As several universities have recently come under scrutiny for forging give-and-take relationships with study abroad providers, Tufts aims to reassert its credibility.
According to an August New York Times article, a number of study abroad providers give kickbacks to administrators at universities whose students make use of their programs. These can take the form of subsidized trips or even cash bonuses.
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has taken notice. In August he subpoenaed a number of study abroad providers, alleging that these perks encourage universities to use middlemen as providers rather than having students register directly with foreign universities.
According to Associate Dean of Programs Abroad Sheila Bayne, Foreign Study Advisor Sally O'Leary has been on several of the subsidized trips that Cuomo is concerned about. Due to recent scrutiny, however, O'Leary will no longer participate in these trips.
"Given what has come out recently, we have decided that she will no longer accept these types of trips to avoid any appearance of impropriety," Bayne said.
While O'Leary could not be reached for comment, Bayne said that such excursions served to benefit the university by helping the Study Abroad Office find, understand and recommend programs to students.
"I've always regarded this as part of her job because she needs to know what these programs are like and to tell students [about them]," Bayne said. "If she's been there, she can talk about [the programs] knowledgeably."
While some have called the trips the byproduct of an inappropriate relationship between colleges and providers, Bayne said they are certainly not luxury vacations.
"They are working trips where the schedules are very packed," she said. "I've always considered it to be extra work that she takes on behalf of Tufts students."
Despite the fact that some universities officials have also come under fire for accepting cash bonuses from providers, Bayne said that Tufts is in the clear in this arena.
"Tufts does not accept cash from any providers," she said.
Although Tufts will no longer accept subsidized trips, the university will maintain relationships with a number of providers. In fact, several of the providers subpoenaed by Cuomo are on the Tufts' list of recommended, but non-university sponsored, companies.
These include the Institute for Study Abroad at Butler University (IFSA-Butler), the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), the Center for Education Abroad at Arcadia University and the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS).
For the most part, these companies have refused to comment about the ongoing investigations.
Lori Bauer, the director of university relations at Arcadia University, said for example that while the Arcadia has been "fully cooperative" during the subpoena process, she "can't comment on the details of the subpoena or the investigation."
IFSA-Butler had a similar response.
"As a matter of policy, the Institute for Study Abroad does not comment on pending legal matters," President Nancy Belck said.
This probe into the practices of study abroad companies parallels investigations into student loan providers. The overarching concern has been that both types of companies serve as middlemen and prevent students from getting good deals.
In the case of study abroad providers, some feel that students should be encouraged to enroll directly in foreign universities rather than using providers.
Bayne said that her office supports such direct enrollment.
"Not only do we allow students to enroll directly in foreign universities, but we encourage it," she said.
