If Regent Nancy Pellet, of Atlantic, has her way, students attending Iowa’s three public universities will be required to complete study in a foreign country before they are allowed to graduate. Pellet said that the requirement will give students the experiences necessary to adapt to different cultures. She stated the world is becoming smaller and stressed the growing importance of attaining knowledge of foreign trade and culture.

We agree studying abroad can be time well spent for some students, especially those interested in foreign languages, but Pellet’s idea has many unanswered questions.

How will the cost of the program be paid? Pellet said the study will be offered to students at a cost “slightly above” normal tuition costs.

Even a two-week visit to a foreign country can cost a couple of thousand dollars. If Pellet is suggesting a full semester of study, the costs could be much greater.

Again, who will pay for this? If the state is to subsidize the cost to keep tuition down for students, someone else will have to foot the bill. We don’t think others should have to pay for this requirement, and if the student is to pay for the trip directly, a charge of several thousand dollars on top of regular tuition is not an attractive thought.

And how will this study abroad be scheduled in with regular semesters and graduation schedules?

Will the universities drop other, perhaps more vital graduation requirements, to allow time for study abroad?

We don’t relish the idea of being required to spend five years in school to receive a bachelor’s degree.

We think the choice to study abroad should remain with the student. If studying abroad is to be required of all students, it’s possible the additional logistical and financial stresses are likely to outweigh the benefits.