"I always think it's good to step out of the United States. We get a little bit brainwashed here that America can do no wrong and we're the best," he said.

That out-of-the-norm view on life is a big attraction to more exotic study abroad programs, Demko noted. Each of the programs has a specific study component, she added, such as environmental studies in Costa Rica and the history of economics in Argentina.

"They really learn a lot about what it means to be from the U.S. and how our policies and our government are affecting other countries," she said.

On top of that, she said students also come back to the U. with language skills and improved intercultural communication.

John Duncan, an adviser at StudyAbroad.com, said many students are likely choosing nontraditional study abroad destinations because of several reasons, including lower cost, a greater cultural difference from the United States and more hands-on educational projects.

"Many students will end up studying in Western locations because they're familiar, and it's easier to assimilate into the culture," Duncan said. "There are a number of benefits, however — not often thought of — to choosing a more unusual location."

---

E-mail: estewart@desnews.com