“Several programs a year ago were filled in the fall and I think students were really applying when they were interested,” Chalou said. “I think now they are being more intentional about considering finances.”

So far this year, the Office of Study Abroad has received 2,754 applications. Last year at this time, the office had received 3,115 applications, she said.

Some programs, mainly in Western Europe, were overenrolled. In these cases, program leaders often encourage wait-listed students to transfer to other programs, she said.

Programs in Western Europe also are among the most expensive, Chalou said.

Jayne Braverman, an academic adviser in the Eli Broad College of Business who specializes in study abroad, said she hasn’t seen much change in enrollment yet, but is curious to see what enrollment will look like next year.

“I think cost is always a concern and, as of right now, I haven’t seen a major difference because there are a lot of opportunities for scholarships and financial aid,” Braverman said. “A lot of people know that they want to go and do what it takes — saving, taking out loans and asking for it to be a birthday present.”

Spanish sophomore Kelsey Holsinger plans to study abroad in Mexico during spring break and in Spain during spring 2010. She had planned to go to Spain this summer but had to withdraw because of the cost.

The cost for the summer trip was about $10,000 for eight weeks, and the cost for spring is about $15,000 for the semester.

Financial aid is available for students who want to study abroad. Chalou said about $290,000 is awarded for the summer and fall semesters.

About 35 percent of applicants receive scholarships. Of those students, 75 percent receive money because of financial need. The deadline to apply for scholarships is Friday, Chalou said.

March 1 is the enrollment deadline for summer 2009 study abroad programs, Chalou said.

“We tend to see applications peaking during this week because students need to have enrolled in a program before they are eligible for scholarships,” she said.

Still, Holsinger said, study abroad was worth it.

“I think that the experience really changes your outlook on things,” Holsinger said. “To put yourself in a situation like that — to struggle but get something out of it — it’s worth it.”