The fourth annual International Opportunities Festival will be held in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to give students a chance to explore study and work abroad opportunities at more than 35 exhibits.

The festival, sponsored by the Iowa State Study Abroad Center, allows students and faculty the chance to meet with exhibitors representing American and overseas universities.

Representatives from the Study Abroad Program will be available to answer students’ questions about class credit, required GPA, program locations and how to best integrate a study or work abroad program into an undergraduate degree program.

Information on financial aid and scholarships will also be available from the ISU Financial Aid office.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about the cost of studying abroad, but in reality, costs for some programs can be similar to room, board and tuition at Iowa State,” said Ivelisse Ruiz, program assistant for the Study Abroad Center.

Ruiz said the International Opportunities Festival is designed to alert the campus of the options that exist for study, work and travel abroad. Exhibitors will also feature on-campus clubs and organizations that have an international orientation as well as travel agencies and bookstores carrying general travel information.

Ruiz said studying abroad can give students the edge over other candidates when seeking employment.

“Studying abroad can be a great asset for career opportunities. It shows potential employers that you are determined, self-confident and mature enough to be alone away from home.”