We at UCLA’s Education Abroad Program were disappointed
with the errors in Dorothy Augustyniak’s recent article on
students who have studied abroad (“UCLA students return home,
discuss time abroad,” News, June 6, 2002). The errors
were especially surprising given Ms. Augustyniak’s excellent
front-page coverage of the EAP on May 20, 2002 (“UC’s
study abroad enrollment increases,” News). The June 6 article
makes no distinction between EAP, which is the only official
University of California system-wide study abroad program, and
other programs through which UCLA students study abroad. This
makes for some misleading comments. Of the three students quoted in
the article as having returned from EAP programs, only one was
actually an EAP student (Matthew Heil, Spain). The specific
complaint cited that EAP students “did not feel incorporated
into the university like native students” was from a
student who did not participate in EAP. Although EAP students are
not always required to study in the language of the host
university, many students who can work in the language of the host
country do indeed take classes with local students. Matthew Heil is
an example of an EAP student who was able to study in Spain
alongside Spanish students. We appreciate the Daily Bruin’s
commitment to bring EAP student voices to the UCLA community. The
UCLA Education Abroad Program sent 500 students abroad during
2001-02, and while we recognize that many students do study abroad
through other programs, we hope that future articles will take into
account the difference between EAP and other programs. Thank
you.
Emily Mohajeri Norris Administrative Director UCLA EAP
Office