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We at UCLA’s Education Abroad Program were disappointed with the errors in Dorothy Augustyniak’s recent article on students who have studied abroad (“UCLA students return home, discuss time abroad,” News, June 6, 2002). The errors were especially surprising given Ms. Augustyniak’s excellent front-page coverage of the EAP on May 20, 2002 (“UC’s study abroad enrollment increases,” News). The June 6 article makes no distinction between EAP, which is the only official University of California system-wide study abroad program, and other programs through which UCLA students study abroad. This makes for some misleading comments. Of the three students quoted in the article as having returned from EAP programs, only one was actually an EAP student (Matthew Heil, Spain). The specific complaint cited that EAP students “did not feel incorporated into the university like native students” was from a student who did not participate in EAP. Although EAP students are not always required to study in the language of the host university, many students who can work in the language of the host country do indeed take classes with local students. Matthew Heil is an example of an EAP student who was able to study in Spain alongside Spanish students. We appreciate the Daily Bruin’s commitment to bring EAP student voices to the UCLA community. The UCLA Education Abroad Program sent 500 students abroad during 2001-02, and while we recognize that many students do study abroad through other programs, we hope that future articles will take into account the difference between EAP and other programs. Thank you.

Emily Mohajeri Norris Administrative Director UCLA EAP Office