Despite the economic downturn, the number of students grabbing passports to head to Paris with UF's College of Journalism and Communications has remained steady.
Melissa Johns, 21, stood in the financial aid line at Criser Hall at least two times this semester.
She said she needed funds to study abroad for her senior summer trip with the journalism department.
"It's expensive, but it is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said. "I have been putting it off for the past three years, and I know if I don't do it now, I never will."
Although the program is one month long, Johns plans to stay for an additional month. She estimated she will need about $7,500 for airfare and living expenses during that time.
Johanna Cleary, an assistant professor in UF's telecommunications department, has been involved in the College of Journalism and Communications study abroad trips for the past two years. She said the department was concerned enrollment for the program might be down because of the economy, but added the number of participants will match the amount in last year's group.
"It took us a little longer to get there," Cleary said, "but in light of how serious the economy is, we feel pretty good about how the program has turned out."
She said she was surprised that the program's additional side trip to London is full, even though it cost about $500 extra.
Cleary said two more faculty members were scheduled to be added to the program given the popularity of the trip last summer.
She said the program hoped it would bring more students than last year, but the economy's decline has kept the numbers equal.
"We will be able to offer everything we wanted, however," she said, "I think we have come off pretty well of things considered."
Cleary said because the France study abroad trip occurs during the summer, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program will not cover its fees. However, she said there are other funding opportunities, such as Florida Prepaid College Plan and outside student loans.
Mike Weigold, an advertising professor, is in charge of the application process for the program and said available scholarships are offered through UF's International Center.
"The downside here is you will need to commit to the program before you know if you get a scholarship," Weigold wrote in an e-mail.
For remaining costs, loans may be obtained through institutions that offer financial aid, he said.
Johns said she didn't qualify for additional aid through UF and all of her current aid has been used for fall and spring semester classes.
