In March, DU announced a new program that will allow every undergraduate to study abroad for one quarter. For the same fee as typical DU tuition, room and board, students will be able to choose from between 15 and 30 schools located outside the United States.

The Cherrington Global Scholars program (CGS) is an incredible leap for the university in terms of the benefit to students. The opportunity to experience living in a foreign culture for a semester opens up a whole world of educational adventures, literally.

Did we mention that even the airfare is included?

For students planning on studying abroad within the next two years, but who are not eligible for the CGS program, there will be an increased scholarship fund to help out-$115,000 worth of help.

This is a big step in a great direction for DU as the university continues to work at providing new and worthwhile opportunities for students.

The benefits are not only to the students.

DU will free up a significant amount of dorm space by sending the majority of the junior class out of the country.

In addition, the capital expense of the traveling students will be absorbed by another university. At first glance that seems like a great plan, save money while retaining students. But the students and capital expense are not the only things leaving campus–so is the money.

For example, departments at DU are funded proportionately to the number of students enrolled in their classes. If a number of their regular students are not signed up for classes, then the department’s budget suffers.

Sending students abroad deserves worthy praise for the university because it puts a unique opportunity in the reach of all students.

This opportunity, however, must not be taken for granted. University departments must find new ways to ensure adaquate funding for teacher salaries and existing college programs.