Creighton students had the opportunity to broaden their own horizons at the Winter 2013 Study Abroad Fair at the Skutt Center Ballroom on Monday, January 28. Hosted by the Department of Multicultural Affairs, the Study Abroad Fair gave Creighton Students the opportunity to explore many programs in over 50 different countries.
The Stud Abroad Fair showcased programs in over 50 countries, including 4 faculty-led summer programs, 6 Exchange & Affiliate programs, 3 Jesuit programs and 12 Associate programs. Some students attended the fair to learn about the different program opportunities available while other students, who have already started the process, attended the fair to meet with specific program representatives, ask questions and obtain more detailed information.
The Winter Study Abroad Fair as well as the corresponding Fall Study Abroad Fair that occurred earlier this year is put on by Study Abroad Coordinator Heather Torres who also works in the Office of International Programs.
Torres encourages any student whose curiosity has been aroused by the fair to contact her for help in getting started.
“There are hundreds of study abroad programs to choose from, so there is definitely something for students of every major and interest,” Torres said. “The key for students is to start planning as early as possible. Interested students should attend a ‘Study Abroad 101’ session, which is held in the Office of International Programs, which is in Harper 4036, every Friday at 2:30pm. Those that can’t make it to a session can call 402-280-2221 to sign-up for the online tutorial. The session will discuss program options, the application process, deadlines, financial aid portability, course approvals and more.”
Students were given the opportunity to see these programs line the walls and the floors of the ballrooms as the representatives sat ready to promote their programs to Creighton students. Students were often asked their major so the representative could show how the program would better assist that student. There were brochures and papers to give the students more information and a list where the students could write down their names and email addresses so the program directors could contact them with more information.
The Study Abroad Fair also gave students the opportunity to look at programs offered by different colleges. Some included Loyola University, which has a campus in Rome. When asked about why different colleges would come to the study abroad fair, Loyola representative Bianca Davis commented that it was important for Loyola to have a diverse group and even stated that on the Loyola Rome Program last year half of the students were Creighton students.
There were also a number of Creighton students who have studied abroad who were there to speak with students about their personal experiences overseas. Jennifer Free, who went to Spain, commented that she loved the opportunity to travel around Europe and Morocco when on her trip and believed it was important for Creighton student to, “immerse themselves in a foreign culture.”
Former Creighton study abroad student Andrew Prystai hopes that more Creighton students will be encouraged through programs like the Winter fair, to study abroad. “I think that studying abroad would do wonders for a person’s confidence, as there is no truer test of how well you can make due by yourself and the people you befriend then traveling to a new and exciting country. “
Written by: Ellen Hayek