International EducationNew York's Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) added Turkey to its list of international alliances, under a collaborative agreement with Istanbul Technical University (ITU). FIT's partnership is part of a joint degree program initiated by the State University of New York and the Turkish Council of Higher Education. Under this agreement, FIT and ITU will establish two bachelor's degree programs, in fashion design and in textile development and marketing, whereby students will be required to study in both countries. Two years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks threatened Americans' sense of security abroad and at home, student concerns about study abroad and safety have decreased. According to a recent survey, students stating that safety is very important when considering a study abroad program have declined from 54 percent of students in 2001 to 47 percent of students in 2003. The survey was conducted by AHA International and StudyAbroad.com.More students are studying foreign languages than ever, and the variety of languages being taught is greater than ever, according to a survey, conducted by the Modern Language Association. The MLA released the findings from the survey, "Foreign Language Enrollments in United States Institutions of Higher Education, Fall 2002," which found that the number of students studying foreign languages in U.S. institutions of higher education increased by 17.9 percent, from 1,193,830 in 1998 to 1,407,440 in 2002. Texas A&M University opened its new branch campus in Qatar in September and began offering classes on a highly selective basis for Middle East students who want to earn degrees in one of four areas of engineering — chemical, electrical, mechanical and petroleum engineering.

Continued at Milestones