Significantly fewer students have participated in the Latin America Study Abroad program over the past two years, according to the International Education Office.

While the Oxford Study Abroad program has had at least 30 students every spring semester and at least 20 students every fall semester since 2009, Latin America has not had 20 students any semester since 2009 and has only five students enrolled the current semester.

Leigh Foith, junior advertising and public relations major from Dallas, serves as receptionist for the International Education Office and went with Latin America Study Abroad in Spring 2011.

“The talk about Uruguay is less prevalent on campus than Oxford,” Foith said.

Foith said she feels one reason why Latin America is less popular is because more trips are offered in Oxford. Also, the necessary foreign language courses make it tougher to fit into majors with strict schedules.

Rachel Brown, study abroad coordinator, said the smaller numbers of students Montevideo, Uruguay are not only due to shrinking student interest.

“The Montevideo facility is smaller and there is less space in general than Oxford,” Brown said.

Beyond those factors, Brown said she believed the location and prestige of Oxford has an effect on students’ choices. The newer destination of Uruguay is less recognizable and has fewer past ACU visitors who might encourage others to go. Also, the poor economy is a constant concern for students and has lowered numbers of students willing to pay all around.

Ben Fincher, junior international studies and business management major from Lubbock, spent both fall semester of 2010 and spring semester of 2011 in Montevideo, Uruguay. He said Montevideo offers the opportunity to form relationships with local people from a different culture.

“You get to meet people unaffiliated with ACU that make you feel welcome and are willing to help you speak Spanish.” Fincher said. “It’s not as scary as it sounds.”

Fincher said he thinks the opportunities available in Latin America are not advertized enough. Foith said the Study Abroad trips need to be re-evaluated and Brazil could be a destination.

Though students who participate in the Latin America Study Abroad program agree that changes could be made for the better, their experiences were positive, Fincher said.

“I would never change anything I did my sophomore year. It’s the best experience I’ve ever had.” Fincher said. “It allowed me to branch out and meet new people, and I’d never change that for anything.”