The Foreign Legions

The New York Times
Laura Pappano
November 4, 2007

A study-abroad experience is quickly becoming essential for American college students hoping to compete in an increasingly globalized economy after graduation. But the focus of many study-abroad programs has changed. Whereas traditional study-abroad programs immersed students completely in the culture and language of the host country, newer programs offer students the experience of attending an essentially American college program in another country, with most classes taught in English by American professors and with fellow American students. While some educators criticize these "American bubble" kind of programs, others believe that simply providing students the opportunity to live in another country and learn about other cultures is valuable and gives students who may not be ready for full cultural immersion a chance to interact with the society of their host country on their own terms. 

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