Students learn about study abroad at fair

Julie Janssen

Students curious about studying abroad can get all their questions answered at the International Opportunities Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

More than 60 programs will be on display with information about opportunities all over the world.

“It’s a job fair for study abroad programs,” said Bill Pinegar, graduate assistant for the study abroad resource center. “We invite study abroad programs from all over campus.”

In addition to individual programs run by ISU professors, the fair will include some new programs, such as the new regent’s semester in Ireland and exhibitors from other countries, said Kathy Gordon, graduate assistant for the resource center and coordinator of the fair.

“It’s the only opportunity to meet these representatives if they choose a non-ISU program,” Gordon said.

“It’s a way for students to see all the options,” she said.

Each table will have information, brochures and applications, Pinegar said. Many students with study-abroad experience will be on hand to answer questions about their experiences.

“It saves [students] a lot of time,” Pinegar said. “There is so much information at their fingertips. Nearly every country is represented.”

The fair is the best opportunity for the Study Abroad Resource Center to connect with ISU students, Gordon said.

“It’s hard to get students into the SA office,” she said. The Study Abroad Resource Center is in 6 Hamilton Hall.

A strolling mariachi band will provide entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gordon said. This year’s door prize will be a Eurorail pass provided by Council Travel.