Study abroad fair encourages global learning
The Utah State University Office of Global Engagement held its annual Study Abroad Fair Wednesday in the International Lounge of the Taggart Student Center.
The fair highlighted study abroad programs to over 150 universities in 50 countries, including China, Thailand, Italy and Puerto Rico.
Kay Forsyth, the program director for the university’s study abroad office, said the purpose of the fair was to increase exposure for the international programs offered to USU students for university credit.
“We want to show that study abroad is something that’s affordable and an excellent opportunity for our students,” Forsyth said. “These are ways to get outside of your comfort zone and really learn about the world.”
Forsyth said every student at the university can find a program to fit their specific needs and wants.
“You don’t need to know a language to study abroad, but there are opportunities to acquire languages, if you want to,” Forsyth said. “There are programs for married or single people. You can study as an individual or with a group.”
The annual study abroad fair took place on Wednesday in the TSC International Lounge. Kylee Larsen photo
USU offers trips for a year, semester, summer or spring break. These programs offer unique experiences with USU faculty, opportunities to travel to new places and an education that isn’t available in standard classrooms.
Some trips are promoted by specific colleges at USU. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences will go to Italy, England and Scotland in July 2015. And the Natural Resources department will take students to Puerto Rico this summer.
Steve Hawks, a professor of health education promotion, said the newest program at USU is provided by the global health class. This summer they will travel to Thailand to study nutrition.
The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business holds trips over the summer to Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. They also offer spring break trips and semester exchanges.
Liz Allred, the program director for global enrichment, said there are many scholarships available for these trips.
“If you are a business major there over 30 scholarships offered for our study abroad trips,” Allred said.
But scholarships aren’t just available to business majors. KC Sorensen of the Office of Global Engagement said there are many scholarships available to students of every major and interest.
“Don’t let any fees get in your way,” Sorensen said. “There are lots of ways to get funding for these trips.”
Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who are interested in the study abroad experience.
Academic trips weren’t the only ones highlighted at the fair. It also featured booths from the Peace Corps, service trips and travel agents.
Rick Humphreys, an accountant in the USU card office, was also at the fair to tell students how they can get their passports on campus.
“The card office is now able to provide passports for students,” Humphreys said. “Make an appointment and come see us when you need a passport.”
Marci Falvey, a member of the Office of Global Engagement, encourages students to try study abroad.
“Become a global Aggie,” Falvey said.
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