As summer comes to a close, it seems that the rising cost of gas has impacted more than just driving habits.
Students and study abroad program directors expressed concern that both student vacation plans and study abroad programs this summer have been hindered by increasing costs.
Enrollment in travel study programs dropped from about 450 last year to about 350 this year, Russo said. He said the increased cost, coupled with the weaker dollar, most likely prevented some students from going abroad.
Kieling said students also have increasingly chosen to study abroad in South America, where the U.S. dollar is stronger, and to places where the cost of living is less than in Europe.
"We're trying to look for the positive in a difficult situation, and direct students to less well-traveled areas," she said.