Luckily, the UD Office of Study Abroad is ready with an alternative'spots are still open for most of this summer's programs, including trips to China, Australia, Morocco, France and Italy.

'It's a life changing experience for students,' said Sally Raymont, the Programs Director for Study Abroad.

Because of the number of seats which are still available, the Office of Study Abroad has chosen to hold an information session for students interested in participating in this summer's Interdisciplinary Summer Study Abroad Programs (ISSAP).

The information session, which will be held on Jan. 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in KU 207, will allow students to ask questions about the upcoming programs while still leaving a month to consider options before the application deadline.

'We look at the world through tunnel vision,' Raymont said. 'I think study abroad allows students to widen that lens.'

Raymont said ISSAP, which has approximately 150-200 participants each summer, provides students with the sort of opportunities to experience other cultures she feels are an integral part of the college experience.

The Office of Study Abroad hopes to get more students interested in the programs, because if the programs don't reach a preset quota of students, certain trips may be cancelled.

'There has been a minimum number set,' Raymont said. 'If for some reason we were to cancel programs, we would try to offer students space in other programs.'

Tricia Penno, the International Communications Coordinator at the Center for International Programs, knows first-hand the benefits of a study abroad experience'she is a former participant.

'I've lived in London twice, and I've lived in Italy twice,' Penno said. 'It just teaches you how to deal with situations so much differently. Plus, it's just a kick-ass time.'

Penno also said the information session would be an opportunity for students who want to learn more about study abroad programs. Students will have the chance to discuss other study abroad options, such as semester abroad programs, with officials as well.

She also encouraged students to consider less common options, such as making plans now for a later program or attending a program after their first year of college.

'Any year can go,' Penno said. 'Even some graduating seniors will go after they graduate.'

As for financial concerns, Raymont said in most cases students are able to get the sort of funding they need to participate in ISSAP.

'There's some loan money available,' she said. 'Students can apply for small scholarships through this program.'

Raymont said hopes to be able to answer additional student questions such as this at the information session. She said it is an opportunity for the office to advertise all of the study abroad programs, and encouraged all students to find out more about their options.

'If a student plans early on and really wants to do this, they can get that money,' she said. 'It really is the time to do it.'