Letter to the editor

Dear Editor:

As a student participating in the IP abroad program I would like to point out a few inconsistencies in the Gater's Oct. 3, 1995 front page story.

First of all, as far as the cost is concerned, the IP program is hardly less expensive. The official CSU estimated cost for the Paris program is at least $13,000, while SF State is around $11,000. Of course CSU does not factor in the difference in the cost of living between cities like San Francisco and Paris. For example, in Paris it is common for a student to live in 8 x 10 foot rooms without a shower or kitchen for $400-500 a month.

I noticed your article failed to mention that students, except for 3 month summer jobs and under rare circumstances, do not have the right to work in foreign countries, as so many SF State students do.

It is also worth mentioning that returning students often find that not all of the courses they enrolled in abroad are directly transferable to CSU schools. They receive credit, but not always the ones needed to graduate or advance their studies; a neat trick for a system that continually raises tuition.

I think the Golden Gater owes it to SF State students to present a more diverse account of the IP Program. "SF State students see the world" is a nifty headline, but your story lacked objectivity and depth.

[ Golden Gater Online December 5, 1995 ]

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