Because of the decreasing value of the U.S. dollar, Binghamton University faculty leaders have called off the popular Semester-in-London program for the fall 2008 semester. The unfavorable exchange rate greatly increased the cost to run the program, which will recommence in the spring of 2009.

Study Abroad Coordinator Giselda Beaudin said the program is usually more popular during the spring semester, which lowers predetermined fees because they’re divided among more students.

“The fall program has traditionally had a smaller number of participants (15-20) than the spring (30-45), which means the fixed costs, like the price of renting classroom space in London, are much more per student in the fall,” Beaudin wrote in an e-mail.

The decision to cancel the program rather than raise the price for participants was made in the hopes of “providing affordable study abroad programs” — which is a “priority for the Office of International Programs,” Beaudin said.

According to the Semester-in-London Web site, the “long-running” study experience offers an internship opportunity for students and reserves four-day weekends to allow for extra traveling. Students are placed in flats around the city and attend classes at the Florida State University building.

Although the University will not offer the program next semester, students have other options to accommodate them, like utilizing courses offered by other schools.

David Parnes, a junior in the School of Management, plans to study abroad in the fall.

“London is still one of my top choices,” Parnes said. “I may just have to go with another SUNY-sponsored program now.”

Beaudin pointed out that while recent participants remarked that living in London is expensive, most said their once-in-a-lifetime experience is “worth every penny.”

“I’m having a great time,” said Christine Dambra, a student from Cornell University who is currently studying abroad in Europe. “The exchange rate was a killer at first, but I watch what I buy and I eat at home often because the pound is almost double the dollar now.”

Junior political science and economics major Alex Judka said he enjoyed the experience, despite the price.

“I had an amazing time, it is costly but I would absolutely do it all over again,” Judka said.

According to Beaudin, some less common and also less costly destinations include South America, Asia and Africa — most of which are increasing in popularity.

“Binghamton University currently offers 28 study abroad programs,” she said. “… Through the SUNY system, there are over 400 study abroad programs.”

While the exchange rate may affect where many BU students can study around the globe, Beaudin said the University’s programs for studying abroad are “not in serious jeopardy.”