SIUC’s international program in Bregenz, Austria could face review or possible elimination if student enrollment in the program does not double, SIUC officials say.

The program is in its fourth year of operation, and according to its program director, if the program is to survive, it needs to double its enrollment.

Colin Gregory-Moores, SIUC’s Austrian program director, said in a faxed message from Austria that because of poor publicity there are only seven students enrolled in the program this semester.

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Since the majority of the program participants usually study at SIUC, it is very important for us to make the program as visible as possible on campus, Gregory-Moores said in the message.

The program, which is a great asset to SIUC, is fighting to survive, he said.

Richard Kuehl, associate director for international and economic development, said if student enrollment does not improve, there will be a review of the program based on student enrollment.

The review would be done by the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Foreign Language and Literature and the executive assistant to the president for international and economic development, Kuehl said.

We want to maintain this program, but we have to increase the number of students participating, Kuehl said.

If we achieve 15-20 students per semester, we break even, he said. We don’t want to lose this program.

Thomas Saville, coordinator for the study abroad program, said the program is important because it teaches students to function in different environments.

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If you don’t have any international skills, job opportunities for the 21st century will be limited, he said.

Saville said part of the problem with enrollment last semester was that the value of the American dollar falling in comparison to the German mark kept people from enrolling.

Saville said studying abroad is something many students want to do but do not feel as if they have to do. He said many students will sacrifice the opportunity for something they consider more important.

Many times people will just assume they’re not in the right major, there’s no financial aid or the courses don’t transfer and won’t investigate it.

But, when people do investigate, they find it is quite possible to study abroad, he said.

Saville said although he had not gone through all the figures, enrollment in the program is strengthening. He said enrollment is better now than at the same time last semester.

Jacqueline Hess, a senior in German and foreign language and international trade, said the program is a good experience because students can travel and experience Europe.

(In Austria) You can go to five different countries in a matter of hours, Hess said.

There will be a reception on Wednesday in the Old Main Restaurant in the Student Center from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to discuss the program.