Students gathered in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union for the Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday to talk with representatives from more than 60 study and intern abroad programs.

Iowa State offers approximately 250 programs in more than 50 countries. The programs range from two weeks to one year.

More than 1,200 ISU students study or work abroad annually, and programs are available for majors, minors, elective credits, foreign language credits and internships and other valuable work experiences, according to Study Abroad Office handouts.

Study and intern abroad programs are becoming increasingly more important as more employers are looking for international experience when they hire college graduates, according to the Study Abroad Office.

Popular places students are studying at this year include Australia, Ireland and London. Asia is a popular destination for students majoring in business and architecture, according to the Study Abroad Office.

Traci Chupik, student from Arcadia University — an affiliate ISU program — said the program typically has around 50 students in the semester programs and 80 students in the summer programs.

“London is our most popular destination and students of all majors come to intern or study courses here,” she said.

One recommendation students should check up on before leaving the United States is making sure they have their vaccines and health care needs taken care of, according to the Study Abroad Office.

Assuming no risk is the biggest risk for travelers, said Sue Dekkers, staff nurse at Thielen Student Health Center.

Many countries require tourists to have certain shots and vaccinations done before they enter the country to protect not only the tourists from getting sick, but also their own citizens, Dekkers said.

To find out which shots and preventative measures individuals need to take, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov.

Student should not fear the price of studying abroad, said Shannon Grundmeier, enrollment services advisor for the ISU student financial aid.

“Students can apply for financial aid, just like they would if they were attending college here for a semester,” Grundmeier said. “There are also scholarships available to help pay for the experience, and many of these scholarships are available through the programs and through the Study Abroad Center.”

Why study abroad?

• Have an adventure: Tour a rainforest, trace the Beatles’ steps or ski the Alps.
• Put a spark in studies: American history takes on a whole new look in Eurpoe.
• Get language skills: What better way to learn than by immersing yourself?
• Impress an employer: Studying abroad can give you the skills employers want.
• Challenge yourself: Make friendsand get out of the same, old routine.

—Information from www.studyabroad.iastate.edu