Global Opportunities Fair 2016
By Matt McCullough ’17
On September 12th, the Office of Global Opportunities held its annual global opportunities fair in the Baker Center Ballroom. The purpose of the fair is to enlighten interested students in the many different study abroad programs.
Study abroad programs cover a wide variety of subjects and destinations.
There are programs for biology, history, economics, and more.
Destinations are all over the globe, including France, Ghana, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and any other stretch of the planet.
Programs take place over a variety of different dates.
There are programs over all fall semester, all spring semester, the full academic year, all summer, and over winter and spring break. Whether a student wants to spend one week, or two weeks, or 15 weeks abroad, there are programs that are always going on.
Studying abroad has numerous benefits to students. Aside from traveling the world, studying abroad fulfills university credit requirements and makes an impressive achievement to have on an academic record. Most of all, studying abroad is an incredible experience that gives life-long memories.
Most applications to study abroad programs that start after fall semester are due in early October.
Students can find more information on the programs and program requirements by looking at the Office of Global Opportunities’ Applications and Forms. This is also where students can browse programs and find application deadlines. The online application is found here as well.
The application requires a student’s personal and academic information, and copy of their DARS report. It also requires a letter of recommendation from someone, most likely a college faculty member, who knows the student’s academic ability. Students must provide the reference’s name, email, department, and institution. Lastly, students must provide a personal statement, a short essay detailing their professional and academic goals, as well as why they are interested in the program.
Most programs, upon admission, require a confirmation deposit. Also, of course, traveling outside the country requires a passport and possibly a visa, which both have associated fees. Students considering studying abroad should also think about how to cover these costs.
Financial aid is available to any student accepted to study abroad. The Office of Global Opportunities offers many resources in Funding.
It is important to note that most programs admit on a rolling basis, so applying earlier is recommended.
The deadlines for applications vary, but many are due in early October.
Some application components, the faculty reference and personal statement, will take some time to obtain, so get started now!
Most study abroad programs are holding information sessions in the coming weeks.
Studying abroad does not always seem to be an option because of a seemingly lack of interesting programs, lack of funds, or inability to commit.
However, the vast amount of programs and resources make it easy to find one that suits individual needs.
If studying abroad is not within interest this year, consider stopping by the fair next year.
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