The Study Abroad office has seen large numbers of applications for January Term 2014 programs; 448 applications were submitted before priority deadline this year, 25 more than last year.

The Study Abroad office has also increased the number of J-Term programs offered. New co-sponsored programs through program providers like American Institute for Foreign Study, CIEE and IES Abroad were added.

“A number of our long time co-sponsored program partners have started January Term programs,” Sarah Spencer, study abroad director, said. “With the co-sponsored programs, we have about 15 new opportunities for this January Term, which did not exist before.”

The number of opportunities for St. Thomas-sponsored programs has remained the same.

Junior Ali Wadell said she is thinking about applying for a J-Term abroad next year, but hasn’t submitted an application yet.

“I was considering doing my theology abroad … but I haven’t applied yet,” Wadell said. “I haven’t got around to it.”

Despite the many applications Study Abroad typically receives for J-Term programs, Spencer said the process of selecting students after priority deadline remains the same.

“For the courses that receive a healthy pool of applicants, faculty review every application,” Spencer said. “Most of them then will, depending on how many applications there are, select a pool of students to interview and then make their final decisions depending on how many applications.”

Wadell said she does not think missing the priority deadline will hurt her chances of being accepted into the program.

“I don’t think it would matter, just because I think if you’re an upperclassman, your chances would be a little bit better,” Wadell said.

Students applying for St. Thomas-sponsored programs are selected based on academic preparation and strength, a sense of maturity, responsibility and citizenship, an ability to describe how their off campus experience will impact them and knowledge of the host country and culture, according to the Study Abroad website. UMAIE-sponsored program applicants are selected based on GPA, previous coursework, a written essay and seniority.

Freshman Joey Wollner said he is applying for a risk management course in London for J-Term 2014. He said he thinks missing the priority deadline will make it harder for him to get a spot in the course.

“I think it will hurt my chances … especially if there are a lot of upperclassmen who apply,” Wollner said.

When programs fill up, waitlists are created for qualified, approved students. Spencer said when planning the Study Abroad programs, a lot of thought is put into each program.

“Courses are well-planned out, most courses take two program directors and 22-28 students, depending on the course,” Spencer said. “Our science courses do take less students because they are in the field.”

Freshman Abbie Anderson said although she isn’t applying to a J-Term abroad, she thinks applying by the priority deadline would be a safe bet.

“From what I’ve heard, they can be (competitive), but I’ve never been abroad so I don’t really know,” Anderson said. “I do hear certain programs are more competitive than others.”

Spencer said there are no plans to introduce more faculty directors to programs to accept more students.

“We don’t want to change the integrity of the course just based on student demand,” Spencer said.

Gabrielle Martinson can be reached at mart5649@stthomas.edu.