HEALY HALL — In a statement released late Thursday night, University officials confirmed that they are considering mandating a meal plan requirement for students studying abroad.
“It makes fiscal sense for everyone involved,” Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia said of the plan. “Especially for administrators, Georgetown Dining Services, and Aramark.”
If the policy is enacted experts predict many more students will have study abroad profile pictures taken in Leo’s.
The announcement provoked concern from students throughout campus, many of whom expressed dismay with the prospect of constantly flying to back Washington, DC every time that they get hungry.
“I estimate that I’ll have two hours in Jordan every day if I’m flying back and forth between Amman and Washington, DC. It would be extremely inconvenient to have our meal plans mandated,” said potential study abroad participant Mary McKinsey (SFS ’16). “But if I have a meal plan, I have to use it. Same with flex dollars. I don’t want to waste that money. Otherwise, it feels like getting robbed.”
Some students expressed worry that flying around the world several times a week may cause them to miss an “overwhelming majority” of their classes and social experiences.
“I’m fortunate in that I don’t have to worry about the jet lag being a factor,” said Aaron Hartfort (SFS ’17), studying abroad in Buenos Aires next year. “But it would have been nice to try some of the local delicacies, take classes, or have any semblance of the study abroad experience. Oh well.”
Others expressed enthusiasm about the plan.
Jorge Samos (COL ’16), studying abroad in Munich this spring, said, “One of my biggest concerns about going abroad was if I would be able to get the same quality food I was used to at Georgetown. Thanks to the administration that answer is a resounding yes.”
“Initially I felt as though I was going to have to pick between studying abroad and having a meal plan at Leo’s,” said Anna Davenpot (SFS ’17), who is weighing an offer to study abroad at Oxford next year. “Now I don’t have to choose.”
Sources have confirmed to the Heckler that the meal plans the University is considering offering include a 22-meals per week plan, a 35-meals per week plan, and a block plan of 700+ meals.
DeGioia also stressed that students would have a large amount of flexibility and choice regarding meal options.
“If any student studying abroad is in danger of missing their flight back home there is always the Grab’n’Go option,” said DeGioia. “And let’s not forget about using meal swipes at Einstein’s!”
When asked how they planed to accommodate the influx of students who would be traveling across international borders to return to Georgetown every day, management at Leo O’Donovan Dining Hall said, “Oh, we might have an international-themed day at Leo’s once a week or something.”
