A recent survey conducted by the British Council concluded that many college students in the United Kingdom and the United States feel they lack information to make an informed decision to study abroad.

The Education Intelligence program surveyed 10,800 students in total from October to December 2012. The survey was presented at the British Council’s “Going Glo-bal” conference on March 4 to 6.

The survey revealed that only 24 percent of U.K. students surveyed and 22 percent of the U.S. students surveyed felt they had  sufficient knowledge to make an informed decision of whether to study abroad. As a result, many fail to take the opportunity provided by their universities.

Tulane University freshman Eva Dunder recognized that students could be unaware of the information available.

“There are resources to make an informed decision, but I feel like most of these resources
are ones which students must seek out themselves,” Dunder said.

Other reasons chosen by students surveyed for failing to study abroad included cost, concerns about acquiring a visa, lack of proficiency in a foreign language and difficulty leaving family and friends.

University of Warwick student Emily Lawless, for example, said she would not feel comfortable studying abroad.

“I think if the opportunity was there it’d be a great experience, given all the new sights and things to do,” she said. “But, as it’d be expensive and I like being around friends and family it’s not something I’d do myself.”

However, the study does not apply to all universities.

About 19 percent of the students at the University of South Carolina, which has around 23,000 undergraduates, study abroad.

The University of California, Los Angeles has an undergraduate enrollment of about 25,000 and sends about 30 percent of its students abroad for at least a semester.

Of the most recent graduating class at NYU, 43 percent studied abroad for a semester or more. Compared to other universities of similar size, this percentage is significantly higher, especially because it only represents one class and not the entire student body.

USC freshman James Kelly said the reason some students may not study abroad is fear of falling behind on credits, but in his experience, the university helped him plan his schedule so he could still graduate in four years.

“Academic advisors help as much as they can if you say you want to study abroad,” Kelly said.

The NYU Office of Global Programs tries to eliminate any concerns students have.

“To help students engage in the NYU Global Network, the university has taken away barriers that are common at other schools,” said Christopher Nicolussi, senior director of the NYU OGP.

NYU students have recognized these efforts. Steinhardt junior Pria Shah said she was provided with useful information about living arrangements, classes and travel requirements.

“I was particularly impressed with the information and assistance provided when applying for my visa,” Shah said.

Gallatin freshman Emma Spett said the resources at NYU have grea-tly helped her plan a study away this summer in Malawi. She also recognizes that NYU even helps students travel to locations outside of the 13 NYU portal campuses.

“My advisor was very helpful in regards to getting credit for the program, since it is through the University of Rochester,” she said.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, March 28 print edition. Additional reporting by Nicole Brown. Cristina Cabrera is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].