, that to split a year abroad between certain combinations of countries and programs might be possible, and he encouraged interested students to meet with Study Abroad to discuss the possibility.

This policy, which was recently updated on the Study Abroad Web site, is a change from the previous policy of the Study Abroad office regarding this issue. The policy that was previously posted on the frequently asked questions portion of the Study Abroad Web site stated, "While study abroad for the academic year in one location is the best overseas opportunity for most, some students combine two countries (or programs) for an academic year. . [Students] are required to have a solid academic reason to split a year abroad, and not all combinations will be approved."

Van Der Meid wrote that the change was based on the work of the Advisory Committee to Study Abroad from the spring 2009 semester. The Advisory Committee is a body formed this year, comprised of students, professors and administrators, which advises the Study Abroad office on a range of matters including financial changes and application and selection requirements.

The committee's concerns with students splitting time abroad included increasingly tight visa restrictions in many countries and students' reports "that it is very challenging both academically and personally to move halfway through their year abroad to a new city, culture, sometimes different language," wrote Van Der Meid.

Despite the change in the official policy, Van Der Meid did express his belief that "looking at a single thematic issue in a comparative format" by splitting time abroad "can be a very rewarding academic and personal experience." He wrote that the deciding factor in determining the viability of a split year abroad would be whether a balance of sound academic proposal and logistical requirements could be created despite the split.

Allison Morse '10, who studied abroad in Mexico and England during the 2008 to 2009 academic year, when the previous policy was still in effect, said, "[Study Abroad] was pretty supportive of me studying abroad in different countries." Morse said that she was advised that there would probably be a large culture shock involved in moving between two very different nations, and she agreed that this proved to be the case, but overall, she said, the Study Abroad office was very supportive.